Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) has become recognized as one of the leading British symphonic composers of the second half of the 20th century. In this recording, Gloriæ Dei Cantores brings the choral works of Edmund Rubbra to life. Featured as the centerpiece of this recording, Tenebrae, Op. 72 consists of nine motet settings of the Gregorian Chant responsories for Maundy Thursday. Rubbra's expressive and powerful style conveys the depth of these texts that re-tell the passion of Christ. Also recorded are: Missa in Honorem Sancti Dominici, which is generally considered his choral masterpiece; Salutation, a part song written in honor of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Op. 65; and Festival Gloria Op. 94, an unaccompanied work for two choirs reminiscent of the Venetian school, which completes this landmark recording.
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| Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in A-Flat Op. 65 |
| 1 | Magnificat | 5:07 |
| 2 | Nunc Dimittis | 2:16 |
| Tenebrae First Nocturn Op. 72 |
| 3 | In monte Oliveti | 2:21 |
| 4 | Tristis est anima mea | 2:21 |
| 5 | Ecce vidimus eum | 4:14 |
| Tenebrae Second Nocturn Op. 72 |
| 6 | Amicus meus | 2:42 |
| 7 | Judas mercator pessimus | 2:22 |
| 8 | Unus ex discipulis | 2:31 |
| Tenebrae Third Nocturn Op. 72 |
| 9 | Eram quasi agnus innocens | 3:22 |
| 10 | Una hora non potuistis | 2:18 |
| 11 | Seniores populi | 2:58 |
| 12 | Salutation Op. 82 | 3:23 |
| Missa in Honorem Sancti Dominici Op. 66 |
| 13 | Kyrie  | 1:54 |
| 14 | Gloria | 3:59 |
| 15 | Credo | 6:09 |
| 16 | Sanctus | 1:17 |
| 17 | Benedictus | 1:21 |
| 18 | Agnus Dei | 1:37 |
| 19 | Festival Gloria Op. 94 | 5:27 |
| | Total Time: | 58:28 |
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| The superior performance of the Rubbra choral works by the Gloriæ Dei Cantores choir on this recording is a direct result of the meticulous attention given to two key elements inherent in choral music: intonation and textual clarity. And in every piece the expressive details, so carefully indicated by the composer, are sensitvely and wonderfully realized. |
| Ralph Scott Grover |
| The Music of Edmund Rubbra |
| November 3, 2005 |
| [Edmund Rubbra: The Sacred Muse] brings to the fore some of the unjustly neglected choral music of Edmund Rubbra. His disinctive and very personal style is apparent throughout, especially in the ethereal and finely wrought Tenebrae motets. |
| George Guest, Former Choirmaster of St. John's College, Cambridge, England |
| November 3, 2005 |
| The most comprehensive survey of Rubbra's sacred music yet available on CD, compellingly and imaginatively performed. A 'must have' for all devotees of this fascinating composer. |
| John Rutter, Composer, Founder and Conductor of the Cambridge Singers |
| November 3, 2005 |
| These are good performances and come with texts and helpful notes by Craig Timberlake. |
| The American Organist |
| August 1, 1998 |
| As touching as the Mass is lovely. This beautiful disc helps fill out the picture of a major composer, one whose symphonic music has been featured in this column several times. |
| Robert Reilly |
| Crisis |
| April 1, 1998 |
