Durham Singers: Songs of Farewell

Singing in the gothic revival splendour of St Cuthbert's Chapel at Ushaw College, the Durham Singers reflect on human mortality and the end of life, as seen through music from baroque Italy and early 20th century England. In his setting of the Stabat Mater, Domenico Scarlatti enriches the choral texture with four soprano parts, creating an intense portrayal of Mary's unimaginable grief as she stands at the foot of the cross watching her son die. Antonio Lotti's 8-part Crucifixus is his best-known work, and is full of agonised harmonic tension.

Parry's six Songs of Farewell uses English poetry to offer a different perspective, reflecting quietly on ordinary lives with ordinary endings, and what might come afterwards. Francesca Massey conducts the Durham Singers in this set of beautifully crafted songs that are very different from the public ceremonial works that are associated with Parry.