Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This collection is one of those happy moments when everything comes together to produce something special. Laudibus is a chamber choir made up of singers chosen by audition from the 140-strong National Youth Choir of Great Britain and are obviously the best of the best. The conductor, Mike Brewer, manages to make it all sound effortless and the production by Paul Baxter allows us to hear every note. Of course all this talent would be wasted if the material was not good enough but they have unearthed some rare and precious gems in this recording by one of England's best-loved composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). Little-known works both early and late nestle alongside repertory staples such as his tribute to William Byrd, the glorious "Mass In G Minor". Williams also shows his indebtedness to his Elizabethan predecessors with a charming arrangement of that old favourite "Greensleeves" and three Shakespeare songs: "Full Fathom Five" and "The Cloud Capp'd Towers", both from The Tempest, and "Over Hill, Over Dale" from A Midsummer Night's Dream. In all, there is a great deal to admire and enjoy on this fine recording.