London Choral Sinfonia - The World to Me: The Music of Simon Beattie (CD)

A compelling introduction to the choral works of Simon Beattie, this album showcases a fresh yet deeply rooted voice in British music. Entirely self-taught, Beattie draws on the English choral tradition with a rare sensitivity to text and vocal colour. His settings range from medieval Latin liturgy to contemporary poetry by Rowan Williams and Carol Ann Duffy, as well as Beattie's own English translations of Rilke and Heine. Highlights include Advent Calendar, first broadcast by St John's College, Cambridge; the evocative Missa Sanctae Annae for upper voices; and poignant standalone works such as A Remembrance and The World to me. Whether writing for massed voices or just two lines in counterpoint, Beattie's music is marked by narrative clarity, lyrical precision, and emotional resonance. Performed by the London Choral Sinfonia under Michael Waldron, this album includes many premiere recordings and affirms Beattie's growing reputation as a distinctive choral composer.

Track List:

Disc: 1

1. Beattie: Advent Calendar
2. Beattie: Magi viderunt stellam
3. Beattie: The Little One
4. Beattie: One day, God walked in
5. Beattie: To Our Lady
6. Beattie: The Angel and the Unicorn
7. Beattie: Each a sanctum replete
8. Beattie: At Cana
9. Beattie: Missa Sanctae Annae
10. Beattie: Missa Sanctae Annae
11. Beattie: Missa Sanctae Annae
12. Beattie: Missa Sanctae Annae
13. Beattie: Missa Sanctae Annae
14. Beattie: Missa Sanctae Annae
15. Beattie: O sacrum convivium
16. Beattie: A Remembrance
17. Beattie: Short Service
18. Beattie: Short Service
19. Beattie: With one's thoughts
20. Beattie: Three Heine Love Songs
21. Beattie: Three Heine Love Songs
22. Beattie: Three Heine Love Songs
23. Beattie: Remember me
24. Beattie: The World to me