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College Choir releases Pentecost album featuring music not heard in 400 years
NEWS |
On 24 May 2026, Pentecost Sunday, the Chapel Choir of Pembroke College, Oxford released Yn Devotione, their first new album in 20 years.
The album features two renaissance polychoral motets that have never been recorded before, making this the first time they will be heard in over 400 years.
Yn Devotione is now available to stream
Moving between plainsong chant and a range of ensemble types, Yn Devotione follows the structure of a Compline service. Each piece is on the theme of Pentecost, including hymn ‘Come Holy Ghost’ (‘Veni Creator Spiritus’), widely sung at Pentecost, and Pentecost Offertory ‘Confirma Hoc Deus’. The album also features a solo organ piece by Orlando Gibbins, performed by Senior Organ Scholar George Charman.
The album was recorded in July 2025
The recordings of the three polychoral motets honour their renaissance origins by drawing on a distinct 16th-century tradition. At the time the pieces were written, individual voice parts could also be played on instruments. Featuring beautiful performances by the English Wind Consort, Yn Devotione incorporates traditional instruments within the vocal ensemble of each motet. The cornetto, the predecessor to the trumpet; the shawm, which was an early oboe; the dulcian, the predecessor to the bassoon; and the great bass racket can all be heard in the album.
Earlier this year the choir sang for Holy Week at the Luisenkirche in Berlin
Yn Devotione was directed by Pembroke’s Music Director, Mark Wilson, produced by Edward Higginbotton, and recorded by Ben Weatherill. It was recorded and mixed in Dolby Atmos.
The album is available to stream now on all platforms.