Grayston Ives: Requiem Choir of Jesus College, Cambridge, Britten Sinfonia & Richard Pinel

• Grayston Ives (b. 1948):
• 1 Ives: Requiem: I. Introit – Kyrie 06:04
• 2 Ives: Requiem: Ii. O Domine, Jesu Christe 10:00
• 3 Ives: Requiem: Iii. Sanctus 02:29
• 4 Ives: Requiem: Iv. Benedictus 01:44
• 5 Ives: Requiem: V. Pie Jesu 03:40
• 6 Ives: Requiem: Vi. Agnus Dei – Lux Aeterna 08:11
• 7 Ives: Requiem: Vii. Libera me, Domine 06:29
• 8 Ives: Requiem: Viii. In Paradisum 04:06
• Total Runtime 42:43

Info for Grayston Ives: Requiem

Bill Ives has enjoyed a rich and varied career as both performer and composer (Grayston Ives). These experiences, culminating in nearly two decades as Informator Choristarum (Director of Music) at Magdalen College, Oxford, are reflected in a compositional style which is complex yet accessible, rich and colourful. His choral music comes from the heart, and this deeply personal reaction to the texts enables the performer or listener to engage with and enjoy the music to its full extent.

This recording represents two ‘firsts’ for the choirs of Jesus College, Cambridge: The first time the choir have collaborated on a recording with the Britten Sinfonia, as well as is the first time both chapel and college choirs they have joined forces for an entire album.

Bill (Grayston) Ives writes: “In the Requiem many influences are thrown into the musical melting pot and will be apparent to the discerning listener. Ultimately, the piece is firmly rooted in the Anglican choral tradition (written specifically for liturgical performance), the distillation of a lifetime in music ... The delicate, sweet sound of a pair of tiny hand- held cymbals is heard at the opening and at intervals throughout. They were bought at Snape Maltings from a group of Tibetan monks who were resident there during the summer of 2008 when ideas for the piece were forming.”

The Choir of Jesus College Cambridge
Britten Sinfonia
Dewi Rees, organ
Richard Pinel, conductor

Richard Pinel
took up the post of Director of Music at Jesus College, Cambridge in 2017. Prior to this he spent nearly eight years as Assistant Director of Music of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, during which time he gained international recognition as an organist. He also held similar posts at Magdalen College, Oxford and Perth Cathedral, Australia and the organ scholarship of St Albans Cathedral and Magdalen College, Oxford.

Beginning his musical life as a chorister at All Saints' Church, Northampton, Richard was awarded the prestigious organ scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford in 2002. Whilst reading music there, Richard worked under the direction of the composer former King's Singer, Bill Ives. During this time, the Grammy-nominated college choir undertook several recording projects on the Harmonia Mundi USA label, on which Richard's playing was hailed as 'a force of nature'.

More recently, Richard has undertaken further study with Henry Fairs as a Junior Fellow at Birmingham Conservatoire. Since then he has enjoyed competition success on an international level, culminating in winning the First Prize, Ad Wammes Prize and Haji Hakim Prize at the Breda International Organ Competition in The Netherlands.

As a teacher, Richard has led masterclasses for the Royal College of Organists and tutored on courses for Oundle for Organists. Richard's first CD L'Orgue Symphonique, released on Resonus Classics, has been praised for its 'electrifying impact' and 'truly tremendous verve'. Recital engagements have taken him across the UK, to Europe and the United States of America and he has broadcast, as both organist and pianist, on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, Classic FM and Radio France Culture.

Booklet for Grayston Ives: Requiem