Record Label Accent

Catalogue Number ACC24397

Release Date 17 November 2023

Description

The name 'Chandos anthems' is most frequently associated with Handel, but he was not the first, nor the last, composer in the extravagant household of James Brydges, the Duke of Chandos from 1719. Working concurrently with Handel at Cannons was the Berlin native, Johann Christoph Pepusch, nearly 20 years Handel's senior, who took over as Director of Music by early 1719 whereupon he adopted a distinctly Venetian approach to sacred music, in the manner of Lotti and Vivaldi.

Often remembered today for his contribution to The Beggar's Opera Pepusch was a bridge from the seventeenth to the eighteenth-century musical life in London.

After Handel's departure from Cannons in 1718 to return to the operatic world, Pepusch significantly increased the size of the ensemble at Cannons, including more string players, at least seven adult singers, a choir of trebles and, in the manner of Vivaldi, single trumpet and oboe.

Having previously demonstrated to the public Pepusch's masterful approach in several award-winning recordings, Robert Rawson and The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen, joined by the Girl Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral, return with a stunning and richly-scored programme for this recording of world premieres.

Critical response

The album was featured on BBC Radio 3’s Record Review and Record Review Extra in January 2024. It was selected as an Editor’s Choice in the January edition of Gramophone Magazine, and was long-listed for the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in the Alte Musik category, and for recording of the year.

'...the young ladies conducted by David Newsholme are distinguished by a remarkable performance.'

Christophe Steyne, Crescendo, September 2024