V0203. JAMES GRIFFETT, w.Bradford Tracey (Pf.): Original Canzonettas (Haydn). (Germany) Teldec 97503, recorded 1981. - 745099750329

CRITIC REVIEW:

“The English tenor, James Griffett, followed a short period as a tenor lay clerk in Peterborough Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Stanley Vann, with studies for four years at the Royal College of Music, where he was a prominent prize-winner. On leaving he was awarded the Dame Clara Butt Award for outstanding students. Whilst still at College he was accepted into the choir of Westminster Cathedral where he became tenor soloist. From there he formed his ensemble Pro Cantione Antiqua which was to become one of England’s leading vocal groups, winning every major disc award, with a mention in the New Grove Dictionary of Music.

James Griffett's career has taken him all over Europe, singing in major international Festivals including those of Salzburg, Berlin, Holland, Flanders, Cambridge, Regensberg, Prague Spring, English Bach and Savonlina Opera. Particularly known in the baroque repertoire, the famous 1610 Monteverdi's VESPERS is one of his most frequently performed works, having sung it with King's College Cambridge. He has sung the Evangelist for performances with the same choir, the Montserrat Choir of Spain, Knabenchor Hannover and many of the European cathedral choirs. He is also a passionate exponent of British Song and is a Life Member of the Peter Warlock Society.”

-Ned Ludd