Music by Judith Weir and Matthew Martin feature in a new recording by the Choir of Westminster Abbey to be released by Hyperion on February 4. The pieces were all written for the choir over the past decade and reflect the important role that the Abbey and its choir play in British national life.
The three works by Judith Weir were all composed in her capacity as Master of the Queen’s Music, a role to which she was appointed in 2014. The True Light, a setting of words from the Book of John and Psalm 107, was composed in 2018 for a service commemorating the end of the First World War, while His mercy endureth for ever marked the 70th anniversary of VE Day in 2015. Composed in the same year, Truly I tell you is an unaccompanied setting of verses from the Psalms and the Book of Mark that was first performed by the choir at the Commonwealth Day Observance.
Amongst the five works by Matthew Martin featured on the album, In the midst of thy temple was commissioned in 2019 by the Dean and Chapter to mark the 750th anniversary of the dedication of the Abbey by Henry III in 1269. It combines the 7th century Angularis fundamentum (Christ is made the sure foundation) alongside poetry by Joseph Armitage Robinson, a former Dean of Westminster.
The album, which also includes choral works by Jonathan Dove, is released on the Hyperion label on February 4 2022.
Dove, Weir & Martin: Choral Works
The Choir of Westminster Abbey Choir
Peter Holder, organ
James O’Donnell, conductor
Hyperion CDA68350
Release date: 04 February 2022
