Arthur's Seat (before Purcell)

So, our Victoria and Padilla concert went down well in Edinburgh last Friday evening. Can't remember when I last heard Victoria whooped - at least this bodes well for our all-Victoria programme on next year's Choral Pilgrimage, when we mark the 400th anniversary of his death.

A larger group go up to Edinburgh this evening for Purcell's Indian Queen tomorrow at the Usher Hall, with a great team of soloists: Gillian Keith, Katherine Manley, Robin Blaze, John Mark Ainsley, Allan Clayton and Roderick Williams.

Not sure what it is about The Sixteen and walking, but, having only recently completed the Choral Pilgrimage, several of the choir plan to tackle Arthur's Seat in the monring.

Membra Jesu Nostri

Buxtehude's stunning work Membra Jesu Nostri features on one of our recent CD releases on CORO. This cantata cycle is a unique work. Based on texts from a medieval Latin hymn, ‘Salve mundi salutare’, the cycle contains seven cantatas each dedicated to a different part of Christ’s crucified body. The texts are based on the concept of an observer contemplating Christ’s body on the cross starting with his feet and moving up to his knees, hands, side, breast, heart and finally his head. Buxtehude plays cleverly with musical colours and textures and changes the mixture of voices and instruments to dramatic effect as the work develops.

Soloists Carolyn Sampson, Libby Crabtree, Robin Blaze, James Gilchrist and Simon Birchall are directed by Harry Christophers.

This CD and all our other releases are available from our online shop.