NEWS:
New release on the Grammy award-winning label Affetto (Naxos) with producer John Baker:
Love so amazing: the hymn arrangements of Stuart Forster.
Nineteen hymns sung by the combined choirs from Christ Church, Cambridge, and Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, with brass, percussion, and the new Schoenstein organ at Redeemer, played by Stuart Forster and conducted by Michael S. Murray.
This recording is now available in both parishes and from Apple Music, Amazon, Naxos Direct, Pandora, Spotify, and many others.
WATCH A PREVIEW RIGHT HERE:
- Jesus Christ is risen today
- Songs of thankfulness and praise
- Amazing grace
- New songs of celebration render
- Come down, O Love divine
- For all the saints
- He is risen
- Sing, ye faithful, sing with gladness
- Hail the day that sees him rise
- All creatures of our God and King
- I heard the voice of Jesus say
- When I survey the wondrous cross
- Lord, you give the great commission
- When in our music God is glorified
- O God of earth and altar
- Come, thou fount of every blessing
- Be thou my vision
- Angel-voices ever singing
- Jerusalem
Here’s a whole track from the new CD, if you’ll sit through the ad first:
“From the opening notes of the extended introduction of the first hymn, Jesus Christ is risen today, it is apparent that Forster has set out to emphasize the majesty of Christ in his approach to these arrangements. Beyond that, he is imaginative and very musical in his settings. Forster keeps musical interest strong in his settings through varying harmony, orchestration (including the use of a cappella verses), short interludes, and the use of descants.
The forces that perform these works are to be highly commended. The combined choirs sing with accuracy, sensitivity, and power where appropriate, and have sopranos in them that can hit a high C effortlessly. I like the recorded sound very much. Brass, organ, and occasional percussion performers all add splendidly to the effect, and tempos are well kept by conductor Michael Murray, who is well known also as an organist.
The recorded sound is resplendent and provides evidence that the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut, Massachusetts has a fine acoustic ambience. For some auditors, the CD will transcend its musical values and become a worship experience, as it did for me. Highly recommended, then, to hymn lovers or aficionados of fine choral singing.” David DeBoor Canfield, Fanfare magazine (2019)
ORGAN SOLO
Symphonic Quest
This is Stuart Forster’s most recent CD for solo organ [Pro Organo CD 7228]. The four-manual organ, built by Schoenstein & Co. in 1997 for First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, is showcased in some of Stuart’s orchestral transcriptions and music composed for the organ in America, Australia, France, Italy, England, and Germany.
“His dexterous command of the large instrument is reminiscent of that of his former teacher Thomas Murray. The instrument itself is ideally suited to this kind of music, and Forster elicits a multitude of colors to match every phrase, including the various percussions. From the softest whisper to the sumptuous strings, flutes, and foundations, to the blare of the big reeds and the glory of the full organ, these are compelling performances. Throughout, Forster’s broad musicianship and technical mastery produce a gratifying musical experience. His performance of Hancock’s Toccata, which closes the program, is particularly brilliant; Uncle Gerre would be proud! Forster is clearly at home on this grand symphonic instrument, which shines under his capable command. Performer, music, and instrument combine to make this a highly enjoyable recording.” James Hildreth, The American Organist April 2014
1. “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” from The Planets — Gustav Holst (1874–1934), trans. Stuart Forster
2. Five Variants of ‘Dives and Lazarus’ — Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), trans. Stuart Forster
3. Andante con moto en sol mineur — Alexandre Pierre François Boëly (1785–1858)
4. Noël: Grand jeu et Duo — Louis Claude Daquin (1694–1772)
5. Scherzo in g minor — Marco Enrico Bossi (1861–1925)
6. “Cantabile” from Symphonie VI — Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
7. Tuba Tune — Christopher Luke (b. 1972)
8. Choral Song and Fugue — Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
9. “Allegretto” from Symphony No. 7 — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1833), trans. Stuart Forster
10. “Communion” from Triptyque — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
11. Toccata — Gerre Hancock (b. 1934)
Available directly from Stuart Forster at stuartforster@aya.yale.edu or from Pro Organo https://www.proorgano.com/?t=special&productid=45
YouTube video from the recording session for Bossi Scherzo in g minor
“Forster brings solid technique, a rich sense of musical idiom, and creative exploration of registration possibilities to his performances.” Victor Hill, The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians, October 2009
Great Organ Builders of America, Volume 8 — Ernest M. Skinner
Stuart Forster’s pioneer recording of the 1931 4-manual Skinner Organ at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Toledo, Ohio, is once again available from JAV Recordings [JAV113]. The first transcription of the complete ‘New World’ Symphony is premiered with other transcriptions and organ music from Australia, France, England, and Germany.
1. Gothic Toccata — Graeme Koehne (b. 1956)
2. Blithe Bells — Percy Grainger (1882–1961), after Bach, arranged by Forster
3. “Allegro vivace” from Symphonie I — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
4. Bridal March from The Birds of Aristophanes — C. Hubert H. Parry (1848–1918)
5. Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
6. Tuba Tune — Reginald Porter-Brown (1910–1982)
7. Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), transcribed by Forster
Available directly from Stuart Forster at stuartforster@aya.yale.edu or from JAV Recordings http://www.greatorgancds.com/
“I wouldn’t have missed this experience for the world! The transcription is masterly, its performance quite splendid…. This is orchestral playing of the highest calibre.” Paul Hale, The Organist’s Review
“To say that music, player and instrument fit together well is akin to saying that Gustav Mahler wrote some nice pieces for orchestra! … musicality shines through, this is virtuosity used in the service of the music not vice-versa.” Nicholas Wraight, The Organ Club Journal
ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT
Vivat Regina!
