Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Whilst the usual suspects, namely Liszt and Brahms, eventually put in an appearance we open this programme of German Romantic music (which is not quite the same as romantic German music) with a "Mass in A" by Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901). This is a relatively late setting, originally for three female voices and organ, and is one of those deceptively simple compositions that get lodged inside the head and stay there for the rest of the day. It is a lovely piece, well worth hearing, and The Choir of Christ's College, Cambridge do it full justice. Next we move to the start of Rheinberger's career with "Drei Geistliche Gesange", including his best known composition "Abendlied". If you enjoy Romantic music and have not yet made Rheinberger's acquaintance you are in for a treat and, once again, the singing is first rate. Also less well known than he deserves is Hugo Wolf (1860-1903). Here we get his rarely recorded "Sechs Geistliche Lieder nach Gedichten von Eichendorff", composed in 1881 at a time of great personal sorrow and like the pieces by Rheinberger well worth hearing. Franz Liszt (1811-1886) should need no introduction to those who appreciate Romantic music and although the texts are well known ("Ave Maria Stella", "Ave Verum Corpus" and "O Salutaris Hostia") these settings have not been recorded very often. Like Liszt, Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) is one of the greats of Western music. Here we get "Drei Geistliche Chore" and his popular "Geistliches Lied". We have yet to hear a poor release from David Rowland and The Choir of Christ's College, Cambridge and this new one maintains the usual high standard. Gary Cole's production and engineering are again excellent and while this mid price CD will be of great interest to all who enjoy German Romantic choral music it will bring pleasure to those who like choral music of any flavour.

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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