A younger contemporary of Handel, Boyce is chiefly known today
for his 'symphonies', but in his own time he was mainly concerned
with the composition of vocal music. Five of the works recorded here are verse
anthems belonging to the tradition of the Restoration composers in the
previous century. Three others - Wherewithal shall a young man,
Turn thee unto me and By the waters of Babylon - are 'full'
anthems consisting of outer choral movements framing
sections for a smaller ensemble. In addition to the
anthems, three organ voluntaries from Boyce's Ten Voluntaries
for Organ and Harpsichord are included.
Recorded in New College Chapel
14-16 April 1991
Playing time : 68'07" DDD
Reviews
"The choir of New College, Oxford is on characteristically
strong form; indeed, I found the well-balanced vocal strands,
the clear textures, sure intonation and upper-strand brilliance
even more beguiling than usual. The verse anthem I have
surely built thee an house comes over splendidly, affording
an example of this choir at its most impressive. Higginbottom
brings an effective lucidity to the solo vocal ensemble while
suffusing the whole with a soft radiance."
The Gramophone
