Sir Michael Tippett - Tippett Conducts Tippett: Corelli Fantasia, Concerto for Double String Orchestra & Songs for Dov (1988/2021)

The British choral tradition has always been extremely lively, and many influential composers of 20th-century’s first half have devoted themselves to the composition of fervent a cappella pieces, dedicated to the Anglican service or to private performance.

Gerald Finzi, heavily influenced by English Renaissance masters, remained famous for his beautiful vocal polyphonies despite his asserted agnosticism. The three works featured on this magnificent recording by the King’s College Choir, and accompanied by the organist Richard Farnes, perfectly illustrate the original sensitivity of this underrated musician. The album also includes works of Bax, like the soothing Mater ora Filium, also inspired by early polyphony and medieval poetry.