A Festival of Psalms

The Psalms of David are arguably the portion of the Old Testament that has been enfolded most completely within the Christian tradition and its liturgies. Their messages of strife and joy, prayer and praise, resonate strong and loud alongside the teachings of Jesus, and find special expression in musical settings. This disc is an exploration of all these themes, as interpreted by composers over the course of four and a half centuries – with music by Allegri, Bernstein, Byrd, Parry, Purcell and Wesley. The Temple Church is one of the most historic and beautiful churches in London. Situated between Fleet Street and the Thames Embankment, its recorded musical history extends back to its restoration in 1841, although a church has stood on the site for over 800 years.