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Draft:OxRecs Digital

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OxRecs Digital
Founded1985; 39 years ago (1985)
FounderBernard H. Martin
Genrepipe organ, choral
LocationOxford, England
Official websitewww.oxrecs.com

OxRecs Digital is a British record label established in 1985 by Bernard Martin. The label specializes in location recordings of choirs and pipe organs, with a focus on notable institutions, particularly Oxford and Cambridge colleges. It is known for releasing a series of recordings featuring organs from Oxford, Cambridge, and Eton College, contributing to both cultural preservation and fundraising initiatives.

Overview

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OxRecs was established with the aim of capturing live performances of choirs and pipe organs, particularly from renowned academic institutions. In 1991, the label released its first major project, The Organs of Oxford, a two-volume CD set that raised funds for the University of Oxford’s Campaign for Oxford. This success led to further projects, including The Organs of Cambridge and The Organs of Eton College. It has collaborated with prominent organists some of whom are listed below.

Notable Releases

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OxRecs has produced several recordings featuring historically significant organs and choirs, discs include:

The Organs of Oxford (1991)
The Organs of Cambridge (1995)
The Organs of Eton College
Archive Recordings from Magdalen College Choir, Oxford (1906-1960)
Blitz Requiem (with poet Francis Warner and organist David Goode)
Anthem for Easter Day (featuring King’s College Choir and Eton College Choir)

Artists, Venues, and Instruments

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OxRecs has worked with a range of distinguished choirs and organists, including:

Stephen Cleobury, Stephen Darlington, Clive Driskill-Smith, David Goode, Charles Harrison, Richard Marlow, Robert Quinney, Bernard Rose, David Trendell, and The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford.

Venues for recordings have included Oxford and Cambridge colleges, Durham Cathedral, and Eton College. The label has also recorded on notable instruments such as the replica Wetheringsett and Wingfield Tudor organs, built by Goetze and Gwynn.

Recording Approach

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OxRecs places a strong emphasis on authenticity by recording on location, capturing the unique acoustic environments of the organs and choirs they feature. This focus on preserving the original sound of the instruments is a hallmark of the label's production approach.

Reception

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OxRecs’ releases have been praised in publications like Studio Sound[1] and Oxford Today[2]. The label has been recognized for its contributions to both the musical and academic communities, with projects that include collaborations with composers and poets, such as Francis Warner.

References

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  1. ^ Mitchell, Julian (September 1991). "Organs of Oxford". Studio Sound. 33 (9): 46–9.
  2. ^ O'Gorman, Francis (1991). "Record Review". Oxford Today. 4 (1): 25.

Knighton, Tess (1995). "Music Review". CAM (The University of Cambridge Alumni Magazine) (Lent Term 1995): 33.
Day, Timothy (2018). I saw eternity the other night: King's College, Cambridge, and an English singing style. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-241-35218-2.
Goode, David (2013). Blitz Requiem. Gerrards Cross. ISBN 978-0-86140-492-6.
Goode, David (2019). Anthem for Easter Day. Gerrards Cross. ISBN 978-0-86140-503-9.

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Official website

Colin Smythe (Francis Warner publications)

Blitz Requiem by The Bach Choir and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Goetze & Gwynn organ builders: Recordings of Wetheringsett and Wingfield Tudor organs

Anthem for Easter Day (RSCM)

See Also

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Royal College of Organists

Pipe organ