AMERICAN POLYPHONY - STEPHEN LAYTON

An all-too-rare new recording from Polyphony and Stephen Layton presents highlights from the choral repertoire by four twentieth-century American giants: Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Randall Thompson. Framed by Thompson’s understated favourites Alleluia and Fare Well, the programme includes Bernstein’s Missa brevis, Copland’s early set of four motets, and—of course—Barber’s inimitable Agnus Dei.

1
Alleluia[6'12]Randall Thompson (1899-1984)
2
Agnus Dei[9'07]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
Reincarnations Op 16[9'36]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
3
Mary Hynes She is the sky of the sun[2'23]
4
Anthony O'Daly Since your limbs were laid out[3'07]
5
The coolin' Come with me, under my coat[4'06]
Missa brevis[11'49]Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
6
Kyrie[1'10]
7
Gloria[2'48]
with David Allsopp (countertenor), Robert Millett (percussion)
8
Sanctus[1'22]
with Christopher Lowrey (countertenor)
9
Benedictus[1'21]
with David Allsopp (countertenor), Robert Millett (percussion)
10
Agnus Dei[2'40]
with David Allsopp (countertenor)
11
Dona nobis pacem Agnus Dei[2'28]
with Christopher Lowrey (countertenor), Robert Millett (percussion)
Four Motets[11'28]Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
12
Help us, O Lord[2'57]
13
Thou, O Jehovah, abideth forever[2'23]
14
Have mercy on us, O my Lord[4'09]
15
Sing ye praises to our king[1'59]
16
Twelfth Night No night could be darker than this night (No 1 of Two Pieces, Op 42)[4'48]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
17
To be sung on the water Beautiful, my delight (No 2 of Two Pieces, Op 42)[2'54]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
18
A nun takes the veil 'Heaven-haven' I have desired to go (No 1 of Four Songs, Op 13)[2'43]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
19
The virgin martyrs Therefore come they, the crowding maidens (No 1 of Two Choruses, Op 8)[3'34]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
20
Let down the bars, O death (No 2 of Two Choruses, Op 8)[2'35]Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
21
Fare Well When I lie where shades of darkness[9'19]Randall Thompson (1899-1984)

‘It's often the familiar, hackneyed pieces which most fully reveal the character of an ensemble or performer, the mirror in which their interpretive mettle is most fully reflected. In that respect I've no hesitation in saying this is the finest performance of Barber's Agnus Dei I've heard by any choir, live or on record … a wonderful recital, not to be missed’ (BBC Music Magazine)» More

 PERFORMANCE
 RECORDING

‘Stephen Layton’s Polyphony are an always impressive choir of startling purity and clarity. This collection of 20th-century US material encompasses familiar pieces’ (The Guardian)» More

‘To mark Independence Day here is a disc that makes the mid-20th century in the US seem a pinnacle of choral music … the brilliant Polyphony and its conductor, Stephen Layton, can do no wrong’ (Financial Times)» More