Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Although this CD is entitled 'Chichester Psalms' most of it is filled with Bernstein at the theatre with three dance episodes from On TheTown and a suite from On The Waterfront. The Psalms make up 18 minutes of the less than generous 47 minutes total. However, the release is on Naxos, meaning that we pay less than five pounds so we should not quibble about the quantity and instead praise the quality. This is a good introduction to Bernstein the composer, conducted very ably by one of his pupils, Marin Alsop. The score for On The Waterfront was Oscar-nominated in 1954 and Bernstein paints a vivid picture of the New York docks in this suite. Likewise, the dance episodes from On The Town are bold, brash and great fun. The three Psalms or, to be accurate, the three settings of texts from parts of six Psalms, offer a pleasing contrast. They were commissioned in 1965 by the Dean of Chichester, are sung in Hebrew and successfully combine spiritual austerity with impulsive rhythms in a contemplation of peace.

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