Gustav HOLST - This have I done for my true love

[bryancti]

After having sung this Holst setting of this text, I really think it's the best setting of it - the Willcocks, Rutter, and Gardner settings don't really compare in the depth of the treatment of the text. And this recording really is wonderful. One small quibble, though - in the last measure, the tenors flub the first two crotchets of the measure (C#-D#, sung a half step sharp). Other than that, a brilliant interpretation.

[lilysea]

One of my favorite songs!

[ariastoteles]

Bravissimo!

[crickladian]

A beautiful piece sung to perfection. Sublime and deeply moving.

[fliss69]

how wonderful this is! I watched the film about Holst on the BBC this weekend and marvelled at what a brilliant person he was. I pretty much knew nothing about him, other than he composed the Planets, and therefore 'I vow to thee...'. To learn about such a socialist reformer was amazing - and the truly beautiful music he created.

[Chilterns50]

Lovely interpretation: bravo to the Singers! And thank you for uploading this, it's a treat to hear Holst's take on this ancient Cornish hymn and you all doing it justice, with its combination of the very old and the refreshingly modern: timeless!

[addtothebeauty]

This is just wonderful. I love this song; it makes me feel so loved. :) And the singing is done so well! Thanks for posting.

[theblenheimsingers]

Hi Andreas,

Many thanks for your comment! I'm pleased you enjoyed the recording. It was recorded during a live concert in April earlier this year, in Exeter College Chapel, Oxford. I notice that you're a countertenor - I always try to balance my altos with 50% countertenors with 50% contraltos to try to achieve a rounded blend - I hope you enjoyed their sound!

Thanks again for your kind comment

Tom Hammond-Davies

[FredtheGreat01]

Lovely performance, the only I've heard that's at least as good as if not better than the old ARGO LP conducted by Imogen Holst. Now, when are you going to record You-Know-Who's Mass in G?

[theblenheimsingers]

Thanks very much, Fred. I'm very keen on the Mass in G - in fact, I tend to do it quite often liturgically, as well as his Te Deum in G (assuming of course we're talking about RVW, and not Poulenc, though the latter's is also a favourite of mine). A proper recording with this group is definitely on horizon. If it weren't for the usual financial gremlins, it would be on the shelves much sooner. Nevertheless favourable comments such as yours are just the ticket for the word to spread. Thanks again

[FredtheGreat01]

Muchos Gracias for the reply, of course my logon name is a pseudonym, c'est permi de m'appeler David. I am of course referring to the Giant of Leith Hill as you surmised. I also love the Stabat Mater & Gloria of le gentilhomme Francais to whom you referred but am not familiar with his Mass (about 180 lbs. I'd guess ( :-)) ), but seriously if you attempt those 2 works you will need a Pretre to conduct it and then the one from 30 years ago not the current one!

[squashroe]

one of the best versions ive heard

wicked tenor top As at the end!

mite have to come see you guys soon

[theblenheimsingers]

Thank you, squashroe; I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'd be pleased to meet you after a concert if you came.

[fizfass]

This is fantastic. There's great attention given to words and phrasing by the singers and conductor. In the Zone!

[theblenheimsingers]

Thanks, fizfass! It's one of my favourite pieces :)

[PViktor2]

Absolutely wonderful - I was at this concert, and it was magnificent.