2009 is a year of musical anniversaries – the 350th anniversary of the Henry Purcell’s birth, the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death and The Sixteen’s 30th Anniversary.

Founded in 1979, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period instrument orchestra, The Sixteen's total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction. A special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of twentieth-century music, is drawn from the passions of conductor and founder, Harry Christophers.

To celebrate we are offering a 30% discount* on some of The Sixteen’s most celebrated recordings including some of their brand new 30th anniversary releases dedicated to Handel and Purcell.

COR16066
Handel: Coronation Anthems

By any standards this is a major release. Even in a year which is seeing, predictably, a glut of Handel releases, many of them extremely fine, this stands out. Harry Christophers and The Sixteen have enjoyed tremendous success at home and abroad with performances that have caught the imagination of a public outside (as well as inside) the traditional concert hall. And here, perhaps more than in any other of their excellent recent issues, they show just why. This is an opulently sung and played Handel disc but also a cunning one. Christophers has thought deeply about how to pace these works, how to marshall his resources for maximum but never superficial effect. The opening of Zadok the Priest, for instance, so familiar to us all, is here subdued, hushed and steady. When the melody opens out, The Sixteen add power and sheen, giving a sudden surge. It reminds one of the historian Charles Burney’s observation of Handel (quoted by Christophers) that “when he did smile, it was his sire the sun, bursting out of a black cloud”.

A tremendous issue. One to keep on the shelves and return to frequently.
Gramophone CD of the month – April 2007

30% discount also available on:

	COR16005 Purcell: The Fairy Queen (2 CDs)

	COR16010 An Eternal Harmony

	COR16011 Handel: Israel in Egypt

	COR16013 à la Gloire de Dieu

	COR16014 Allegri Miserere

	COR16018 The Flower of All Virginity

	COR16024 Purcell: Love’s Goddess Sure was Blind

	COR16031 Barber: Agnus Dei

	COR16037 Philip & Mary: A Marriage of England & Spain

	COR16039 Bach Cantatas 34, 50, 147

	COR16042 Vivaldi: Gloria / Bach: Magnificat

	COR16050 Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem

	COR16053 Venetian Treasures

	COR16056 Treasures of Tudor England

	COR16057 Fauré: Requiem

	COR16062 Handel: Messiah (3 CDs)

	COR16006 Blest Cecilia

	COR16044 Bach Mass in B minor

	COR16041 Music from the Chapel Royal