Rossini: O salutaris Hostia | King's College, Cambridge

Listen to the new album: https://lnk.to/GreenBladeRiseth

O salutaris Hostia, by Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868), from the new album 'Now the green blade riseth'. The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, is directed by Daniel Hyde.

Now the green blade riseth is a procession through time and history, with music rooted in ancient Gregorian chant all the way through to contemporary works charting the course of Holy Week and Easter.

The album presents not only a rich variety of choral music but a demonstration of the flexibility and agility of the Choir of King’s College: Daniel Hyde conducts the Choir in music from the ‘Golden Age of English Polyphony’ (Byrd’s Civitas) and the era of Italian grand opera (Rossini’s O salutaris Hostia), as well Victorian, Edwardian and mid-twentieth century choral masterpieces.

A selection of popular Easter hymns structures the programme, which culminates in Duruflé’s stunning transcription of Tournemire’s Choral Improvisation sur le ‘Victimæ Paschali’, performed by Matthew Martin on the King’s College organ.

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O salutaris Hostia,
Quæ cæli pandis ostium,
Bella premunt hostilia,
Da robur, fer auxilium.

~~~

Lord, who for us was sacrificed,
Thou opened heaven’s portals wide;
Guard us, guard us now from our foes, O Christ,
Thy strength and saving help provide.

~~~
Words: St Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) Translation: John Rutter (b. 1945)