Anthems from St. Michael's College, Tenbury

The most famous boys' choir in England is surely that of King's College, Cambridge, which has appeared on this site a few times. But there are - or in this case were - other such choirs. This record is a rare outing for the Choir of St. Michael's College, Tenbury, in west central England.

The King's College Choir dates back to the 15th century, but St. Michael's was founded much closer to our own time - in 1856 by Sir Frederick Ouseley, a composer and cleric who wanted to preserve the performance of Anglican church music.

Unfortunately, Ouseley's vision lasted only 130 years - the school closed in 1985, and its buildings are now used by a boarding school for international students, King's College Saint Michaels. Before closing, the choir school did produce at least four LPs. This album was, I believe, its first, being recorded in 1964 and released the following year on Argo records.

Vintage postcard

Sing Joyfully contains a selection of anthems ranging from the 16th century to more recent times. The first side include music by Thomas Tallis, Thomas Morley, Christopher Tye, William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons, along with an anonymous work that was thought to be by John Redford when the record was made. The second side begins with a brief work from Ouseley, continuing with music by Herbert Murrill, Charles Stanford, Hubert Parry, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten.

The choir does well under the experienced direction of Lucian Nethsingha, who was later at Exeter Cathedral for many years. Nethsingha's son, Andrew, is now the music director at St. John's College, Cambridge. Argo's sound is closer than you typically hear with such programs, but nonetheless pleasing.

This post is the result of a request on a classical forum by a former teacher at St. Michael's College. I also have a Christmas LP released the year before the choir school's closing. I plan to present that record during the upcoming holiday season.

Group portrait, 1960s

Follow @BusterBig10Inch