This release takes its title from a new work written especially for the choir by Sir John Tavener. Mother and Child has a unique and personal history inspired- by one of the Tenebrae members' children. Playing in the garden, Samual McCosh and his mother Susan caught the eye of a visiting friend, poet Brian Keeble. The picture of mother and child in close union with one another so enchanted him that he began to write a poem based on that image. The resulting poem caught the attention of Sir John Tavener who, on reading it decided to set it to music and to dedicate it to Tenebrae. In its short existence, Tenebrae has made a considerable impact on the musical world with fresh and vital re-interpretations of classic works in the choral repertoire. On this recording, innovatory and lesser-known repertoire is drawn from contemporary sources. Alongside Mother and Child, this release features four further world-premiere recordings by composers Francis Pott, Alexander L'Estrange and Jeremy Filsell. Within this individual collection of choral music, which also includes works by Jonathan Dove, Richard Rodney Bennett and Giles Swayne, Tenebrae continues to chart out a new territory, which is rapidly establishing it as one of the most exciting choirs of our time. |
