Recordings

Vaughan Williams, Tavener & MacMillan: Choral works

Released: 2nd June 2023

From established works by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Sir John Tavener to premiere recordings of recent commissions by Sir James MacMillan, this new release from the Choir of Westminster Abbey brings together iconic pieces with strong musical and historical ties to the Abbey.

Recorded in June and October 2022, the disc is the Abbey Choir’s last under the direction of James O’Donnell and features a performance of MacMillan’s transcendent anthem Who shall separate us?, recorded shortly after the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for which it was specially composed.

Track listings

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)

• Mass in G minor
• O taste and see

James MacMillan (b 1959)

• What man is he that feareth the Lord (first recording)
• Mass of St Edward the Confessor (first recording)
• A special appeal
• Who shall separate us?

John Tavener (1944–2013)

• Magnificat and Nunc dimittis ‘Collegium Regale’
• Song for Athene

Music personnel 

• James O’Donnell - conductor
• Peter Holder - organ
• The Choir of Westminster Abbey