The programme opens with two well-wrought anthems. Sing, O heavens (c.1957) is “suitable for harvest thanksgiving.” It is unusual as being scored for SAB, omitting the tenor part. The opening and closing passages of this stirring anthem sound Elgarian or perhaps even Parry-ian. The reflective O for a closer walk with God (1957) sets a well-known text by William Cowper. It considers the soul’s desire to be near God but also acknowledges its tendency to stray. This dichotomy is reflected in its ternary structure. The liner notes suggest Herbert Howells and Herbert Sumsion as stylistic indicators. This is followed by Oh, Lord spread Thy wings oe’r me (1952) which is set as a song for solo voice and organ. It is tenderly sung by an unnamed mezzo soprano.
Six Interludes on Passion Hymns (1963) provide a satisfying contrast in this largely vocal disc. The first, There is a green hill far away, nods towards Percy Whitlock with its gentle “questioning and improvisatory” feel. The second interlude, When I survey the wondrous Cross, introduces an insouciant right-hand accompaniment in 6/8 time against the hymn tune in the left hand. Ride on in Majesty is appropriately powerful in its commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The fourth and fifth Interludes are pensive in mood as befits the sentiment of O come and mourn with me awhile and O sacred head sore wounded. The final number Praise to the holiest in the height is an impressive toccata with a “blazing conclusion.” I feel that in recital, these Interludes benefit being played as a set, however, in liturgical settings, they would make splendid individual voluntaries.
The background to the large-scale cantata The Saviour is given in the liner notes. It was composed in 1961, designed as a Passiontide work in the tradition of John Stainer’s Crucifixion and John Henry Maunder’s Olivet to Calvary. It was dedicated to the Revd. Derrick Greeves and the Choir of Westminster Central Hall. Its full title provides an insight into the cantata’s ethos: A meditation upon the death of Christ. The libretto which was compiled by Bryn Rees, contains passages from the Gospels and some hymns as well as his own poetry.
The work is divided into three sections,
each portraying a unique aspect of Christ’s relationship to mankind: Man’s Need, God’s Remedy
and finally, New Life in Christ. It includes choral passages, movements
for soloists, recitatives, and notably, each part ends with a congregational
hymn.
I am not sure about the ultimate success of
this piece. To be sure there are glorious moments in the proceedings,
especially in the choral sections. I found that there was too much recitative/declamation
given to the (unnamed) tenor and bass soloists. What is not in doubt is the
masterly performance by all concerned. This underscores the cantata’s
distinctive musical language, defined by its rich, fluid melodies and opulent
accompaniment, evoking the style of Ralph Vaughan Williams, under whom Webber
studied.
I understand that some of the music on this disc is previously unrecorded. There is an old vinyl LP of The Saviour issued on the Pilgrim Records label (JLP125) which was released in 1965. Here, Lloyd Webber conducted the Choir of Westminster Methodist Central Hall. Furthermore, Part III of The Saviour was recorded by the Choir of All Saints, Margaret Street, London, conducted by Harry Brahma. (Priory PRCD 677, 1999). I have not listened to these albums.
The Leeds Minster (formerly Leeds Parish Church) choir and the organist, Shaun Turnbull, give a wonderful account of this repertoire.
The liner notes are by Alexander Woodrow, with the assistance of the late Simon Lindley. They provide a good introduction to the music on this CD. Dates of composition for the anthems and organ pieces would have been helpful. The texts of the anthems and The Saviour are provided along with resumes of the choir and organist.
This excellent disc is essential to all lovers of English music from the choirstalls and the organ loft. It provides another chapter in the reevaluation of William Lloyd Webber’s catalogue begun nearly thirty years ago.
Track Listing:William Lloyd Webber (1914-82)
Sing, O Heavens (c.1957)
O for a closer walk with God (1957)
Oh, Lord spread Thy wings oe’r me. (1952)
Six Interludes on Passion Hymns: There is a green hill far away; When I survey the wondrous Cross; Ride on, ride on in Majesty; O come and mourn with me awhile; O sacred head sore wounded; Praise to the holiest in the height. (1963)
Cantata: The Saviour (1961)
Choir of Leeds Minster/Alexander Woodrow, Shaun Turnbull (organ)
rec. 13-15 November 2024, Leeds Minster, Leeds.
Priory PRCD 1252
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