Herald AV Publications

HAVPCD335 – A Cappella

	Disk Title	A Cappella
		Trinity Boys Choir
	Choir	Trinity Boys Choir
	Conductor	David Swinson
	Location	Charterhouse Chapel, Surrey
	Date Recorded	2006
	Audio Tracks	17

The sound of unaccompanied voices has inspired worshippers for centuries, but the decision not to have instruments playing at the same time has not always been a straightforward one for composers. Pragmatism no doubt had its place in the Renaissance when the a cappella ideal was occasionally compromised through lack of rehearsal time, and the pioneering efforts of Martin Luther and others to have accompanied congregational singing encouraged later generations to write liturgical settings with opulent orchestral contributions. The starting point for much unaccompanied sacred music is chant and this underpins the earliest work on this recording, the magnificent six-part antiphon Reges Tharsis by John Sheppard: plainsong alternates with polyphonic sections which set five imitative voice parts around a baritone cantus firmus. The wonderfully rich sonority of the six-part sections represents Sheppard’s distinctive style and it is regrettable that his work receives less attention that many of his younger contemporaries. This is due in no small part to the lack of contemporary prints of his works, a fate which did not befall William Byrd, who, with Thomas Tallis, enjoyed the royal printing monopoly.

David Swinson was a chorister at Magdalen College, Oxford, before studying piano and organ at The Royal College of Music and then music as Organ Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge. Musical distinctions during this period included five RCM prizes, a scholarship from the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, and his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists. Since graduation David has enjoyed a busy career as a teacher, conductor and organist. As an organist, he has given recitals throughout Europe and in the USA, and has been a finalist in The Royal College of Organists’ Performer of the Year. As a conductor he has worked with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Bournemouth Sinfonietta and The London Mozart Players. He can also be heard frequently as a director on BBC Radio’s Sunday Half Hour and The Daily Service. David has been Director of Music at Trinity School, Croydon, and Director of Trinity Boys Choir since 2001. During his directorship, the boys’ choir has appeared at the three major British opera houses, in the BBC Proms festival, and in concerts and opera productions in Norway, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Austria and Japan. The choir’s recording work includes numerous BBC broadcasts as well as studio work at Pinewood and for pop and rock artists. As the choir’s Director he has worked with many of the world’s greatest conductors, including Abbado, Davis, Elder, Gardiner, Gergiev, Haitink, Masur, McCreesh and Pappano.