Herald AV Publications

HAVPCD145 – Vierne, Widor, Tournemire Jeremy Filsell at Ely Cathedral

Widor, Vierne, and Tournemire epitomise what has become known as the great school of symphonic organ composers. With César Franck and Alexandre Guilmant, Charles-Marie Widor was one of the first to write for the organ in a truly symphonic style. Arguably the most profound influence on all three composers was that of the 19th-century organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, whose instruments were revolutionary in their variety of colouristic possibilities, the brilliance of the reeds, and the warmth of foundation tone. Widor presided at St-Sulpice, Vierne latterly at Notre-Dame, and Tournemire at Ste-Clotilde, all churches containing notable Cavaillé-Coll instruments.

HAVPCD143 – Sing Joy The Day Christmas Carols from Ely Cathedral

The singing at Ely Cathedral has been famous since the time of King Canute. Edward the Confessor attended the monastic school and probably sang in the choir, but the group of boy choristers, as we know them today, was first brought together to sing the daily mass in the newly-built Lady Chapel in the 15th century. Adult professional singers were added as required, and the choir was given its present form in the mid-16th century. It normally consists of eighteen Choristers and six Lay Clerks, but on occasions the men’s rank is increased to twelve.