Sheppard: Sacred Choral Works Choir of St. Johns College & Andrew Nethsingha

• John Sheppard (b. 1515): Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria virgo:
• 1 Sheppard: Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria virgo 13:58
• In pace, in idipsum dormiam:
• 2 Sheppard: In pace, in idipsum dormiam 06:09
• The Lord's Prayer:
• 3 Sheppard: The Lord's Prayer 03:01
• In manus tuas, Domine (2nd Setting):
• 4 Sheppard: In manus tuas, Domine (2nd Setting) 04:23
• Mass, "The Western Wynde":
• 5 Sheppard: Mass, "The Western Wynde": Gloria 04:03
• Haec dies:
• 6 Sheppard: Haec dies 02:34
• Mass, "The Western Wynde":
• 7 Sheppard: Mass, "The Western Wynde": Credo 04:20
• 8 Sheppard: Mass, "The Western Wynde": Sanctus 03:10
• 9 Sheppard: Mass, "The Western Wynde": Benedictus 01:50
• 10 Sheppard: Mass, "The Western Wynde": Agnus Dei 05:03
• Christ rising again:
• 11 Sheppard: Christ rising again 03:48
• Spiritus Sanctus procedens (2nd Setting):
• 12 Sheppard: Spiritus Sanctus procedens (2nd Setting) 09:58
• Aeterne rex altissime:
• 13 Sheppard: Aeterne rex altissime 04:24
• Libera nos, salva nos (1st Setting):
• 14 Sheppard: Libera nos, salva nos (1st Setting) 03:18
• Total Runtime 01:09:59

Info for Sheppard: Sacred Choral Works

Not much is known about the English composer John Sheppard. When he was born, and where he grew up, is lost to history but most scholars place his birth at somewhere between 1515 and 1520. This places him in one of the most turbulent periods in English church history, something that can be heard on this disc in the wide stylistic range he used in order to adapt to the quickly changing politics of the day. The sophisticated six part texture of Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria suggests the influence of Queen Mary who encouraged elaborate sacred composition. It is one of Sheppard’s most thrilling and ambitious works.

On the other hand, Christ rising again reflects Thomas Cranmer’s insistence on musical simplicity but demonstrates the genius with which Sheppard explores the limits of expressive power with only the most restricted means. The works are performed by the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge under the directorship of Andrew Nethsingha. One of the finest men and boys choirs in the world, it is known and loved by millions from its recordings, broadcasts, and concert tours. The choir has been a cornerstone of the great English choral tradition since the 1670s and is recognised for its distinctive, rich, and expressive sound.

Choir of St. Johns College
Andrew Nethsingha, conductor

The Choir of St John’s College Cambridge
is one of the finest collegiate choirs in the world – known and loved by millions from its broadcasts, concert tours and 100 recordings. Founded in the 1670s, the Choir is known for its rich, warm and distinctive sound, its expressive interpretations and its ability to sing in a variety of styles. Alongside this discipline, the Choir is particularly proud of its happy, relaxed and mutually supportive atmosphere.

The Choir is directed by Andrew Nethsingha, following in a long line of eminent Directors of Music, recently Dr George Guest, Dr Christopher Robinson and Dr David Hill. The choir's first release on its imprint with Signum Classics, Deo, won the Choral Award at the BBC Music Magazine Awards 2017.

Andrew Nethsingha
Performing in North America, South Africa, the Far East, and throughout Europe, Andrew Nethsingha has been Director of Music at St John’s College, Cambridge since 2007. He has helped to set up a new recording label, ‘St John’s Cambridge,’ in conjunction with Signum. His first disc on the new label, DEO (music by Jonathan Harvey), was a 2017 BBC Music Magazine Award winner. Andrew Nethsingha was a chorister at Exeter Cathedral, under his father’s direction. He later studied at the Royal College of Music, where he won seven prizes, and at St John’s College, Cambridge. He held Organ Scholarships under Christopher Robinson at St George’s Windsor, and George Guest at St John’s, before becoming Assistant Organist at Wells Cathedral. He was subsequently Director of Music at Truro and Gloucester Cathedrals, and Artistic Director of the Gloucester Three Choirs Festival.

Booklet for Sheppard: Sacred Choral Works