CHORAL EVENSONG

Herbert Howells’ Collegium Regale evening service was composed for the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge. The Magnificat unfolds with a profound sense of reverence and grandeur. Renowned for his harmonic richness and intricate counterpoint, Howells masterfully weaves a tapestry of sound that not only captures the solemnity of the text but also embodies the essence of the chapel itself. The work’s dynamic shifts, transitioning from moments of serene contemplation to powerful crescendos, craft a powerful journey for the listener to contemplate and pray the texts. 

Jonathan Dove is one of the few composers of English church music who has gained fame and recognition outside of the church. Primarily known for his operas, Dove was educated at the University of Cambridge and is intimately familiar with the work of cathedral and collegiate choirs. His setting of Seek him that maketh the seven stars exhibits a theatrical sense of drama, with the organ playing an equal role in propelling the music forward, utilizing his unique style of musical minimalism.