Reviewed by Dave Massey

I realise that the very mention of Britten might drive safety seekers to the bottle, but I would urge anyone to give one of our greatest modern composers a second chance (if you've given him a first one!). 'Rejoice In The Lamb' is a masterpiece, even if the religious symbolism involved is a little eccentric, its biting chords punctuating a wide and joyful work that really sits well in its grand setting. The text was written by Christopher Smart and is unusual (to say the least), but peculiarly endearing! The soprano solo begins, 'For I Will Consider My Cat Jeffrey" and goes on to extol his virtues - in fact the whole work is a celebration of creation and goes on to consider how, when cornered, a mouse may stand up to an attacking cat. The other works on the disc are a little more conventional but all with the same celebratory style that makes this recording such a good listen - well composed, well sung and well on the way to making me rethink my own pre-conceptions!

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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