Christopher Wright: Sacred Choral Music
The English composer Christopher Wright, born in Suffolk in 1954, declares that he is ‘not fettered by fashion, style, ideology or gimmickry or some insatiable desire to be original’; instead, he writes music that aims to communicate directly with the listener – although it can also be thorny and challenging. This first-ever album of his sacred choral music reveals it to be in the British-cathedral tradition of composers like Benjamin Britten, William Mathias, Bernard Rose and Malcolm Williamson: the melodic lines may on occasion be angular and the harmonies sometimes tart, but Wright’s concern with immediacy of expression ensures that the ‘personal prayers’ embodied in these pieces can be readily understood and appreciated.
Canticum
Julian Thomas, organ
Mark Forkgen, director
First recordings
Listen To This Recording:
-
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (1993, rev. 1993)
- Magnificat
- Nunc Dimittis
- Qui natus est de virgine (1996)
- The Eternal Star (1998)
- The Crown of Roses (1975)
- A Penitential Prayer (2005)
- Hymn of Salvation (1999, rev. 2010)
- In Memoriam (2001)
- Kyrie
- Gloria
- Sanctus
- Agnus Dei
- The Bread of Life (2004)
- Thy Perfect Grace (2016)
- I am come into deep waters (2016)
- Prayer for Peace (1983)
- Rejoice in the Lord Alway (2004)
Three Carols
Missa brevis (2009)
Choir & Organ :
‘Mark Forkgen and his versatile chamber choir Canticum are obviously fully committed to Wright’s music and have done him proud.’
—Choir & Organ
Fanfare :
‘Stylistically, this music lies within a lineage descended from Herbert Howells, though its harmonic idiom is at times a degree more dissonant, and it often has a rhythmic vigor that makes its style very distinct, so that no-one would mistake it for that composer’s work. But there are many moments of quiet contemplation and introspection as well; Wright covers a wide canvas of perceptions and emotions in his work. Firmly recommended to all collectors of English sacred choral music’
—Fanfare