A Celtic Prayer

Paisley is situated just to the west of Glasgow and is famous for its historic Abbey. Here the Abbey choir perform a programme of Scottish cathedral music directed by George McPhee who has presided over the choir since 1963.

This disc seeks to offer a sample of sacred music by Scottish composers from two particularly fruitful periods of Scotland’s musical history - the Renaissance and the present day.

Track Listing

1. Benedictus es Domine George McPhee (b.1937)

2. Mater salutaris Martin Dalby (1942-2018)

3. Prelude on ‘Bunessan’ for organ George McPhee

4. A Celtic Prayer George McPhee

5. Chosen James MacMillan (b.1959)

6. There is no Rose Thomas Wilson (1927-2001)

7. Adam lay ybounden Stuart MacRae (b.1976)

8. Gaude Maria Virgo Robert Johnson (c1470-after 1554)

9. The Lord is He whose strength doth make me strong Cedric Thorpe Davie (1913-1983)

10. -12. Three Donne Lyrics Eddie McGuire (b.1948)

    13. Prelude on ‘Quem Pastores’ for Organ George McPhee

    14. Benedicam Domino Robert Johnson

    15. Trinity Sunday Owen Swindale (b.1927)

    16. Come, Holy Ghost, the Maker Cedric Thorpe Davie

    17. Trumpet March on ‘Highland Cathedral’ for Organ George McPhee

Reviews

“The music is fresh and inspiring – Scottish composers old and new – which the performances abundantly reflect” Ken Walton, VoxCarnyx (Read the full review here)

“This disc is a wonderful selection of Scottish church music from the Renaissance to the present day.” Ian Munro, Church Music Quarterly

“I really enjoyed this attractive selection of music by 20th and 21st century Scottish composers.” Clare Stevens, Choir and Organ

“This is a finely imaginative programme and rightly a celebration of McPhee’s work at the abbey with his choir.” Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill – A world of classical music

“It is beautifully sung by the Paisley Abbey Choir, with an important input from the organist, David Gerrard and Ewan Robertson on the bass flute. The whole recital is presided over by the redoubtable George McPhee who has been Organist and Musical Director at the Abbey since 1963.” John France, MusicWeb International (Read the full review here)