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Composer

Geoffrey Burgon

1941 — 2010

Albums

Burgon: Nunc dimittis, Short Mass & Other Choral Music
Wells Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
Remembrance: Choral Music In Memoriam
St Paul's Cathedral Choir, John Scott

Geoffrey Burgon: Choral Mastery and Memorable Works

Geoffrey Burgon (1941–2010) was an acclaimed English composer celebrated for his accessible yet profound contributions to choral, orchestral, and film music. Best known to the public for his evocative television and film scores—such as Monty Python's Life of Brian, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Brideshead Revisited—Burgon also built a significant legacy as a composer of vocal and choral works, which continue to resonate in both concert halls and ecclesiastical settings.

Burgon’s reputation in the realm of choral music was solidified with premieres such as his Requiem at the Three Choirs Festival in 1976, which critics lauded for its directness and spiritual power. The Guardian called it “a composer who has something worth saying and knows how to say it,” while The Times described it as “this year’s most important new work”. In an era dominated by modernist trends, Burgon stood apart by embracing accessible, melodic music—winning both popular appeal and critical admiration.

Notable Choral Works

Nunc dimittis

One of Burgon's must-listen compositions is the ethereal "Nunc dimittis." This piece achieved widespread recognition as the theme for the BBC adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, showcasing Burgon’s gift for lyricism and atmosphere.

Short Mass and Other Sacred Works

Burgon’s choral catalogue includes settings of liturgical texts and poetry, often imbued with mystical or spiritual themes. His fascination with mysticism is also evident in settings of John Donne and St John of the Cross. His "Short Mass" and other stunning choral pieces are showcased in collections performed by the Wells Cathedral Choir under the expert direction of Matthew Owens, enriching the listener’s experience with Burgon's hauntingly beautiful vocal writing.

Collections and Performances

This collection also features some of Burgon's poignant pieces performed by the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, under the baton of John Scott. These performances highlight the choir’s ability to adapt to Burgon's diverse range of styles and deliver performances that resonate with both beauty and passion.

Whether you're new to Burgon's music or an established fan, this collection offers an insightful journey through the creative genius of one of Britain's prolific and talented composers. Explore the fascinating world of Geoffrey Burgon's choral music and immerse yourself in his captivating sonic landscapes.

Cement your admiration for his musical storytelling by exploring his stage works on STAGE+ and tap into the deeper understanding of Geoffrey Burgon’s contribution to the musical world. Dive into the remembrance of this celebrated maestro through his choral music in memoriam.