1. Magnificat (Merton College Service) 2. Nunc dimittis (Merton College Service) Eriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977) 3. Veni Sancte Spiritus/Veni Creator John Dunstaple (c.1390-1453) 4. Libera nos, salva nos I John Sheppard (c.1515-1558) 5. The Woman with the Alabaster Box Arvo Pärt (b. 1935) 6. There is an old belief Hubert Parry (1848-1918) 7. Praise our Lord, all ye Gentiles William Byrd (1539/40-1623) 8. This is the record of John Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) 9. Veni sponsa Christi Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) 10.Hear my prayer, O Lord 11.Remember not, Lord, our offences Henry Purcell (1659-1695) 12.Valiant-for-truth Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) 13.Justorum animae 14.Beati quorum via Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) 15.Magnificat (Second Service 'in F fa ut') 16.Nunc dimittis (Second Service 'in F fa ut') William Mundy (c.1529-1591) 17. Beati quorum via James Lavino (b. 1973) 18.Lord, let me know mine end Maurice Greene (1696-1755) 19.Sacred Origins Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978): Tracks 1-2, 15-16, 17 & 19 are premiere recordings
In 2014, Merton College in Oxford celebrates its 750th year. Benjamin Nicholas and Peter Phillips’ specially conceived programme journeys through three quarters of a millennium of choral repertoire. Not just a demonstration of this accomplished ensemble’s versatility, the recording also provides a bird’s-eye view of some important moments in musical history, and features two composers – John Dunstaple and Lennox Berkeley – associated with the College as well as three works specially commissioned for the anniversary celebrations. The choir, a relatively recent addition to this illustrious college’s complement of treasures, gives stylish and committed performances in the famous acoustic of Merton’s chapel. 'exquisitely sung' - Sunday Times 'the new Merton College Choir has leap-frogged its way almost to the top of the collegiate choral pile'' - BBC Online
Merton College Service: Magnificat