The Cathedral Choir’s latest CD recording of works by veteran composer John Joubert, is now on general release and has received its first review. All of the works featured were commissioned for Wells and were given their first performances by the choir. The programme has at its heart the extended St Mark Passion - a profound and heartfelt retelling of the well-known passion story - which is recorded alongside the expansive Missa Wellensis, and Joubert’s vivid and powerful setting of Locus iste.
John Joubert relationship with the choir began when he visited Wells in 2013 as composer-in-residence for the new music wells 1973-2013 festival, during which the choir performed the premieres of both the Missa Wellensis, Op.174 and Locus Iste Op.175. The relationship flourished and on Palm Sunday 2016 (which happened to be the composer's 89th birthday) the choir gave the premiere of his St Mark Passion in a liturgical setting. The work was repeated on Palm Sunday this year before the choir embarked on the recording as part of the celebrations for the composer's 90th birthday. The choir are joined on the disc by soloists Peter Auty (tenor), Benjamin Bevan (baritone), and Richard May (cello). They were also delighted to welcome back former Assistant Organist, David Bednall to play the organ.
The CD has received its first review from online music journalist, Robert Hugill. The review can be found here.
John Joubert was born in Cape Town in 1927. Aged 19 he won a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London and has lived and worked in England ever since. Joubert's long composing career encompasses all genres from symphonic, operatic and chamber works to ever-popular choral miniatures such as Torches and There is no rose.
Excerpts of sample tracks from the CD can be found on our On the Record page.
This very special disc is available from the Cathedral Shops and for a limited time will be available at the special price of £10. Please call the Shop to check availability on 01749 672 773.