Artist: John Casken
Album: The Dream of the Rood
Genre: Classical
Release Date: 2019
Audio Format:: FLAC (tracks) 24 bit, 96 kHz
Duration: 50:26
Total Tracks: 19
Total Size: 831 MB

Tracklist:

1. The Hilliard Ensemble – Vetus abit littera (03:30)
2. The Hilliard Ensemble – Procurans odium (02:10)
3. The Hilliard Ensemble – Deus miseratus hominis (05:59)
4. John Casken – (Arr. J. Casken) (12:07)
5. The Hilliard Ensemble – I. Procession I (The Dream) (04:44)
6. The Hilliard Ensemble – II. Motet of Angels (00:34)
7. The Hilliard Ensemble – III. Dream of Fear (02:48)
8. Asko/Schönberg – IV. Interlude I (00:42)
9. The Hilliard Ensemble – V. Procession II (The Torn Tree) (01:57)
10. Asko/Schönberg – VI. Interlude II (00:35)
11. The Hilliard Ensemble – VII. Dream of Revelation (00:45)
12. The Hilliard Ensemble – VIII. Motet of Sacrifice (03:28)
13. Asko/Schönberg – IX. Interlude III (00:37)
14. The Hilliard Ensemble – X. Motet of Shame (01:34)
15. Asko/Schönberg – XI. Interlude IV (00:27)
16. The Hilliard Ensemble – XII. Dream of Adornment (01:53)
17. The Hilliard Ensemble – XIII. Motet of the Rood (03:17)
18. The Hilliard Ensemble – XIV. Motet of Prayer (01:01)
19. The Hilliard Ensemble – XV. Procession III (The Faith) (02:09)

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The Dream of the Rood sets texts chosen by the composer from the Anglo-Saxon poem of the same name which dramatically describes the story of the crucifixion in a highly original portrayal of Christ’s death coupled with Casken’s own arrangement of Pérotin’s Viderunt omnes, the earliest surviving vocal work of plainsong in four parts. In both arrangements, Casken introduces a large instrumental ensemble and masterfully enhances the medieval texts and music of the originals within a highly effective contemporary context. Alongside these are three pieces from the rare Conductus repertoire of the 12th/13th centuries which have been core to The Hilliard Ensemble’s performing library.This release marks the significant contribution to British music of one of its most notable vocal ensembles and one of its richest of composing voices, in work that is equally moving and dramatic.

“Honouring Casken at 70, this is among the Hilliard’s last recordings, and aptly includes one of their “standards”, Pérotin’s Viderunt omnes, with its innovative four-part plainsong. Here it comes in Casken’s transcription, with modern ensemble.” (Sunday Times)