Sir Karl Jenkins continues his 75th birthday year celebrations with a new album, Miserere: Songs of Mercy and Redemption (out November 15th, 2019 via Decca Classics).

This quite brilliant new work is dedicated to all who have suffered or perished during the conflicts in the Middle East over the last 70 years.

Conducted by Stephen Layton directing the choir Polyphony, Miserere features countertenor Iestyn Davies and South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, a recent recipient of the Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award in association with Classic FM.

1. Principium (4:03)
2. Miserere mei, Deus (4:44)
3. Hymnus: Ubi caritas (3:04)
4. Sacramentum (2:38)
5. Lavabis me (4:11)
6. Hymnus: When I survey the wondrous cross (2:53)
7. Panis Angelicus, Panis Hominum (5:07)
8. Hymnus: Locus iste (2:44)
9. Praise, Joy & Gladness (2:10)
10. Canendo (5:54)
11. Hymnus: Eli Jenkins' Prayer & Epilogue (3:22)
12. Rahma (3:39)
13. Contemplation & Benediction (6:20)

Motivated by the desperate situation for the millions of people displaced and impacted by the cruel effects of war, and hoping the healing and uniting powers of music could be used to bring together people from different religions, this new album of works from Jenkins is an orchestral marvel, it has to be said.

From the opening, desperately yearning track 'Principium,' and the angelic choir found on segments such as Miserere mei, Deus and the blessed Lavabis me, through the powerful, yet ethereal vocal moments brought forth on Panis Angelicus, Panis Hominum and the upbeat, rejoicing magnificence of Praise, Joy & Gladness, on through to the feverous Rahma, and the patient, cohesively rounded album closer Contemplation & Benediction, this album is, simply put, a choral masterpiece.

Conductor Stephen Layton himself has said, “Miserere is such an intriguing juxtaposition of many elements – I do believe it will catch the imagination around the world."

"It’s rare I find myself singing things over and over again. There is something very enduring and uniquely wonderful here which I love. I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to record this fantastic music.”

Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony
Stephen Layton
Abel Selaocoe (cello), Catrin Finch (harp), Maya Youssef (kanun), Belinda Sykes (vocals), Karl Jenkins (music production), Jody Jenkins (percussion), Zands Duggan (percussion), Iestyn Davies (counter-tenor), Thomas Gould (orchestra leader), and Karl Jenkins (keyboards).

www.KarlJenkins.com

Karl Jenkins @ Facebook