Choir of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh/Duncan Ferguson
Delphian
"Gabriel Jackson's music is firmly rooted in tonality, earning him a place among those composers whose choral music is at once accessible yet recognizably of its time. The dramatic nature of much of his work and his vivd response to his chosen texts are, however, only two aspects of his style that set him apart. His music is easy to take in on a single hearing, but there is also something uncompromising about it. The listener is captivated, yet does not feel manipulated by a composer seeking commercial success... You will have to go a long way to hear finer choral singing than this." - William Hedley, International Record Review.
"In fact, the choir’s singing throughout the programme is marvellous. I’m sure all this music is very rewarding to sing but I’m equally certain that it is very demanding. Yet so far as I can tell - most of the music was unfamiliar to me - the choir rises to and surmounts every challenge. More than that, their performances have tremendous conviction and assurance. Duncan Ferguson has clearly trained his choir superbly... this splendid Edinburgh disc will further enhance the reputation not only of the cathedral musicians but also of Gabriel Jackson. This disc confirms that he is one of the finest and most interesting composers of choral music currently before the public. I’ve enjoyed this disc immensely and hope for a Volume III in due course." - John Quinn, MusicWeb International.
"In fact, the choir’s singing throughout the programme is marvellous. I’m sure all this music is very rewarding to sing but I’m equally certain that it is very demanding. Yet so far as I can tell - most of the music was unfamiliar to me - the choir rises to and surmounts every challenge. More than that, their performances have tremendous conviction and assurance. Duncan Ferguson has clearly trained his choir superbly... this splendid Edinburgh disc will further enhance the reputation not only of the cathedral musicians but also of Gabriel Jackson. This disc confirms that he is one of the finest and most interesting composers of choral music currently before the public. I’ve enjoyed this disc immensely and hope for a Volume III in due course." - John Quinn, MusicWeb International.
Runners-up:
Tuur: Awakening. Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir; Sinfonietta Riga/Daniel Reuss [Ondine]
MacMillan: "Who are these angels?". Cappella Nova/Alan Tavener [Linn]
Vasks: Plainscapes. Latvian Radio Choir/Sigvards Kļava [Ondine]
Gubaidulina: Canticle of the Sun; The Lyre of Orpheus. Gidon Kremer; Kremerata Baltica; Chamber Choir Kamer/Maris Sirmais [ECM New Series]
This is Scottish label Delphian's first appearance in the Nereffid's Guide Awards.
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