Hilary Tann Sacred Choral Music a Fine Tribute
By Ralph Graves
Welsh composer Hilary Tann passed away in February 2023. This album, already in production, was released the following month.
Tann was a skilled composer in several genres. This collection of sacred choral music presents one facet of her work. But it’s an especially fine one.
Tann wrote in an accessible tonal style. Her harmonies aren’t simple — but they’re melodious and make sense as they flow one chord into the other.
Tann was especially effective in her writing of the inner voices for choir. She had the ability to subtly vary the texture and weight of the chorus to suit the text.
The Cappella Clausura has a smooth vocal blend. The choir is well-recorded. There’s room ambiance, but not too much. It gives the sound a luminous glow while giving clarity to the sung words.
Tann is woefully under-represented by recordings. This is an important addition to her catalog.
Hilary Tann; Luminaria Magna
Sacred Choral Music
Cappella Clausura; Amelia Leclair, director
Heinrich Christensen, organ
Navona NV6509
