Sleeve Notes
© 1966, The Decca Record Company Limited, London

The Incomparable Mormon Choir of England

A Ray Horricks Production
Recording Engineer: Michael Mailes

A CHOIR IS BORN
As the 35 voice Mormon Chorale sang from stage of the Colston Hall, Bristol, on the night of December 23, 1965, one person in the audience was overheard to say, "Wouldn't it be nice to see a choir large enough to fill all those seats (300)?"

Since the Mormons rather take to singing congregationally, and in choirs, almost as a habit, (one notable example - the Mormon Tabernacle Choir of Salt Lake City), it seemed a rather good idea. But who would "bell the cat" so to speak? Thirty five voices, Bristol based, is one thing, but 300 from all over the Southwest is quite another matter.

However, the church members were enthusiastic, so Project "Crossing the plains of England" was born. From Tewkesbury to Bournemouth and on down to Penzance, the singers met in groups numbering from 10 to 50. A programme was selected and music distributed. A team of four conductors and four accompanists were chosen to travel and rehearse. It was impossible to estimate then total vocal sound and balance from the individual rehearsals. And large scale final rehearsals could only be few, and toward concert and recording time.

As it turned out, the choir was actually together as a unit for one all day rehearsal one week before this recording. When the big day came, vans and coaches converged on Bristol. Anticipating a lengthy recording session, overnight accomodations posed a problem. But other members generously opened their homes. The remainder slept on two city-separated gymnasium floors - the men in one and the ladies in another.

The baton descended and the great choir sang! The sound was electrifying - inspired, polished, - the balance superb. With the great Colston organ responding under the genius of H. Robinson Cleaver, the blend of organ and choir fused into a thrilling sound.

Fourteen numbers which should have required 11/2 to 2 days to record were superbly finished in 10 working hours. "The plains of England had been crossed".

Ray H. Barton, Jr.
Mission President

STEREO
SKL 4819

SIDE ONE

  1. LET THE MOUNTAINS SHOUT FOR JOY. This is a vigorous and joyful full choir effort. It was written by Evan Stephens, and early Mormon convert from Wales.
  2. SWEET IS THE WORK. This is a lovely Mormon hymn by Isaac Watts which depicts the joy of service in the work of the Lord. Composer - John J. McClellan.
  3. THE LORD'S PRAYER. The Lord's Prayer has been set to music a number of times. This is among the loveliest of the compositions. It combines moving, tender phraseology with powerful appeal by choir and organ in the moving passages. Composer - B. Cecil Gates, one time conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
  4. THE BUILDER. This composition has long been an inspiration to the down trodden, and the worried. Hearing it alone can give one resolution and power to go forward with renewed determination and vigour. Long a favourite in the world. Composer - Charles Wakefield Cadman.
  5. ABIDE WITH ME. This lovely favourite, sung expressively by the Mormon Choir of England, will be a favourite with all who hear it with its tender and appealing blend of music and lyric, concluding with the refrain, "Help of the helpless, O abide with me". Composer - William Henry Monk
  6. I WALKED TODAY WHERE JESUS WALKED. One of the standard favourites among religious literature. One of O'Hara's all time favourites known universally. Composer - Geoffrey O'Hara
  7. GOD OF OUR FATHERS. This clarion call with trumpet fanfare expresses the call to return to the God of our fathers. It is a proud, bold hymn, and reveals all the power of choir and organ. Composer - G.W. Warren.

SIDE TWO

  1. HOLINESS BECOMETH THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. This composition is one written by a prolific composer of Mormon Hymns - Evans Stephens. This is probably one of his best, and is the most adaptable to choir.
  2. ETERNAL LIFE. This powerful and moving, and beautiful message of eternal hope seems to spring full-throated from the voice of the choir, and full support by the organ. Composer - Olive Dungan.
  3. STRANGER OF GALILEE. This is an expressive tone poem in which we hear a contralto solo. The melody is well loved and known. Composer - C.H. Morris.
  4. THANKS BE TO GOD. This is a prayer of Thanksgiving for all that God has created, expressed in the major key and ending very powerfully. Composer - Stanley Dickson.
  5. LOVE AT HOME. This old favourite has been dressed up with some modulations and phrasings, and appears as a very sensitive and lovely rendition of an old family favourite. Arranged by Rhea Allen.
  6. ONE WORLD. The dynamics and authority exhibited in this wonderful and challenging composition make it intriguing on a first hearing. This is O'Hara at his best. Composer - Geoffrey O'Hara.
  7. COME, COME YE SAINTS. The words to this old English tune were written on the pioneer journey between Winter Quarters and Salt Lake City, April 15, 1846, and gave succour and support to the pioneers, and helped them fight the many troubles and trials of the journey, incident to their trek. The final great chords are those of the choir and organ as augmented by the concert audience joining in. Words by William Clayton to an old English tune. Composer - unknown.

© 1966, The Decca Record Company Limited, London