Westminster Cathedral was founded by Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, Archbishop of Westminster, with the vision of establishing a fine choir of men and boys for daily liturgy.
Composer Biography
Benjamin Britten was so impressed by the 'un-Anglican' sound of the Westminster boys' choir under George Malcolm that he offered to compose a new Mass for them.
Performer Biography
The Choir of Westminster Cathedral is thought to be the only choir in the world that sings a fully-choral Mass every day.
Recording & Production
This album includes tracks previously released on other Hyperion recordings, with some tracks recorded in July 1998.
Critical Reception
Stanford, a teacher, encouraged his pupils to attend choral services at Westminster Cathedral to hear the newly-rediscovered repertoire, famously calling it 'Palestrina for twopence'.
Cultural Impact
Richard Runciman Terry, the first Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, was instrumental in reviving lost masterpieces of 16th-century polyphony, making the Cathedral a unique place to hear this music.
Critical Reception
The Choir of Westminster Cathedral has received numerous awards, including the 1984 Gramophone Early Music Award and the 1998 Gramophone Award for Best Choral Recording.
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