It now has a jaded reputation but Stainer’s
Crucifixion had
many years of popularity. Modest church choirs and amateur tenors
and basses in parish churches and cathedrals across the worldwide
Anglican communion welcomed it. The work shared the limelight
with other sentimental lachrymose Victoriana such as
Olivet
to Calvary by John Henry Maunder (1858-1920). Indeed those
two works are in harness on a 2 CD set on Classics for Pleasure
CFP 5757792. It features Frederick Harvey (baritone), John Lawrenson
(baritone), Terence Clifford (baritone), Philip Mindenhall (bass),
Peter Morse (organ) and the Choir of Guildford Cathedral conducted
by Barry Rose.
No doubt
The Crucifixion still rates the occasional performance
although as churches close and are rationalised one can see even
that sure stronghold falling away. The Maunder was performed
earlier this year (2009) in Chester, Havant and Halifax and the
Stainer in Reading, Stroud, Yeovil, Shipley and Bolton. Allowing
for its hold on a certain generation’s affections and religious
beliefs it still has some currency and this recording answers
the need for familiarisation for choir members and soloists planning
a performance and as a musical experience in its own right.
Griffett and George are distinguished and intelligent singers.
They make a very pleasing sound -probably better than the work
has enjoyed in the majority of its recent performances. There
is a forthright honest analogue hiss about the Regis recording
but since the intrinsic sound is pleasing one can soon banish
this from awareness. Hymns by Stainer are interspersed among
the segments of the main work. All in all it’s a beautiful
performance and was superbly prepared by Vann. In terms of musical
interest it is thin gruel but these forces make the best of it.
W. Stanley Vann was born in Leicester in 1910. He held organist
posts in cathedrals and parish churches and founded the Warwickshire
Symphony Orchestra. He saw war service 1942-45. He wrote much
choral music including a
Billingshurst Mass, a concert
mass for soprano and baritone solo, full chorus and orchestra.
The Stainer work is accorded a typically fine note from James
Murray - a regular for Regis and its sub-labels. There are no
texts provided but then again they are not needed. You can hear
every word whether from soloists or full choir.
Rob Barnett
Footnote
The oratorio comprises the following movements in this recording:
And They Came To A Place Named Gethsemane
recitative
The Agony
Processional To Calvary
& chorus "Lift High the
Gates"
And When They Were Come
The Mystery Of The Divine Humiliation
hymn
He Made Himself Of No Reputation
The Majesty Of The Divine Humiliation
And As Moses Lifted Up The Serpent
recit. & arioso for
B.
God So Loved The World
chorus or quartet a capella
Litany Of The Passion
hymn
Jesus Said, 'Father, Forgive Them'
So Thou Liftest Thy Divine Petition
The Mystery Of The Intercession
hymn
And One Of The Malefactors
The Adoration Of The Crucified
hymn
When Jesus Therefore Saw His Mother
Is It Nothing To You?
chorus
The Appeal Of The Crucified
After This, Jesus Knowing That All Things Were Now Accomplished
For The Love Of Jesus
hymn
Michael George (bass);
James Griffett (tenor) 
