The combined Choirs celebrate Ralph Vaughan Williams with 'Five Mystical Songs' recording

The recording has now been released on the College’s YouTube to mark 150 years since the composer’s birth.

Jesus College’s combined Choirs have recorded Ralph Vaughan Williams’ beautiful Five Mystical Songs in the composer’s own version for piano and string quartet.

The combined Choirs were joined by baritone soloist Andrew Thompson and strings CantiaQuorum for the recording sessions, with the piano part performed by Organ Scholars Drew Sellis and Christopher Too. The recording was directed by Richard Pinel.

To mark 150 years since Vaughan Williams’ birth on 12 October, the video of the full work is now available to view via the College YouTube.

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was an English composer. His works include operas, ballets, chamber music, secular and religious vocal pieces and orchestral compositions.

The Five Mystical Songs, one of Vaughan Williams’ most famous works, were first performed on 14 September 1911, at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, with Vaughan Williams conducting.

The work sets four poems by the 17th century Welsh poet and Anglican priest, George Herbert.

We hope you enjoy this stunning arrangement of a much-loved work.