Dobrinka Tabakova: Kynance Cove, On the South Downs, and Works for Choir

Like much other music written for cathedral choirs, the works on this disc often inhabit an engaging post-Vaughan Williams world, with a periodic sprinkling of spice in the harmony, but nothing... — BBC Music Magazine, December 2019, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 27th Sep 2019
Catalogue No: REGCD530
Label: Regent

Gramophone Magazine

December 2019

Critics' Choice

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Tabakova: Alma redemptoris Mater

Natalie Clein (cello)
Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

Tabakova: Jubilate Deo

Natalie Clein (cello)
Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

Tabakova: Truro Canticles

Natalie Clein (cello)
Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

Tabakova: Diptych

Natalie Clein (cello)
Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

Tabakova: Praise

Natalie Clein (cello)
Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

Tabakova: Of a rose sing we

Natalie Clein (cello)
Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

Tabakova: Kynance Cove

Natalie Clein (cello)
BBC Concert Orchestra, Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

Tabakova: On the South Downs

Natalie Clein (cello)
Truro Cathedral Choir
Joseph Wicks, Christopher Gray

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In recent years Regent has focussed increasingly on showcasing works by living composers, and we are delighted to present this complete CD of inspiring compositions by Dobrinka Tabakova recorded in the warmth of the wonderful Truro Cathedral acoustic.

Following the introduction of girl choristers in 2015, Truro Cathedral Choir, supported by Arts Council England, set up a partnership with composer, Dobrinka Tabakova. The radiant performances embodied in this disc are the culmination of that very special collaboration with Tabakova while she was simultaneously composer in residence for the BBC Concert Orchestra. The Orchestra travelled to Cornwall to perform and record with the choir. Dobrinka composed ‘Kynance Cove’ for both groups, taking inspiration from that beautiful part of the Cornish coastline she visited as a child.

Tabakova composed more than half an hour of new music for Truro Cathedral Choir, all featured on this new CD. The first work “Of a rose sing we” was performed on Christmas Eve at Truro Cathedral’s famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Her Truro Canticles formed the centrepiece of the first live BBC Radio 3 broadcast by Truro Cathedral Choir with its girl choristers on International Women’s Day 2017.

Reviews

December 2019

Like much other music written for cathedral choirs, the works on this disc often inhabit an engaging post-Vaughan Williams world, with a periodic sprinkling of spice in the harmony, but nothing too acerbic. There is no doubt about Tabakova’s ability to create and sustain a mood, but a little contrasting grit in the oyster would be welcome in order to appreciate the long-breathed loveliness all the more.

October 2019

If you want to experience the sweeping contradictions of Cornwall, pastoral landscape against crashing sea, troglodyte mining against singing skies, then it’s Dobrinka Tabakova’s Kynance Cove that you need to hear. Her setting of the labourer poet John Harris is on a grand scale, full of mineral harmonies and organic melodism. The Truro choir is in inspired form, with the voices perfectly balanced between weight and delicacy, earthiness and airiness.

October 2019

An a cappella Marian antiphon, Alma redemptoris mater, makes a gentle opening, bathing the listener with a sense of wonderment and increasing fervour…Those expecting something exuberant here might be surprised by its calm, shimmering unhurriedness. The 20 girl choristers are perfectly blended and balanced…Bravo Truro!

Dobrinka Tabakova: Kynance Cove, On the South Downs, and Works for Choir

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