Eventide (Decca, 2014)
Eventide is the new album by an extraordinary a cappella ensemble called Voces8. The eight singers deliver a superb selection of meditative pieces from various musical traditions, including classical music, sacred Christian choral works, English folk music, jazz and even Hollywood soundtracks.
On a select number of tracks, the eight gorgeous voices are joined by delicate cello, saxophone and harp, performed in a style that blends in perfectly. The current Voces8 lineup includes Chris Wardle (counter-tenor), Sam Dressel (tenor), Paul Smith (baritone), Emily Dickens (soprano), Andrea Haines (soprano), Barnaby Smith (countertenor), Oliver Vincent (tenor), and Dingle Yandell (bass).
Award-winning British ensemble Voces8 was created in 2003 and has become one of the leading acts in the international classical choral music category. In addition to the classical repertoire, Voces8’ programs also include Renaissance polyphony, jazz and pop arrangements. The ensemble frequently commissions and collaborates with celebrated contemporary composers including Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, Roxanna Panufnik, Alexander Levine and Ben Parry.
Another area of interest for Voces8 is outreach and education. The ensemble has developed a series of music education workshops that reach about 20,000 people each year. Voces8 have written a book for schools titled The Voces8 Method, containing musical group activities centered on rhythm and melody, The Voces8 Method is envisioned to build up key learning skills and improve students’ academic learning across all subjects.
The ensemble’s discography includes Voces8: A Choral Tapestry, The Purcell Collection, Christmas, Evensong, Bach: Motets, and Brahms, Reger, Bruckner.
Eventide is an outstanding contemplative vocal album with an immediate crossover appeal, destined to be one of the vocal albums of the year.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
