Songs of Angels

Songs of Angels
Music from Magdalen College, Oxford
The Choir of Magdalen College
Signum
(SIGCD038)

Legend has it that the biblical characters of Mary Magdalene, along with the resurrected Lazarus, brought the Gospel to Gaul. By the early eighth century, her message of contemplative mysticism, care for the poor, and ministry to repentant prostitutes had even migrated to England. So strong was her following that The Magdalen College in Exeter was established in 1480 in her honor, and its choral music has become one of the college's enduring legacies.

Mary is credited with saying "every day I am borne aloft seven times by angelic hands, and have been found worthy to hear with the ears of my body the joyful jubilation of the heavenly hosts, " hence, the title of this CD.

Track 1, the "Vespers Hymn" (anon.), is sung by an all-male chorus, with the vesper bells ringing in the background, evoking imagery of friars making their way to their seventh-hour prayers.

Three titles are also included from the pen of John Sheppard (1520-1560), the most noted composer among the college's works. Of the three, "The Lord's Prayer" stands out as the finest. Its sonorous harmonies weave back and forth to create a chorus that sounds like the songs of angels. On the other hand, "The Stabat Mater" by Richard Davy (1465-1507), while well-executed with a number of tightly polished duets, lasts 16 minutes, about 10 minutes longer than most listeners will have the attention for. The album also includes works by John Mason (1485-1547), Jacquet of Mantua (1483-1559, and Thomas Preston (?-1563).

Although the lyrics are sung in Latin, the liner notes provide translations, historical settings, and background material on each composer, all of which are a great help for those who are seeking insight into both the musicality and religion of the day.

If you appreciate Gregorian chants and seek to be transported back to the religious setting of the medieval period, you will enjoy Songs of Angels.

— Kevin & Linda Willams