Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This CD has been released to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the George Gilbert Scott chapel at Exeter College, Oxford. What is surprising is that this is the first commercial release from the choir. We know that the quality of a college choir can vary depending on who is available to sing at any given period but the account that the choir make on this CD tells us that there is something special happening at Exeter College at the moment as the singing is first class. The content is twenty and twenty-first century British choral with some old favourites as well as less familiar works. The title piece is by Herbert Howells and this is followed by two of Parry's popular "Songs Of Farewell": "I Know My Soul Hath Power" and "Never Weather-Beaten Sail". All are sung very well but, for this reviewer, are too downbeat. It is only when we reach Stanford's splendid "Magnificat For Double Choir" that things burst into life with some spectacular choral singing. Next we have the first of three compositions by Jonathan Dove, "Ecce Beatam Lucem" which is good but we must draw particular attention to the third Dove work, a new commission and debut recording: "I will lift up mine eyes" which is followed by a second debut recording, "In Mystery Veiled" by Jackson Hill. Those with an interest in contemporary choral composition will want to hear these two. Some of the more familiar works, such as Holst's "Nunc Dimittis" and the Stanford Magnificat are good enough to have as a duplicate recording even if you already possess them on other CDs making this well presented and very listenable release highly recommended.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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