HERBERT HOWELLS Psalms and Psalm Preludes
£14.50 £12.08 Ex vat
David Hill – organ solos
The Choir of Durham Cathedral Joseph Beech (organ) directed by Daniel Cook
Track List
The inspiring poetry of the Psalms was a powerful creative stimulus to the composer, Herbert Howells (1892–1983), throughout his life.
This recording is a unique project combining the six Psalm Preludes Howells wrote for solo organ, preceded by the six Psalms which inspired them. The Psalms are sung to ten chants by Howells, several of which are receiving their first recording.
The Psalm Preludes are played on the organ of Durham Cathedral by David Hill who has a long-standing association with Durham Cathedral, St John’s College, Cambridge, and the Herbert Howells Trust. The Psalms are sung by The Choir of Durham Cathedral, accompanied by Joseph Beech, and directed by Daniel Cook.
A detailed and informative booklet essay from Jonathan Clinch on Howells’s lifelong fascination with the Psalms and the background to the chants completes this reference recording.
Master Tallis’s Testament (Six Pieces for Organ, No 3)
7:04Psalm 34* I will alway give thanks unto the Lord
5:32Psalm-Prelude, Set 1, Op 32, No 1 (Ps 34, v6 – ‘Lo, the poor crieth’ )
6:55Psalm 37* Fret not thyself because of the ungodly
11:01Psalm-Prelude, Set 1, Op 32, No 2 (Ps 37, v11 – ‘But the meek-spirited shall possess the earth’ )
5:48Psalm 23* The Lord is my shepherd
2:19Psalm-Prelude, Set 1, Op 32, No 3 (Ps 23, v4 – ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death’ )
7:56Psalm 130* Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord
2:34Psalm-Prelude, Set 2, No 1 (Ps 130, v1 – ‘Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord’ )
8:25Psalm 139* O Lord, thou hast searched me out, and known me
5:42Psalm-Prelude, Set 2, No 2 (Ps 139, v11 – ‘Yea, the darkness is no darkness with thee’ )
6:47Psalm 33* Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous
5:42Psalm-Prelude, Set 2, No 3 (Ps 33, v3 – ‘Sing unto the Lord a new song’ )
7:26David Hill – organ solos
Psalms: The Choir of Durham Cathedral*
Joseph Beech (organ) Directed by Daniel Cook
Total Playing time: 83:12
Production credits
Recorded in Durham Cathedral, 12/13 June 2023 (Choir sessions), 27/28 July 2023 (David Hill) by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter
Producer and engineer: Gary Cole
Recording assistant: Pippa Cole
Sample audio extracts
Reviews
‘He [Hill] brings to the six Psalm Preludes an engaging sense of invention and vitality. These are colourful, impressionistic pieces that exploit the full dynamic range of the instrument. Hill’s mastery is total, immersing us in Howells’s emotionally distinctive soundworld, with its ebb and flow of questing and yearning….the singers navigate the exotic chromaticism of Howells’s psalmody with confidence…Regent’s recording captures the sense of scale and space in Durham Cathedral, and Jonathan Clinch’s booklet notes are both wide-ranging and enlightening. ’ BBC Music Magazine August 2025
‘David Hill is today probably best known as a conductor but he was originally an organist and remains an executant of huge distinction. To him falls the Psalm Preludes plus Master Tallis’s Testament, all of which are delivered with supreme virtuosity and authority. It’s hard to imagine them better played… Equally impressive are the cathedral’s current choral forces… ever-responsive to the text.
Taken as a whole, the CD is a fascinating experience, completed by Jonathan Clinch’s authoritative liner notes.’ ★★★★★ Choir and Organ Autumn 2025
‘Hill exploits the tonal resources of Durham Cathedral’s glorious organ and the buildings generous acoustic to excellent effect in a performance that bristles with life…The choir, under Daniel Cook’s expert direction and accompanied with great sensitivity by Joseph Beech, gives subtly nuanced renditions that stand in effective relief to the much broader emotional landscapes of the organ works. An absolute triumph.’ Organists’ Review September 2025
‘The playing and singing are without fault.’ American Record Guide September/October 2025
‘David Hill’s interpretation reveals the consummate artisan at work… Regent’s sound engineers have achieved something remarkable: the listener can savour the most delicate passages whilst experiencing the full visceral impact of Howells’ magnificent crescendos as they build to thrilling climaxes, then dissolve into ethereal silence… This is absolutely entrancing—a recording that sensitively captures not merely the notes on the page but the very soul of Anglican worship music. Essential listening.’ Andrew Palmer, Yorkshire Times June 2025
‘..the playing and singing are as virtuosic as one could wish for… This is consistently exhilarating and a superb addition to the Howells catalogue that should arouse more interest in this composer’s music. Inspiring stuff, in overgenerous playing time, superb sonics and eye-catching presentation. Strongly recommended’ Gerald Fenech, Classicalmusicdaily.com May 2025
