The first in a new series - looks like a very interesting disc. Just released.

http://www.regent-records.co.uk/product_details_228.htm

Tosher

*Later edit - just purchased from the Minster shop - absolutely fabulous and a true credit to all involved.

Have recieved this through the post today on first listen it is certainly noticable the improvment that Robert Sharpe has brought to the choir during his short tenure at York.

'The first of a new series' - Is this going to involve york, or is it going to different cathedrals on the basis of hearing music written for the buildings from across the year? If so this could be a worthwhile collectable series I think. Good to hear new music seamlessly slipped in alongside a few old warhorses!

To answer this, the answer might be, at least in part, 'both'.

I see your point - it could well be either-or, but from the way it is worded generally, I am pretty sure it is the case that it's a whole new series of discs charting the church's year with different music from different cathedrals - and this could potentially throw up some very interesting things and, as you say, be a very collectable series. Some of the first recordings on this one for instance, however dubious people may be about new repertoire, are simply stunning. On a personal level I note track 2 as a highlight of the whole disc.

On the other hand, I am aware of a new partnership between Regent and York Minster which Robert Sharpe apparently established last summer - presumably meaning that there will be plenty-a new disc coming from York. Given the quality of the choir and the work that Robert and his colleagues evidently do at York (as you suggest in your previous post), this can surely be nothing but good news. I am sure there are things in the pipeline - certainly an organ CD , albeit on a different label, is also due.

So whatever might appear next, there are plenty of quality recordings to look forward to from Regent Records and others.

Best,
Tosher

I think further to that, Tosher we should be very greatful for the work of all the major choral labels; Priory, Regent and even EMI + Chandos for the quality of work being consistently put out by our cathedral choirs.

For me the Howard Skempton track No.17 is one of the finest things i've heard in quite a while. It sounds quite simple but has the most beautiful harmonic language. To me it is reminiscent of the Laurdisen 'O Magnum Mysterium' on a smaller scale. I have ordered a copy as a result of hearing it! I do hope that we get these disks of music associated with cathedrals, especially with the wealth of music that has been commissioned for different places in recent years, as well as 'home team compositions' of course.

How good were the Lamentations unaccompanied though? The Jerusalems seemed a lot more poignant than with accompaniment.