Lighten our Darkness (2006)

About this title: Lighten Our Darkness: Music for the Close of Day is the first disc seen in a long, long time from British label Collegium Records and its sole talents, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers. This one is a radical departure from just about everything the choir has done for Collegium in the past, particularly as it does not include a single John Rutter composition, original or arranged. Rather, the focus is on the office of Compline, which in the Benedictine order is the last prayer sung before bedtime. This tradition was handed down from the Rule of St. Benedict in the sixth century; however, ... read more

Tracks:

1. In pace in idipsum for four voices
2. Libera Nos, Salve Nos I for 7 voices
3. Justorum animae, motet for 5 voices, M. xii (S. v/139)
4. Pater noster, for 8 voices
5. O Lord, the Maker of All Things, anthem for 4 voices
6. Visita quaesumus Domine, motet for 4 voices (SSAT)
7. Abendlied, Op. 69/3
8. Christe qui lux es (a 5), motet for 5 voices (SATTB)
9. O gladsome light, for 4 voices
10. Te lucis ante terminum (Procul recedant somnia) (I), motet for 5 voices, P. 214
11. Missa Alma Redemptoris mater, for 2 choirs & organ
12. Ave regina coelorum, antiphon for 5 voices
13. Regina coeli, antiphon for 5 voices
14. Salve regina, antiphon for 6 voices
15. Ave Maria
16. Bogoroditse devo, radouisya (Rejoice Virgin, Mother of God), for chorus
17. In manas tuas Domine, motet for 4 voices (SATB)
18. In manus tuas, for chorus
19. Compline Service

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.