Giles Swayne, The National Youth Choir of Great Britain, Laudibus, Mike Brewer - Convocation

Published Thursday 9th November 2006
Giles Swayne, The National Youth Choir of Great Britain, Laudibus, Mike Brewer - Convocation
Giles Swayne, The National Youth Choir of Great Britain, Laudibus, Mike Brewer - Convocation

STYLE: Choral
RATING Not Rated
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21221-
LABEL: Delphian DCD34033
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Your reviewer struggled to find the right words to describe this release. He enjoyed it and was impressed by the contribution of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain but was left wondering how best to describe the music. Comparisons are not always helpful and when the composer has his own voice it should be sufficient to say that Giles Swayne is best known for 'Cry' that has been performed twice at the Proms. But what is this recording like? To my ears the closest comparison would be with the Scottish composer James MacMillan with an echo of Carol Orff in some of the choral writing but we when we find out that Swayne studied with Harrison Birtwistle at the Royal Academy of Music all becomes clear. The overture, so to speak, is an organ solo, "The Coming Of Saskia Hawkins", from 1987, brilliantly played by Michael Bonaventure. This is followed by a 1982 setting of the Magnificat that allows the beloved words to shine out anew. Another highlight is a 20-minute tour de force entitled "A Convocation Of Worms" that tells how Herod and his soldiers get their comeuppance and featuring the counter-tenor Stephen Wallace. Those interested in contemporary vocal music should seek out this excellent recording.

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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