The Washington National Cathedral Choir (comprised of the Choir of Men and Boys, and the Choir of Men and Girls) is one of the few cathedral choirs in the United States with an affiliated school in the English Tradition—and this is their first recording on Gothic with their new director, Michael McCarthy. Appointed in 2003, McCarthy was the founding director of the London Oratory School Schola. The Schola recorded for the film scores of both The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and the Harry Potter film series. McCarthy brings a fresh approach to Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, and delightful readings of many other Christmas carols. One of America's finest Anglican choirs! - Gothic Records

Benjamin Britten: A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28
Britten: A Hymn to the Virgin
Richard Rodney Bennett: Suanni
arr. Robert Lucas de Pearsall: In dulci jubilo
arr. John Stainer: What child is this
Kenneth Leighton: Lully lulla
arr. Sandys, Bramley & Stainer: I saw three ships
Morten Lauridsen: O magnum mysterium
John Rutter: There is a flower
Peter Warlock: Bethlehem Down
Peter Wishart: Alleluya! A new work is come on hand

For his first album on Origin, veteran New York vibraphonist Dan McCarthy gathers with some of the most creative and interesting improvisers in jazz - violinist Mark Feldman, bassist Steve Swallow and guitarist Ben Monder. Crafting an elegant program of impressionistic originals, McCarthy uses them to highlight the unique color and texture of the instrumentation, along with these master performer's eloquent use of mood, subtlety, timbre and patience. Sharing sonic territory with classic albums by Eberhard Weber, or several of John Abercrombie's ECM recordings, McCarthy's new offering engages with disarming beauty. "An extraordinary musical ability and a boundless imagination" - Gary Burton."A vibraphonist with a charismatic and pointedly contemporary style" - Nate Chinen, NYT

... with a keen appreciation for suspense and patient development, (McCarthy) tests the boundaries and borders of shadows and shape with stunning results. - All About Jazz. Harkening back to the era of classic Gary Burton recordings such as "Dreams So Real" and "Passengers," vibist Dan McCarthy pays tribute to Burton and Carla Bley, another towering influence on his musical development, for his second Origin release. Recently returning to Toronto after 15 years in New York City, McCarthy teams with highly regarded Toronto-based improvisors, guitarist Ted Quinlan, Pat Collins on bass, and drummer Ted Warren, to present six new originals inspired by Burton and Bley, as well as compositions from Pat Metheny, "Midwestern Nights Dream," and Keith Jarrett's "Coral." "An extraordinary musical ability and a boundless imagination" - Gary Burton.

• First recording of the professional vocal ensemble Cathedra, which is based at Washington National Cathedral andirected by Michael McCarthy

These premiere recordings, consisting of a Missa Brevis and Evensong settings plus organ interludes and voluntaries, represent the entire body of James D’Angelo’s sacred music. + An American living in England, the composer has assimilated and melded together diverse styles as found in the music of Gesualdo and other chromatic Renaissance composers, Hindemith, Debussy, Ravel, Holst and his mentor, the 20th c. Parisian composer Jean Catoire. + The resulting unique stylistic fusion has become the hallmark of Mr. D’Angelo’s distinctive musical language.

Handel: Messiah

Classical Music

Classical Music

PURCELL: Full Anthems / Music on the Death of Queen Mary