Скачать или смотреть Mendelssohn's 'Hear My Prayer' Southwell Minster 2005 (Hale)

With Lent just around the corner, I am pleased to share with you, what in my opinion, is one of the finest performances of this work to ever be recorded. The choir of Southwell Minster under Paul Hale (organist Simon Bell) sounds simply ravishing and the solos from the two choristers are a tour de force.

This popular work has become so hackneyed over the years that many dismiss it as Victorian dross; the second part 'O for the wings of a Dove' being the most recorded work in the Archive. Choristers from the smallest parish church to the great cathedrals have long considered this the ultimate treble solo.

However, this popularity belies the fact that 'Hear My Prayer' is fiendishly difficult to sing, both for the choir and the solo chorister who has to navigate those demanding and extended solo passages.

This recording was made when Southwell was blessed with two choristers possessing particularly characterful solo voices. James Beddoe, who sings 'Hear My Prayer' has an edginess which suits perfectly the words, as he brings an emotion and depth of despair to the performance which is rarely heard. Benedict Inman has a calmer, more serene voice, perfectly suited to the words of 'O for the wings of a dove' It was a masterstroke of Paul Hale to use two contrasting trebles. The choir give an edge-of-the seat performance which elevates this work to the masterpiece status so richly deserved.