The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, 1952–2012
Choir of the Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill, MA
L’Académie, Leslie Kwan director
Stuart Forster organist
Michael S. Murray conductor
1. Crown Imperial, Sir William Walton (1902–1983)
Mr. Michael S. Murray, Organist
2. I was glad when they said unto me, Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848–1918)
3. Behold, O God our defender, Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
4. Jerusalem, arr. Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848–1918)
5. First Reading: 1 Peter 2:13–17
Dr. Philip Budden, Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul General to New England
6. Magnificat “Collegium Regale”, Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
7. Second Reading: Matthew 22:15–22
Mr. Kenneth Millican
8. Nunc Dimittis “Collegium Regale”, Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
Alexander Nishibun, Tenor
9. Fantasia on a Ground Bass, Henry Purcell (1659–1695)
L’Académie; Ms. Leslie Parris Kwan, Director
10. I will not leave you comfortless, William Byrd (1543–1623)
11. The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune, Old 100th, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)
12. Zadok the Priest, George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
13. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810–1876)
14. Praise my soul, the King of Heaven, Lauda anima, John Goss (1800–1880)
15. O taste and see, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)
16. God save the Queen, arr. Sir David Willcocks (b. 1919)
17. Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D, Sir Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
Dr. Stuart Forster, Organist
There Were Angels Singing ― a Chestnut Hill Christmas
Choir of the Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Michael S. Murray, conductor
Stuart Forster, organist
Michael Diorio, organist
Available from CDBaby http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/choirofthechurchofthered
1. Once in royal David’s city, arr. James O’Donnell
2. Adam lay ybounden, Boris Ord
3. Jesus Christ the apple tree, Elizabeth Poston
4. Uns ist ein kind geboren (from BWV 142), Johann Sebastian Bach
5. Alleluia (from BWV 142), Johann Sebastian Bach
6. I wonder as I wander, arr. Steven Pilkington
7. The First Nowell, arr. David Willcocks
8. Angelus, David Aaron Miller
9. In dulci jubilo, Robert Lucas Pearsall
10. Glory to God (Messiah), George Frideric Handel
11. Angels we have heard on high, arr. Michael S. Murray
12. O magnum mysterium, Tomás Luis de Victoria
13. Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child, Kenneth Leighton
14. God rest ye, merry gentlemen, arr. Stuart Forster
15. The Three Kings, arr. Ivor Atkins
16. O come, all ye faithful, arr. David Willcocks
17. I saw three ships, arr. Richard Lloyd
18. Up! good Christian folk, Piae Cantiones
19. Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, John Gardner
20. Hark! the herald angels sing, arr. David Willcocks
21. Choral Fantasia “In dulci jubilo” (BWV 729) , Johann Sebastian Bach
CONDUCTOR
Vesper Light was recorded live on tour during the Christ Church Cambridge Evensong Choir’s first decade (2000–2009). Founding director Stuart Forster plays two organ solos and conducts the choir during services at Washington National Cathedral, Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue, and the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City. Organ accompaniments are played by Jeremy Bruns, Michael Murray, and Frederick Teardo.
1. O gracious light — Robert Lehman (b. 1960)
2. I will not leave you comfortless — William Byrd (1543–1623)
3. “Gloria in excelsis” from Messe solennelle — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
4. Preces — Robert Lehman (b. 1960)
5. Almighty and everlasting God — Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625)
6. Psalm 113 — Anglican chant by James Turle (1802–1882)
7. Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
8. Suffrages — Robert Lehman (b. 1960)
9. “Sanctus and Benedictus” from Messe solennelle — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
10. All wisdom cometh from the Lord — Philip Moore (b. 1943)
11. Ave Maria — Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–1847)
12. A Hymn to the Virgin — Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)
13. “Benedictus” from Festal Communion Service in B-flat — Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924)
14. “Final” from Symphonie I — Louis Vierne (1870–1937)
“… the integrity of the musicianship of Stuart’s excellent forty-voice Evensong choir remains consistent. Founded only ten years ago, this choir has quickly worked to put itself “on the map.” … Again and again, Stuart and the choir demonstrate wonderful musicianship coupled with a passion for what they are doing.” Jonathan Dimmock, The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
This recording is available from CDBaby (CD or digital) at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/evensongchoir, or from iTunes (digital only).
Forster displays his enviable skills as an organ soloist in Bach’s Schmücke dich, played with sensitivity of phrasing and tasteful embellishment, and Vierne’s Final from Symphonie No. 1, given an invigorating, energetic reading. Forster’s skill as a choral leader is equally impressive. The choir consistently performs at a high technical and artistic level, exhibiting exemplary vocalism and stylistic integrity… sterling renditions of this sacred repertoire. Stuart Forster and the Evensong Choir of Christ Church are highly worthy practitioners of the Anglican cathedral tradition. This recording is well worth acquiring.
James Hildreth, The American Organist, February 2017