Attendance at services in British Cathedrals is on the increase, particularly for the service of Choral Evensong. This traditional service, using words from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, holds a great appeal for those who attend both in terms of the intimate and meditative atmosphere, and the central role of the music sung by the choir.

This recording offers the opportunity to savour the atmosphere of a complete Choral Evensong service in one of northern Europe’s largest cathedrals. The generous acoustic of York Minster is harnessed by the York Minster Choir and organist who provide the music for Evensong in this great building on a daily basis, and includes well-loved settings of the Preces and Responses, the Psalms, the Magnifcat and Nunc dimittis, anthems, and organ voluntaries, together with readings and prayers from members of the York Minster clergy.

The musical items include works by Howells, Smith, Vaughan Williams, Vierne, and former Directors of Music at York, Thomas Tertius Noble, Francis Jackson, and Edward Cuthbert Bairstow.

Critical praise for York Minster choir on Regent:

‘The boys are strong, colorful, and lively; and the justly famous organ sounds magnificent.’ - American Record Guide (REGCD467)

‘...this remarkable choir gives the impression of complete professionalism, with every singer committed to the meaning and significance of the words and music.’ - Organists’ Review (REGCD467)

‘...If you like to hear choral music performed in its native environment and to submerge you in glorious sound, this will do it.’ - Classical Music Sentinel (REGCD439)

‘This is one of the very finest recordings of English Cathedral music that I have heard in some years.’ - MusicWeb (REGCD439)

‘...their expressive singing encompasses with ease the wide spectrum of musical styles.’ - Gramophone (REGCD391)

Contents:
1. Improvisation, op.84 no.2 – Francis Jackson (b 1917)
2. Bell and Aisle Prayer/Organ improvisation (Benjamin Morris)
3. Introit: Libera nos, salva nos – John Sheppard (c.1515–59)
4. Preces – William Smith (1603–45)
5. Psalms 69 and 70 Chants – Thomas Tertius Noble (1867 –1953), Charles Leigh Naylor (1869–1945), George Surtees Talbot (1875–1918)
6. First Lesson: Genesis 28: 11–18
- The Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, Dean of York
7. Magnificat: St Paul’s Service – Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
8. Second Lesson: 1 Peter 2:1–10
- The Reverend Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Chancellor
9. Nunc dimittis: St Paul’s Service – Howells
10. The Creed
11. Lesser Litany (Responses) – Smith; Lord’s Prayer – Robert Stone (1516–1613)
12. Anthem: Blessed City, heavenly Salem – Edward Cuthbert Bairstow (1874–1946)
13. The Intercessions: The Reverend Canon Peter Moger, Precentor
14. Anthem: O pray for the peace of Jerusalem – Howells
15. The Grace
16. Hymn: Ye that know the Lord is gracious (Rustington) – Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848 –1918), v3 descant by Benjamin Morris
17. The Blessing
18. Te Deum Laudamus in G – Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)
19. Final Prayer
20. Organ Voluntary: Final (Symphonie 3 in F sharp minor, op.28) – Louis Vierne (1870–1937)