Hugill: The Testament of Dr. Cranmer, etc
Robert Hugill has established a reputation as a fine composer of sacred music, contemporary yet totally accessible and tonal. His extended works The Testament of Dr Cranmer, based on the speech given by Cranmer just before being burnt to death, and What is Man?, are joined by several shorter liturgical pieces all demonstrating Hugill’s distinctive style.
Track Listing
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Robert Hugill:
- The Lord Bless Thee (5:09)
- Faith, Hope and Charity (5:10)
- What is Man? (15:06)
- Four Motets from Tempus per Annum − 1. Ad te levavi (3:21)
- Four Motets from Tempus per Annum − 2. Populus Sion (4:41)
- Four Motets from Tempus per Annum − 3. Gaudete (2:01)
- Four Motets from Tempus per Annum − 4. Rorate coeli (2:40)
- The Testament of Dr. Cranmer (21:14)
- Magnificat (6:24)
- Salve Regina (4:08)
- Agnus Dei (2:08)
- Nunc Dimittis (4:03)
Reviews
“A strong use of strings characterises this album, in the strong spiritual sense which runs through all the works. For example in Faith Hope and Charity the sublime music of the solo violin has the effect of easing troubled spirits.
” —Francesca Guerrasio
“Overall the music is sincere and communicative and it’s expertly performed. Several passages are searingly dramatic but there are a number of more meditative, prayerful sections. This well produced disc features committed performances. The sound is excellent and the documentation, including notes by the composer, is very good
” —John Quinn
“A well played performance, anyone with a hankering for getting deeper into some church oriented programs is well advised to open an ear in this direction.
” —Chris Spector
“Having listened to the first work on this CD, I was sold. John Quinn called the central work sincere and dramatic – and I’m happy to endorse both that description and his reference to the performances of everything here as expert and committed. Do try this.
” —Brian Wilson
“[Christopher Watson’s] beauty of sound appears effortless, yet he brings the impassioned moments directly to our attention with style. The eight voices of the ‘eight:fifteen’ vocal ensemble produce a radiant sound…Brough capably directs the two very different groups of musicians with considerable aplomb. This is a disc of initial unknowns, but the end result is delightful.
” —Will Dawes
“Hugill’s style is attractive and accessible, though far from anodyne… a practical church composer of real inspiration… an original, yet highly personable voice. Tenor Christopher Watson gives poised dignity… while Simon Baggs is equally eloquent. The strings of the Chameleon Arts Orchestra provide solid support. Conductor Paul Brough oversees proceedings with a precision and restraint that suites Hugill’s pellucid texture
” —William Yeoman
“The Testament of Dr Cranmer, an interestingly made musical account of the close of Dr Cranmer’s life… contains some beautifully taught harmonic pungency. The choral singers are excellent, and Christopher Watson has a most appealing tenor voice, featuring in two pieces with string orchestra. The four Latin motets from Hugill’s collection Tempus per Annum, all must appeal to any church choir. The performances are excellent and the recording serves both singers and orchestra well and makes listening a pleasure.
” —Patric Standford
