Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

John Stainer (1840-1901) wrote 'The Crucifixion' to be used as an act of worship and it was first "performed", if that is the right word, on Maundy Thursday 1887. The version under review was recorded after a liturgical performance on Good Friday 1990 in Coventry Cathedral, by St Michael's Chamber Choir. At the time of recording, the choir was conducted by the then Deputy Director of Music of Coventry Cathedral, Christopher Argent, who was later appointed Director of Music at Christchurch School, Oxford. The recording has now been digitally re-mastered and is available on CD for the first time. Stainer wrote 'The Crucifixion' as a meditation on the death of Jesus but, like Bach's Passions and Handel's 'Messiah' it stands up as art in its own right. The St Michael's Singers give a decent account of themselves and we welcome the inclusion of the five hymns that Stainer wrote for the congregation to join in, rather than passively observing throughout. However, this recording - good though it is - is not the best in a crowded market. If you have the original release on cassette and want to upgrade to CD then now is your chance but if you are looking for the definitive version of this very popular piece then this is not it.

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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