Album insights
Westminster Abbey, one of the world's most famous buildings, stands prominently on the south side of Parliament Square in central London. It flanks the Westminster Palace, inspired by its architecture. This historical site serves multiple vital functions and attracts over a million visitors yearly. People come to witness the tombs of monarchs and experience the unique atmosphere of coronations, royal weddings, and state events. The abbey's Gothic architecture and beautiful grounds captivate visitors, offering monuments of renowned British figures. However, at its core lies its essence as a place of prayer and devotion, dating back to its founding over a thousand years ago as a Benedictine monastery.
Legend has it that in 959, Saint Dunstan established a monastic community at the abbey's present site. King Edward the Confessor built a new abbey in the mid-11th century, consecrated on December 28, 1065. Shortly after, the king was interred near the high altar, initiating a cult around him that led to his canonization in 1161. The abbey saw further enhancements under Henry III in the early 13th century, emphasizing the cult of Mary by adding a chapel and constructing a new Gothic-style abbey church. Musical practices in the chapel diverged from the abbey church's monastic chants, introducing polyphony and organ music. The abbey's foundation as a musical center was paved by introducing choristers from the abbey's school. This legacy continues in the present abbey choir structure.
Following its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1540, the abbey's choir tradition continued, evolving under Elizabeth I in 1560 into a collegiate structure, granting royal peculiar status to the Collegiate Church of St. Peter. Musicians like Orlando Gibbons, Henry Purcell, and John Blow served the abbey, premiering numerous significant works, especially those for major royal events.
The meantime CD contains music that resonates with the Westminster Abbey on the feast of the Translation of the Relics of Edward, King and Confessor, observed on October 13. The CD reflects the structure of the three principal choral services—Matins, Eucharist, and Evensong—which originate from the abbey's monastic offices, held since its foundation. Matins opens with the Royal Lauds, sung since the time of Charlemagne for grand occasions like coronations. The service transitions through various choral compositions, each maintaining a connection to the abbey's rich history.
Various compositions featured on the CD, including pieces by renowned composers such as Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, Anton Bruckner, and Henry Purcell, offer a glimpse into the centuries-old musical heritage of Westminster Abbey. These works, rooted in tradition yet pushing boundaries through contemporary elements, create a harmonious blend of history and innovation, echoing the strength of the abbey's musical legacy.