traces

Today, we live with the traces of those who dreamed of a brighter future.

We search for traces of meaning to hold onto in fractured times. With this album, we are asking one simple but pressing question: how do we find inner peace in a world of conflict and division?

Through a programme of powerful choral works by British, German and Ukrainian composers each grappling with this question in their own way, we explore the wide range of emotional responses to this enduring challenge, from fear and uncertainty to the calm of acceptance.

Released 17.02.23

“A powerful programme of thought-provoking works, both timely and timeless, the impeccable performances by SANSARA drawing us in and holding us throughout the deeply reflective journey.”

— Gramophone Magazine, Editor's Choice

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Philip Moore Three Prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Morning Prayers
Max Reger Nachtlied, Op. 138, No. 3
Johannes Brahms Warum ist das Licht gegeben?, Op. 74, No. 1
Ethel Smyth Komm, süsser Tod
Clara Schumann Abendfeier in Venedig
Peter Cornelius Requiem
Philip Moore Three Prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Prayers in Time of Distress
Natalia Tsupryk A Quiet Night - Tyhoyi Nochi
Cecilia McDowall Standing as I do before God
Heinrich Schütz Selig sind die Toten
Rudolf Mauersberger Herr, lehre doch mich
Paul Ben-Haim Psalm 126
Piers Connor Kennedy Blessed are the Peacemakers
Philip Moore Three Prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Evening Prayers

This programme was originally conceived as part of our ongoing collaboration with the University of Oxford’s White Rose Project - find out more about the project here.

Tenors and basses during the sessions at St Jude’s, Hampstead
Photo © Nick Rutter

Blessed are the Peacemakers is one of those pieces which should appear simple and tranquil but is in fact very tricky to put together - the care and skill which Tom Herring and SANSARA have applied in this recording speaks to their quality and commitment to contemporary music, and has produced, I think, a piece of real serenity. This is the first time I have heard the work since it was commissioned for the Edington Music Festival in 2017 and I am utterly delighted and humbled with SANSARA’s beautiful rendition - thank you!

- Piers Connor Kennedy
(view a persual score of Piers’ piece here)