Ah Boys to Men 2017

2017 is the tenth anniversary of the passing of the 20th Century’s most famous tenor – Decca marks this occasion to marvel once again at the sheer quality of the voice of ‘The People’s Tenor’ with a 101-disc collection presenting every role he ever recorded and performed. Every role since his debut recording of La Boh?me in 1961 is included, allowing critics, collectors and opera lovers once more to appreciate his truly exceptional gifts. Every single opera is presented in the best possible audio quality, remastered at Abbey Road under the supervision of former Decca engineers.

In 1739 William Boyce (1711-1779) composed his 'Ode for St. Cecelia's Day' to a text by his friend, the amateur poet, John Lockman. In writing this ode Boyce followed in the footsteps of his two chief teachers, Maurice Greene and Johann Pepusch who also wrote music in St. Cecelia's honor. However, his music is more reminiscent of Handel which is not surprising, since while the much younger Boyce was becoming prominent in London's lively music scene, Handel was the most celebrated composer of the time anywhere.

This performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion is sung in English and played on modern instrument. If that bothers you, don't bother checking out this recording. If it doesn't bother you, and you like the idea of a heartrending, awe-inspiring, and profoundly moving performance of Bach's sacred dramatic masterpiece, by all means, try this recording. David Willcocks, the dean of English choral conductors, leads the combined forces of the Bach Choir, the Boys' Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Thames Chamber Orchestra along with six A-list British soloists in a deeply human, intensely spiritual, and amazingly dramatic performance of the work.