Supported by strong sales, England's collegiate choirs have steadily released new music, often expanding their repertory into new realms. So what happens to the "favo(u)rites" albums that choirs release periodically, as starters for new listeners or bonuses for devoted ones? A look into the trends is provided by this lovely release from what might be called the king of all the collegiate choirs, the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. This group is among the most traditional of its type, created by no less than King Henry VI, with boy choristers who attend the King's College School, and often go on to prestigious careers after their voices break. The choir's self-proclaimed favorites have evolved in a somewhat international direction, with a program somewhat resembling those offered by American-style glee clubs. The opening segment consists not of English polyphony but of landmarks of continental a cappella music, including the familiar eight-part Crucifixus of Antonio Lotti and a particularly lovely reading of Mozart's Ave verum corpus. There is English music from the 20th century, most of it in the middle of the program. Things conclude with broadly popular contemporary sounds. These include arrangements of Amazing Grace and Shenandoah that may sound a little stilted to American ears but testify to the universal appeal of these melodies. The continuing growth of American composer Morton Lauridsen's fame is also represented here; Lauridsen is not a household name, but he may well become one. The choristers work together unusually well, even by the high standards of this choir, and the performance of his O magnum mysterium is one of the smoothest you will hear. Recommended, and certainly a good introduction to the Choir of King's College, even if the music involved is not particularly English.
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