Description
The Hymns Project is an album by the British operatic singer and raconteur Jonathan Veira, released on Elevation in November 2017.
When Cross Rhythms spoke to the veteran soloist, music teacher and occasional operatic performer about this album earlier this year, he was at pains to explain the vision behind the project. He said, “It is a revitalising of old tunes that some of us may know from our past (eg, «All To Jesus», «I Stand Amazed», «I Will Sing The Wondrous Story») and the writing of new melodies to old lyrics (eg, «To God Be The Glory», «And Can It Be», «Love Divine»).” It works marvellously well and Jonathan’s rich tones bring the poetry and eloquence of these hymnbook evergreens to life. Co-producer Mark Edwards brings in some delightful and, at times, unexpected accompaniments (a dobro here and an accordion there) while the choir, recorded at St Saviour’s Church in Guildford, give just the right support to Jonathan’s uplifting interpretations. There is the occasional relatively modern song like David J Evans’ «Be Still» though in the main it’s the glories of past masters like Wesley, Matheson and Gabriel which are given the Veira/Edwards treatment. And very stirring they are too. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, May 2018]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-hymns-project/1308654629)
CD tracklist:
01. To God Be the Glory – 5:09
02. I Will Sing the Wondrous Story – 3:35
03. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go – 5:13
04. I Stand Amazed – 5:37
05. O For a Thousand Tongues – 4:15
06. Be Still – 6:30
07. Just As I Am – 4:06
08. And Can It Be – 4:33
09. I Surrender All – 4:56
10. Love Divine – 4:56
11. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – 5:43
12. I Cannot Tell (Live) – 6:29
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