Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is the second recording of John Rutter's 'Mass Of The Children' that has come my way and my opinion on the piece has not changed. It is pleasant enough but has still to make a lasting impression on me. This new recording features Rutter's home choir from Clare College augmented by Farnham Youth Choir. This Naxos release is no better and no worse than that from Rutter's own label, Collegium, but the Naxos price makes it the better buy. Also in favour of this release are the other 30 minutes of music. We have a song cycle from 1979 entitled "Shadows" featuring the baritone Jeremy Huw Williams. There are eight settings of 16th century poetry with Rutter sounding not unlike Benjamin Britten and Williams giving excellent performances throughout. This is, to date, the composer's only attempt at a song cycle and this reviewer thinks he should try again as it is good. The conclusion is a "Wedding Canticle" with the soprano Angharad Gruffydd-Jones in fine voice. This is a setting of Psalm 128 for soprano, guitar (Stewart French) and flute (Daniel Palethorpe) and is very enjoyable. In brief, this is a vital CD for admirers of John Rutter and should be of interest to all who enjoy contemporary vocal music.