Reformation 1517-2017
£15.00
In 1517, indignant at the mercenary abuses of the Church and convinced that a public debate was needed to restore faith in the founding texts of the Bible, Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg Castle. This marked the beginning of the Reformation, which was to spread all over Europe. Five hundred years later, Graham Ross here gives an insight into the emotional and dramatic strength of its theological and cultural legacy in a programme featuring Bach’s two great Reformation cantatas and other chorale-based works from the German and English traditions down to the 20th century.
Choir of Clare College, Cambridge
Clare Baroque (Margaret Faultless, leader & violin)
Soloists: Mary Bevan, Robin Blaze, Nicholas Mulroy, Neal Davies
Graham Ross, conductor
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Reviews
“Thanks to the instrumental incisiveness of Clare Baroque, a splendid quartet of soloists, and Ross’s well-chosen tempos, the Bach has plenty of bite. All in all, an astutely conceived, rewarding addition to Luther year.”
BBC Music Magazine
“This is primarily joyful music and the buoyant performances by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, and Clare Baroque, conducted by Graham Ross, lift the spirits.”
Financial Times
“The choir bring all their customary precision and purity to the Bach, but it’s once they arrive at the later repertoire…that they really come into their own…The darker-hued Brahms glows with love and care, its extended opening movement shaped with an eye to sonic drama, and the Vaughan Williams balances its solo and choral forces to striking effect.”
Gramophone
“a rampant performance of Martin Luther’s Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, followed by Bach’s Reformation Day Cantata BWV 80 of the same name. A luxurious lineup of soloists – Neal Davies, Mary Bevan, Robin Blaze and Nicholas Mulroy – and top instrumentalists (led by violinist Margaret Faultless) ensure highest quality.”
The Observer
“The choir sometimes sounds a little too youthful: neat and tuneful, but falling short on rich timbre. However, there is much exciting instrumental work from an ensemble packed with distinguished names, and seasoned solo singing from Neal Davies, Nicholas Mulroy and the like.”
The Times