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School of Music

Chirk Castle Part-books on CD

The Hyperion record label has recently released the first recordings of the Chirk Castle Part-Books on CD, which were edited by musicologist and past member of staff at the School of Music, Dr David Evans. Dr David EvansThe work has been the fruit of intense research over the past seven year where Dr Evans, the main authority on the music from Chirk Castle, had to reconstruct the treble part for many of the 68 settings within the books. Almost 20 of these settings were not known at all before, which demonstrates the significance of this research and will be an important addition to our understanding of the music scene within Wales during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. 

Among the most significant tracks on the CD are the Te Deum and Benedictus by William Mundy, where the composer exploits the use of high trebles and cleverly employs choral groupings of various types to provide maximum contrast.

Chirk Castle Part-books CDThe CD has been warmly greeted within the early music circles and has received a number of enthusiastic reviews:

“The new works are undoubtedly significant additions to the repertoire. On that count alone this recording is self-recommending. An even greater name among the new additions is that of Tallis… The predominant sonority is familiarly clear, transparent and assured … For the sake of the new pieces alone, lovers of this repertory will welcome this enthusiastically.” (Gramophone)

“In many ways, this first setting is one of the most exciting in the programme, not only is it something of a 'new find' musically but the Brabant Ensemble make such a sublime sound right from the very start that one knows instantly that this disc is quite special.” (musicalcriticism.com)

The recording was made possible with assistance and support from the School of Music at Bangor University.

Further information can be found on the Hyperion Records website here.