Born one year after the death of Purcell, Maurice Greene is one
of the most attractive of the minor English composers. A
contemporary of Bach and Handel, it is his inheritance of a
distinctively English style, with Purcell as a strong element
in it, that gives his work its special flavour. The Purcellian
character is apparent in Lord, let me know mine end,
which opens this recording. Then, in The King shall rejoice,
which immediately brings Handel to mind, we find a composer who
is very much his own man, with a gift for melody and counterpoint.
He has the good taste to know the value of simplicity, but he
is also capable of dramatic effect, as at the entry of the full
choir in God is our hope and strength.
Recorded in New College Chapel
15-16 April 1991
Playing time : 69'41" DDD
Reviews
"New College Choir sings well throughout. Tone, phrasing,
articulation are all admirable, and there is some creditable
solo work, especially by the tenor in Thou visitest the earth."
The Gramophone
