Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

If ever you have wondered at what difference there is between a cantata and an oratorio this disc gives you an answer and an example as it has both and at a very reasonable price too. The quick answer as to the difference is: "Not a lot". Both are extended works with choir and solo vocalists and if you want any more you need to consult a dictionary. So what do we have on this CD? Although Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) described himself as "a cheerful agnostic", he was not only steeped in the traditions of the Anglican Church, but sensitive to the mystical significance "of what lies beyond sense and knowledge". Written in 1936, his cantata "Dona Nobis Pacem" sets powerful Biblical texts alongside those by Walt Whitman and John Bright and is both a warning that mankind was sliding disastrously towards another war and a plea for a world without strife. The oratorio "Sancta Civitas", one of his most original choral works, strikingly deploys vocal and orchestral forces to depict the battle between good and evil from the Book Of Revelation. Both pieces feature the Baritone Matthew Brook, "Dona Nobis Pacem" also has the Soprano Christina Pier and "Sancta Civitas" the Tenor Andrew Staples. All sing very well indeed as do the Bach Choir, Winchester Cathedral Choristers, and Winchester College Quiristers. This credit list tells us that the two pieces are big and it is to the credit of Conductor David Hill that he keeps all in order and Producer Andrew Walton and Engineer Phil Rowlands for giving us such a clear recording. All in all, if you like Vaughan Williams this is a "must buy" and if you enjoy large scale choral music, be it cantata or oratorio, you will enjoy this CD.