Roman Catholic Archive

“Mater ora filium: Music for Epiphany” – Ch. Of Clare College, Cambridge/ Michael Papadopoulos, organ/ Graham Ross – HM

by Audiophile Audition | Dec 4, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

A fine English Christmas offering from a decidedly accomplished ensemble. “Mater ora filium: Music for Epiphany” – Ch. Of Clare College, Cambridge/ Michael Papadopoulos, organ/ Graham Ross – Harmonia mundi HMU 907653, 72:44  (12/2/16) [Distr. by Harmonia mundi/PIAS] ****: Though the Christians of the west don’t total ignore the feast of the Baptism of Christ (especially in the Roman Catholic Church), for the eastern church this has been the primary emphasis for nearly 1600 years. In the west the visitation of the “wise men” or three kings, has taken preference as a manifestation (the meaning of “epiphany” or “theophany”) to the gentiles. It is also known as “twelfth night” as the ending of the twelve days of Christmas, and the beginning of Epiphanytide. Hence this disc of mainly English composers with a smattering of early music and non-British music has a distinct connection with the Nativity of Christ, and is properly included in any select group of fine Christmas CDs for the year. It will certainly appeal to the Anglophile in each of us, but aside from that, it is representative of the best of the particular composers listed, making it a wonderful experience from a simple perspective of great […]