Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

It is tempting to open this review by listing some of the great hymns that have not been included in this collection but that is both unhelpful and unfair. We get 24 hymns, some of them undoubted classics all of them worth hearing, and all are sung very well indeed, which is all you need to know. I could easily tell you which of my favourites have been omitted but that serves no purpose so instead I will mention two of those that particularly caught my ear. We open with the majestic "Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven" to the tune "Praise, my soul" (and note the comma between Praise and my - it makes a big difference!). The tune is by Sir John Goss (1800 - 1880) with words adapted from Psalm 103 by Henry Francis Lyte and an interesting descant for the final verse by Andrew Fletcher (born 1950). It is a great hymn, well sung, and with an arrangement that makes it fresh. The CD booklet gives full texts and an interesting introduction to each hymn by Choir Director Peter King. Those of us who lead worship and who like to say a word or two about the hymns we are asking the congregation to sing will find much to crib in these pages and those who lead singing will find the CD a useful resource to hear how it should be done. The closing hymn is a personal favourite from my childhood: "Lord of all hopefulness" with words by Mrs Joyce Placzek, better known as the author of 'Mrs Miniver', Jan Struther (1901 - 1953). The tune is the traditional Irish melody "Slane" arranged by Harrison Oxley (1933 - 2009) and it is a beautiful conclusion to a lovely collection. The twenty-two hymns sandwiched between the two I have mentioned all have their own stories, all are sung well and often to interesting arrangements, sometimes just as simple as singing a verse a cappella. Any listener who enjoys traditional choral hymn singing will appreciate this CD, particularly at its generous release price. Audio quality, courtesy of the ever-dependable Producer / Engineer Gary Cole, is also excellent.

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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