Between 1901 and 1938 Cyril Rootham was an inspiring leader of music at Cambridge: as conductor of many memorable performances, as organist and musical director at St John's College, and as a teacher, whose pupils included Arthur Bliss, he exerted a deep and lasting influence. These achievements have unduly obscured his distinction as a composer. His output includes two remarkable symphonies, an opera, chamber music, some fine songs, and many beautiful choral works, chief of which is the notable setting of Milton's Nativity Ode.
TERESA CAHILL (soprano) PHILIP LANGRIDGE (tenor) MICHAEL RIPPON (bass-baritone)
TRINITY BOYS' CHOIR director DAVID SQUIBB
BBC SINGERS, director JOHN POOLE
BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA leader ARTHUR LEAVINS conducted by VERNON HANDLEY

Bliss Ballet Suite: Checkmate

Cyril Rootham Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity, for soloists, chorus, semi-chorus and orchestra.
Chorus trained by Gordon Kember, chorus-master

(Teresa Cahill broadcasts by permission of the General Administrator, Royal Opera House Covent Garden)