William Hayes was Professor of Music at the University of Oxford from 1741 to 1777. A keen admirer of Handel, he composed celebratory music for many Oxford occasions. The Choir of Keble College and Instruments of Time & Truth revive music written for the chapels of Oxford, University ceremonies at the Sheldonian Theatre, and for grand concerts given in the Holywell Music Room, the earliest purpose-built public concert room in Europe.

Instruments of Time and Truth was founded in 2014 to provide a platform for international performers resident in and around Oxford, many of whom hold Principal positions with groups such as the Academy of Ancient Music, the English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Since its inception, IT&T has assumed a significant role in underpinning the tradition of choral excellence in Oxford in collaborations with the choirs of New, Keble, Magdalen, The Queen’s, St Peter’s and Merton Colleges, as well as with choirs from within the community.

Keble College Choir is one of Oxford’s leading mixed-voice ensembles. Since 2015, the group has performed in France, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Czech Republic, as well as widely in the UK, and regularly broadcasts on BBC Radio. It plays a prominent role in the annual Keble Early Music Festival and much of the choir’s repertoire is based around the music of the 16th to 18th centuries. There is a close association with the Oxford-based period instrument orchestra Instruments of Time & Truth and this is their first recording together for CRD records.

Matthew Martin studied music at Magdalen College, Oxford and organ at the Royal Academy of Music. He later studied with Marie-Claire Alain in Paris. He won the liturgical category in the 2013 British Composer Awards and has written for many of the UK’s leading choral ensembles including The Tallis Scholars, Gabrieli, The Sixteen and ORA Choir.