Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Stephen Darlington - Favourite Hymns From Oxford
STYLE: Hymnody RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 11792-10566 LABEL: Griffin GCCD4047 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Rebecca Mason
Featuring arrangements by Howard Goodall, Stephen Darlington and Ralph Allwood this is an album of 18 well known and well loved hymns performed by the renowned cathedral choir. There are some very powerful and uplifting hymns featured here such as "Crown Him With Many Crowns", "Rock Of Ages", "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" and "Onward Christian Soldiers". Not being a lover of the organ I must admit I found the accompaniments hard going at times. However, there are some very powerful renditions, especially "Jerusalem" and "Amazing Grace". The last arrangement, "Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrica (Lord Bless Africa)", does seem a strange choice to finish on as it is not exactly in tune with the other pieces. It sounds odd to hear an African hymn sung in such a sombre tone and 'clipped' British accents. I felt this hindered the passion of the song from being fully conveyed.
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