Release of 'Lo, the full, final Sacrifice’
Back in the old days (meaning ‘yesterday’ for parents), the release of a new CD was quite an event, particularly if it was from your favourite band. As the Qs were issued with their complimentary Advance Copy of their new recording, one was heard to ask Mr Ionascu, “Sir, what do I play this on please?” Oh well, that’s progress for you.
Anyway, today (9 Feb) the album ‘Lo, the full, final sacrifice’ is released on Spotify and features the full Winchester College Chapel Choir, including the Qs, accompanied by the London Mozart Players in a programme of wonderfully stirring choral works very much in the Anglican tradition. More pertinently, several of the composers represented have close connections with the College: Henry Balfour Gardiner wrote his ‘Evening Hymn’ at the time he was teaching at Winchester in 1907, George Dyson was appointed Master of Music in 1924 and Oliver Tarney is, of course, a current member of the Music Department. But it is Finzi’s eponymous work that is the centrepiece, maintaining the link by both tenor and bass soloists being Old Wykehamists. Originally envisaged as a short Anthem, the work became a rather more complex and monumental enterprise and is a true joy to hear. The other works are no less memorable and stand together as an impressive reflection of 150 years of Anglican choral music.
All the tracks were recorded in the College’s New Hall just over a year ago but well worth the wait before release. The ‘hard copy’ also, of course, provides the finest form of keepsake for the Qs themselves – if any of them can find an antique CD player.
Jerry Pett
Q Parent
