Regent is delighted to present our second recording with the adult Choir of Saint Peter’s Church, Saint Louis, Missouri – the first under the leadership of their new Director of Music, David Sinden.

At this time of silenced church choirs across the world it is poignant to offer a collection of hymns celebrating the breadth of the American Hymn Tradition.

Arriving on the shores of America, the early European settlers came with their hymns: metrical psalms from England and Holland, and chorales from Germany. These hymns were to be the staple of American congregations for the next two centuries, but as hymnody here developed, a rich new tradition grew up—the sounds of spirituals, the shape note repertory, and gospel music were amongst the styles that became woven together in an immensely vibrant and diverse body of music of, and for, the peoples of the Christian church.

This recording features examples of all of these musical styles, together with modern hymns and hymn anthems. With the exception of ‘Amazing grace’ virtually all of these hymn tunes will be unfamiliar to UK listeners.

Saint Peter’s Church, Saint Louis, is a major centre for church music in the Episcopal tradition and supports an ambitious and experienced adult choir, and a children’s choir. This is their second recording for Regent.

‘The balance, attack and dynamics of the choir are of a consistently high standard.’ – Organists’ Review December 2014 (REGCD415)

‘This may be the choir’s first commercial recording, but it’s been well worth the wait. Noted for its performance of Anglican repertoire, this extremely well-trained group presents an unusual and interesting repertoire’ – Choir and Organ January 2015 (REGCD415)

‘These singers easily master the wide range of choral styles represented here, from clear and limpid early polyphony through cool Anglican elegance to a spiritual that rocks and rolls ... There’s a lovely luster to their sound ... needlepoint intonation in the a cappella pieces.’ – American Record Guide March 2015 (REGCD415)

Contents:
1. How firm a foundation – ‘Foundation’, arr. James Erb
2. Steal away to Jesus – Spiritual, arr. Dale Adelmann
3. Morning glory, starlit sky – Craig Phillips
4. King of glory, King of peace – Harold Friedell
5. Amazing grace – ‘New Britain’, arr. David Ashley White
6. Jesus paid it all – John T Grape, arr. David Sinden
7. Shall we gather at the river – ‘Hanson Place’, Robert Lowry, arr. John Ferguson
8. O love of God, how strong and true – ‘de Tar’, Calvin Hampton
9. Ye who claim the faith of Jesus – ‘Julion’, David Hurd
10. Longing for home – Shape note tune
11. Variations on an Old American Tune – Zachary Wadsworth (organ solo)
12. God is ascended – Gerre Hancock
13. King of Peace – F Price, arr. Martha Shaffer
14. Watchman, tell us of the night – Alan Hovhaness
15. This little light of mine – Spiritual, arr. William Bradley Roberts
16. Wondrous love – ‘The Southern Harmony’, arr. Robert Lehman
17. Come, thou fount of every blessing – ‘Nettleton’, arr. Frank W Boles