Originally published at Orange County Catholic
THE MUSIC MINISTRY OF Christ Cathedral has released a new album, “Spem in Alium: A Choral Adoration,” a first-ever choral recording in the cathedral sanctuary that showcases various singers from 30 parishes throughout the Diocese of Orange.
Highlighting the album is a new recording of “Spem in alium” (Latin for “Hope in God alone”), a motet by Thomas Tallis written around 1570. While most choral music is for four parts, Tallis’ complex Renaissance-era work is comprised of 40 parts, divided into eight groups of singers. The ambitious work is sometimes dubbed the “Mt. Everest of
choral music.” The new recording utilizes the Diocese’s Spanish choir, English choir, diocesan choir and even the children’s choir.
For the recording, which took place in March, the singers were strategically placed throughout Christ Cathedral, taking advantage of its acoustics, balconies and varying levels — distinctions that give the recording distinct qualities compared to others done in studio settings. “Spem in alium” was recorded in anticipation of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
Utilizing the tonal breadth of the cathedral’s 17,000-pipe Hazel Wright Organ, another highlight is a new two-organ arrangement by Peter Beardsley (organist and choirmaster of Christ Church Cathedral in Houston) of
