Recordings

The Choral Music of John Joubert

The Choir of Gloucester Cathedral
Organ: Ashley Grote
Directed by Adrian Partington

“South African-born Joubert, now 82, is an unsung hero of English choral music. As this beautifully recorded disc shows, his music spans a wide emotional range, from the neo-Renaissance polyphonic splendour of Five Songs of Incarnation to the dark intimacy of the Rochester Triptych. The intricate Passacaglia and fugue is deftly played by organist Ashley Grote.” [****], Classical Music, 26 September 2009

“John Joubert is in his eighties now, and on the evidence of Five Songs of Incarnation (2007), going as strong as ever...It's hard to imagine this repertoire could be executed any better. [*****] BBC Music Magazine, November 2009

“The positive engagement with church music traditions is plain and unambiguous. Yet at the same time Joubert reveals his flair for bringing a sense of drama to bear on sacred or philosophical texts, thereby reinforcing his role as one of Britten’s most significant musical heirs.” Gramophone, January 2010

Priory Records: PRCD 1028

John Joubert: Symphony No.1, op. 20

London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley
Lyrita SRCD322

"… a work which grows in my estimation every time I return to it … yet another Lyrita gem to snap up without further ado." Gramophone (Awards Edition 2007)

“The First Symphony has made a deep impression on me; its tight construction and superb orchestration give so much pleasure … I cannot recommend it too highly.” ClassicalSource

“Warmly recommended, this CD single demonstrates Joubert's satisfying balance between heart and head; the First Symphony lacks nothing in emotion, but these immediate impulses are controlled by a calm and shrewd intellect. This disc handsomely rewards repeated listening.” Tempo, March 2008

MusicWeb International reviews: August 2007 | September 2007

John Joubert: Choral Music

Louis Halsey Singers, conducted by Louis Halsey, with Martin Neary (organ).

BMS 102 CDH (1975) — re-issued in 2007 as CD

“Once again, I am mightily impressed by the quality of inspiration on show … all these performaces are as convincing as they are dedicated.” Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone, July 2007

“… this most sophisticated and controlled composer is so passionately involved, responding to the texts at a very personal level … revealing Joubert as a master of the choral miniature.” Tempo

MusicWeb International reviews: April 2007 | October 2009

Temps Perdu, Sinfonietta, The Instant Moment

English Symphony Orchestra, conducted by William Boughton, with Henry Herford (baritone)
BMS 419CD (1997)

“Music of real distinction … a memorable creation indeed”

Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone, October 1997

MusicWeb International reviews: October 2003

John Joubert: Chamber & Instrumental Music

String Quartet No. 2, Landscapes, Piano Trio, Sonatas 1-3, Lyric Fantasy
Brodsky Quartet, Patricia Rozario (soprano), John McCabe, Mark Bebbington (piano)
SOMM CD 060-2 (2007 — double CD)

“It is good to see a record company celebrating the 80th birthday of John Joubert with such excellent performances. The Brodsky's playing of the second string quartet is full of vitality and musical insights into a profound work. Patricia Rozario's singing of the five landscapes for soprano and piano trio is affecting in its directness of communication in a poem such as 'Adlestrop'. The op.113 Piano Trio is Joubert in his most reflective mood, quite unlike other English music of the 1980s in its sustained lyricism. John McCabe is a superb advocate of the three piano sonatas that span Joubert's career from 1957 to today.” Michael Kennedy, The Sunday Telegraph, 20 May 2007

“Pride of place goes to Joubert's 1977 Second Quartet, an impressive piece played with great conviction by the Brodsky Quartet.” BBC Music Magazine

“This is glorious, majestic music from start to finish, by a composer whose deeply individual voice comes almost in spite of his complete unconcern with innovation or ‘originality’. Performances are superb, by pianists, string players, and singer alike, and sonics clear and natural, with some but not too much hall resonance. Anyone who cares about chamber music since Debussy should hear this.” Lehman, American Record Guide, 1 January 2008

“A fine introduction to a composer of integrity and substance.” International Record Review

“A two-disc set to explore with delight” The Times

“The String Quartet No.2 brilliantly performed by the Brodsky Quartet … displays all Joubert’s trademark elements of intense soulfulness, honest emotion and waspish humour, all powerfully argued and effortlessly structured.” The Birmingham Post

MusicWeb International reviews: May 2007

John Joubert: Four Song Cycles

The Rose is shaken in the wind for Soprano & Recorder
Six poems of Emily Bronte for Soprano & Piano
Shropshire hills for Soprano & Piano
The Hour Hand for Soprano & Recorder

“… majestically confident collection … This is a crucial disc in the advocacy and appreciation of Joubert’s music’, MusicWeb International. Also another MusicWeb International review here.

“These songs burst with Joubert’s characteristic melodic inventiveness and vivid word setting.” The Observer

Lesley-Jane Rogers (soprano), John Turner (recorder), John McCabe (piano).
Published by Toccata Classics

John Joubert: Pro Pace Motets

and choral works by Poulenc, Pizzetti, Herbolsheimer, D’hollander and Pászti

The Esoterics, conducted by Eric Banks
Terpsichore CD-0404 (2004)

MacMillan and his British Contemporaries

featuring John Joubert: ‘Whitsun Carol’, op. 115b [1987]

MusicWeb International reviews: July 2006

Choir of New College, Oxford, conducted by Edward Higginbottom
AV2085 (2006)

Tracey Chadwell’s Song Book

The Turning Wheel, and songs by Bennett, Cresswell, Farquhar, Lefanu, Lilburn, Maconchy and Whitehead
Tracey Chadwell (soprano), Pamela Lidiard (piano), John Turner (recorders)

BMS 420/421 (1997 — double CD)

“All I can do is single out a few particular pleasures that you might care to sample … the big, striking gestures of John Joubert’s fine short cycle.”

Michael Oliver, Gramophone, March 1998