Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

While there is much to applaud on this CD I am less than certain that the sequencing of the programme is quite right. The opening piece is an organ solo played more than competently by Edward Turner. The work is "Danse" and is Number Five of a suite of miniatures based upon Gregorian chant themes by the Lebanese-born Naji Hakim. I suppose a dance sets the scene, so to speak, and the remaining four 'Mariales' pop up throughout the programme, along with a lengthier solo, "La Nativite" by Jean Langlais. While there is nothing wrong with any of the organ pieces I did find, when I played the CD through a second time, that my finger moved to the skip button. Perhaps if I return to this in a few months I will be ready to hear everything once more but, for now, let us concentrate on the choral singing. The vocals are provided by the Girls' Choir (seven pieces) the Lay Clerks (two) or both in combination (eight). Some of the music is well-known, for example David Willcocks' setting of the Basque Carol "Gabriel's Message", and Haydn's "Benedictus" while others are less familiar. I really wanted to like James MacMillan's "Tota Pulchra Es" but to my ears it was just slightly too difficult for the choir. All credit for trying and, on reflection, I am glad they kept it on the CD but I think, in years to come when the singers look back they might be less than satisfied. However the successes outweigh the failures by a considerable margin. George Dyson's "Magnificat In D" is well sung and well worth hearing. The four Marian hymns included, "O Glorious Maid" by Bertram Luard-Selby, "Now In Holy Celebration" (the Plainsong "Urbus Beata"), the Anonymous "Hail To The Lord", and "Her Virgin Eyes" by Henry Lawes work better as a change in tone and pace than the organ inserts.

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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