Herbert Howells - Psalms and Psalm Preludes (David Hill; Choir of Durham Cathedral)

Information

Composer: Herbert Howells

1. Six Pieces for Organ: 3. Master Tallis’s Testament
2. Psalm 34
3. Psalm-Prelude, Set 1, Op 32: No 1
4. Psalm 37
5. Psalm-Prelude, Set 1, Op 32: No 2
6. Psalm 23
7. Psalm-Prelude, Set 1, Op 32: No 3
8. Psalm 130
9. Psalm-Prelude, Set 2: No 1
10. Psalm 139
11. Psalm-Prelude, Set 2: No 2
12. Psalm 33
13. Psalm-Prelude, Set 2: No 3

David Hill, organ solo

Joseph Beech, organ

The Choir of Durham Cathedral

Daniel Cook, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: Regent

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The inspiring poetry of the Psalms was a powerful creative stimulus to the composer, Herbert Howells (1892–1983), throughout his life. This recording is a unique project combining the six Psalm Preludes Howells wrote for solo organ, preceded by the six Psalms which inspired them. The Psalms are sung to ten chants by Howells, several of which are receiving their first recording. The Psalm Preludes are played on the organ of Durham Cathedral by David Hill who has a long-standing association with Durham Cathedral, St John’s College, Cambridge, and the Herbert Howells Trust. The Psalms are sung by The Choir of Durham Cathedral, accompanied by Joseph Beech, and directed by Daniel Cook.

David Hill, born in Carlisle in 1957, is a renowned British conductor, organist, and music educator. A Fellow of the Royal College of Organists by age 17, he studied at Chetham’s School of Music and was an organ scholar at St John’s College, Cambridge, later returning as Director of Music. His distinguished career includes leading roles at Winchester and Westminster Cathedrals, the Philharmonia Chorus, and The Bach Choir. With over 70 acclaimed recordings, he has also conducted top orchestras worldwide and premiered works by major contemporary composers. Hill is a leading figure in choral training and a sought-after organ recitalist.