Reviewed by Peter Williams

This is the third collection of contemplative music by Ms Rizza and features 14 tracks connected in subject matter like a chain (to quote the composer, "A chain of prayer").The set of pieces use soloists, choral arrangements and instrumental interludes to weave a musical fabric which at time stuns one with its harmonic balance and professional tailoring until it is remembered that the composer has received musical training of the highest standards and is an experienced teacher and conductor. The "Prayer For Peace" (track one) features a beautiful, undulating melody well scored vocally and instrumental^, and "Song Of The Angels" uses a Benjamin Britten-like lyrical style set against a contrasting instrumental accompaniment as it speaks of the continuing work of Christmas. Disappointingly, most of the phrase lengths and harmonic sequences of the other tracks are extremely repetitive, detracting greatly from the beauty of the choral balance in the predictability of their arrangements (eg, track nine is too like track two) giving the impression of a wind-less day when nothing stirs, nothing happens...! The inertia may make the listener restless! This is obviously not a CCM production but may well appeal to lovers of Cathedral-type music.

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