James MacMillan’s Christus vincit is the next single being released by Corvus Consort and Ferio Saxophone Quartet on 17th June, in advance of the general release of their new disc ‘Revoiced’.

Coming out on Chandos Records on 1st July, ‘Revoiced’ explores the magical blend of saxophones and voices, bringing new colours to music from the Baroque and Renaissance, recasting contemporary choral works into a fresh soundworld, and inspiring the creation of new music. As well as a core set of Baroque and Renaissance vocal music uniquely reimagined for voices and saxophones, the disc features four works by leading living composers – three arrangements of existing choral pieces and one brand new work.

Written in 1994 for the choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, James MacMillan’s Christus vincit was originally for 8-part choir and soprano solo, and appears on ‘Revoiced’ in a special arrangement for voices and saxophones by the Consort’s Director, Freddie Crowley.

Composed with the magnificent acoustic of St Paul’s in mind, the music thrives in the reverberant setting of St Jude-on-the-Hill, where Corvus and Ferio made their recording. After a simple canonic opening passed between voices and saxophones, the music builds gradually over several minutes to a stunning climax of ‘Alleluia’s, made all the more intense and exciting through the rich, full-bodied tone of the saxophone quartet underpinning the voices. The original high soprano solo is given here to the soprano saxophone of Huw Wiggin, which brings an added brilliance to the soaring line with its lithe improvisational ornamentation, and allows for a magical diminuendo when the solo is left hanging at the end of the piece, fading into its own echo.

The single can be enjoyed on Spotify and Apple Music when it goes live on Friday 17th June.

‘Revoiced’ will be released on Friday 1st July, and is now available to pre-order.