So sweet a melody
Reviews
‘The deeply expressive soprano Emily Van Evera…has a huge command of timbre and phrasing.’ — Birmingham Post
'Amidst the perennial glut of Christmas-themed recordings that will be released (and re-released) this year, few seem likely to match this entrancingly filigree-fine collection of pieces for female voices... Formed in 1991, the Hildegard Choir is billed as appearing "with guests": a nine-strong permutation of soloists providing becoming instrumental accompaniment, together with the soprano Emily Van Evera on selections from Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols - capped by the bittersweet chiaroscuro coupling of 'That yongë child' (with Van Evera deliciously otherworldly-sounding) and joyous 'Balulalow' - that lace this deftly programmed recital together. A brace of contemporary songs by Slovak composer Vladimir Godár - the exquisitely tender Dormi, Jesu... and the humbly somber Ecce puer... with numinous contributions to both from Emily Van Evera - particularly catch the ear. ...But a word, too, for two rarities: Ján Levoslav Bella's Verbum caro - in which Van Evera's silvery soprano floats diaphanously over a Schubert-lite coupling of two violins and two violas…' — The Classical Review, December 2010
The Hildegard Choir & Guests
Gulliver Ralston – Conductor
Emily Van Evera – Soprano
A recording of familiar and unfamiliar music from England, Slovakia, France and Germany. Music for Christmas and beyond.
This delightful recording with the Hildegard Choir of Oxford explores the rich repertoire of music written for female voices, focusing on the themes of childhood, motherhood (and fatherhood), and most obviously the Nativity from Mary’s perspective. The repertoire spans music from France, Germany, England, and some enchanting and little-known pieces from Slovakia.