Composer: James Whitbourn
Works: A Finer Truth, Crown my heart, Glory to thee, Son of God Mass, Of one that is so fair, Hodie, Come to the wedding, Song of Hannah, Venite, Blessings on you, This is my commandment, The Mystery of Love, A finer truth, Come with me, The wide world sings, I saw a plant, Go so gently
Performers: Robert Tear (tenor), John Harle (saxophone), Joby Burgess (percussion), John Reid (organ), Choir of Clare College Cambridge, directed by Timothy Brown
Recording: Chapel of St John’s College, Cambridge, 25th and 26th June 2001
Label: Etcetera KTC 1248
James Whitbourn emerges in this collection as a modern voice bridging tradition and innovation, particularly within the sacred music realm. His works, including A Finer Truth, are imbued with a reverence for historical liturgical forms while embracing contemporary idioms. This duality is particularly evident in the Son of God Mass, which serves as both a reflection of Whitbourn’s stylistic evolution and a reimagining of the mass form for our time. The thematic underpinning of the album, interwoven with texts from the Old and New Testaments, invites listeners into a contemplative space, resonating deeply in a modern ecclesiastical context.
The performance, led by the Choir of Clare College Cambridge, exhibits a remarkable cohesion and clarity, with Timothy Brown’s direction yielding expressive interpretations. The Crown my heart anthem effectively captures the serenity and joy of St. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians, beautifully rendered by the choir’s well-blended voices. The tonal warmth and precision of the ensemble set a high standard that is consistently upheld throughout the recording. Particularly impressive is the Son of God Mass, where the opening Introit, featuring John Harle on soprano saxophone, introduces an arresting juxtaposition of jazz and choral traditions. This bold choice sets the stage for a Kyrie that balances meditative introspection with moments of majestic uplift, showcasing the choir’s ability to navigate dynamic contrasts with aplomb.
Whitbourn’s harmonic language throughout the mass is striking, particularly in the Sanctus and Benedictus, where the choir’s soaring lines are complemented by rich instrumental textures. The interplay between the choir and saxophone is a standout feature, particularly in the Agnus Dei, where the saxophone’s lyrical lines weave seamlessly with the choral fabric, creating a transcendental listening experience. The engineering captures this interplay with remarkable clarity, allowing the nuances of both voice and instrument to emerge distinctly, a testament to the high production values of this recording.
The inclusion of Of one that is so fair and Hodie provides a refreshing contrast to the mass, highlighting Whitbourn’s versatility. The former, a traditional melody, is performed with a delightful lightness, while the latter, a more contemporary piece, transforms into a spirited dance after its soft introduction, showcasing the ensemble’s dynamic range. The Song of Hannah and This is my commandment further illustrate Whitbourn’s skill in marrying text and music; the latter features poignant trumpet calls that resonate with a sense of solemnity, enhancing the emotional weight of Jesus’s words.
The Mystery of Love, featuring Robert Tear, ventures into more experimental territory with its eclectic instrumentation, including djembe and Tibetan prayer bowls. While the musical language is more abstract, Tear’s commanding presence anchors the performance, navigating the complex emotional landscape laid out by Whitbourn. However, the accompanying notes are somewhat muddled, leaving the authorship of the poems ambiguous, which detracts from the overall coherence of the piece.
This recording of Whitbourn’s sacred works stands as an exemplary showcase of contemporary choral music, skillfully balancing tradition with modernity. The choir’s polished execution, paired with Whitbourn’s inspired compositions, creates an immersive listening experience that transcends mere performance. Such artistry merits broader recognition and performance, as it not only enriches the choral repertoire but also invites reflection on the spiritual journeys articulated through music. A compelling addition to the canon of modern sacred music, this album is both a joy to experience and a profound exploration of faith through sound.
