Henry Aldrich: Sacred Choral Music – Review by RSCM (Church Music Quarterly)

“A valuable addition to the catalogue and a fitting and vital tribute to Henry Aldrich”

11th June 2020

Henry Aldrich: Sacred Choral Music – Review by RSCM (Church Music Quarterly)

Listen or buy this album:

Henry Aldrich: Sacred Choral Music – Review by RSCM (Church Music Quarterly)

“A valuable addition to the catalogue and a fitting and vital tribute to Henry Aldrich”

11th June 2020

Henry Aldrich Sacred Choral Music

Listen or buy this album:

Although Henry Aldrich (1647–1710) isn’t a familiar name, this attractive release celebrates an important figure in 17th-century Oxford. James Morley Potter directs spirited performances by the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, Oxford (where Aldrich was Dean from 1689 until his death), with sensitive organ accompaniment by David Bannister. Some of the tempi may be a bit on the stodgy side, and diction at times can be lost in the complex polyphonic textures. The soloists (credited in the accompanying booklet) are choir members and make significant contributions. However, the voices don’t always blend well together, and intonation isn’t always accurate. Nonetheless, despite occasionally lacking in finesse, this is a valuable addition to the catalogue and a fitting and vital tribute to Henry Aldrich.

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Although Henry Aldrich (1647–1710) isn’t a familiar name, this attractive release celebrates an important figure in 17th-century Oxford. James Morley Potter directs spirited performances by the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, Oxford (where Aldrich was Dean from 1689 until his death), with sensitive organ accompaniment by David Bannister. Some of the tempi may be a bit on the stodgy side, and diction at times can be lost in the complex polyphonic textures. The soloists (credited in the accompanying booklet) are choir members and make significant contributions. However, the voices don’t always blend well together, and intonation isn’t always accurate. Nonetheless, despite occasionally lacking in finesse, this is a valuable addition to the catalogue and a fitting and vital tribute to Henry Aldrich.

Review written by:

Review published in:

Other reviews by this author:

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