Academy of Ancient Music, The Choir of the AAM & Richard Egarr - Christopher Gibbons: Motets, anthems, fantasias & voluntaries (2012/2018) [Hi-Res]

The world-premiere recording of choral and instrumental music by the long-neglected Christopher Gibbons, second son of the famous Orlando. Featuring the Choir of the AAM (who make their recording debut), this disc surveys the broad expressive palette of a composer who provides the "missing link between the pre-Commonwealth world of William Lawes and the Restoration baroquerie of Henry Purcell".

Born into an English musical family, organist and composer Christopher Gibbons (1615-1676) probably received early training from his famous father Orlando Gibbons. He sang in the choir of the Chapel Royal and went on to a distinguished career at Westminster Abbey and in the court of Charles II. With this showcase programme of motets, anthems, fantasias for strings, and organ voluntaries (all of which are receiving their first recording), Richard Egarr, the Academy of Ancient Music and the Choir of the AAM, aim to rescue the composer from unjust obscurity.

"We owe Egarr our thanks for this sampler – a selection of gently expressive choral anthems, organ works and instrumental fantasias that establish him as a far-from-negligible precursor of Blow and Purcell." (Financial Times)

"Perhaps the most distinctive of all is the keyboard music...And it's here also that Egarr's musicianship is at its most compelling...the choir and vocalists give the impression of being a pick-up ensemble that hasn't quite gelled...Don't let that put you off, however: the monographic approach tends to expose composers of lesser substance but Gibbons junior passes the test admirably." (Gramophone Magazine)

"Egarr has put together a rather charming musical portrait of Gibbons junior...with Frescobaldian flair, Egarr makes the most of the four substantial pieces he plays here...A chip off the old block, certainly, and no mere splinter either. A real discovery and an exceptionally rewarding recording." (International Record Review)

Philippa Hyde, soprano
Jacqueline Connell, mezzo-soprano
Charmian Bedford, soprano
Alastair Ross, organ
Richard Egarr, organ, conductor
Choir of the AAM & Academy of Ancient Music