Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

When William of Wykeham founded Winchester College in 1382 he made provision for 16 boys called Quiristers to sing at the Chapel services. The College has maintained its medieval choral foundation for more than six hundred years and today this school choir is as good as many of the Oxbridge choirs and can stand comparison with some cathedral school choirs. When we see that the director is Malcolm Archer who is formerly of Wells and St Paul's Cathedrals we know we are in safe hands. This CD is the first recording since Dr Archer took over and he gives us a beautiful collection of favourite anthems including the title track written by Patrick Hadley (1899-1973), "How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings" from the 'German Requiem' by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), "Greater Love Hath No Man" by John Ireland (1879-1962), and "Evening Hymn" by H Balfour Gardiner (1877-1950). There are also some less well known pieces, including Elgar's "Light Out Of Darkness" from his 'The Light Of Life', Herbert Sumsion's "They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships" and James Macmillan's "A New Song". So an interesting selection well sung by an excellent choir and with first class accompaniment by organist Paul Provost, and with the usual crystal clear production from Regent Record's Gary Cole. Those who enjoy traditional Anglican choral music will welcome this release.

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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