<<  -- 2 --  David Thompson    The test of time

Some, of course, may prefer a more lusty, congregational sound, but the refinement of a well-trained choir enables the listener to appreciate the quality of both verse and music, which is surely a better option for repeated listening.

I much enjoyed the present collection, which features a number of my personal favourites. The Choir of St Mary, Warwick is a fine ensemble -- clear and musical, without being in the least bit precious. Words are clear, and the hymns, presented in their entirety, are imaginatively varied in terms of solo, a capella, sectional and tutti singing. Monotony is entirely avoided.

Highlights for me included 'Love of the Father, love of God the Son', sung to Gibbons' noble Song 22, a timeless tune, rolling on with confident inevitability [listen -- track 3, 2:23-3:00]. The tender sentiments of 'Shall we not love thee, Mother dear?' are perfectly conveyed in Dykes' Beatitudo, whilst, in complete contrast, Purcell's sturdy Westminster Abbey is an ideal vehicle for Neale's fine translation, 'Blessed City, heavenly Salem'.

If hymns are your thing, you will delight in this collection, and perhaps be inspired to go on to justify the faith of Priory, in making this huge legacy available to us. The booklet is the very model of what these things should be, with a history of hymnody, substantial informative notes on each hymn and tune, and the complete texts.

 << Music & Vision home      Recent reviews       Birtwistle >>

For help listening to the sound extracts here, please refer to our questions & answers page.

Record Box is Music & Vision's regular Saturday series of shorter CD reviews