Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The one-word review is "Glorious". Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548 - 1611) was a wealthy and talented Spaniard who was trained in Rome and then returned home to spend the rest of his days as a professional composer. Living as he did in a time of change he was able to redefine the musical boundaries, being one of the first composers to use polyphony. This recording is the first time these pieces have been recorded. The Exon Singers are superb and the sound quality is excellent. The recording was made in the Chapel of Giggleswick School and we must tip our hats to Paul Baxter, the producer, who has delivered a faultless recording. But what of the music? I refer you back to my one-word review: it is glorious. The theme is a Catholic service of Vespers, this one celebrating the Annunciation. As a Protestant your reviewer is wary of excess devotion to Mary, wonderful woman that she undoubtedly was, but the (Latin) texts that the Exon Singers sing so beautifully are, on the whole, biblical and I found more to appreciate than criticise. The booklet notes by Jon Dixon are very helpful and the whole package is, as I have said, glorious.

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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