Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Not really being a prog rocker to start with, the idea of reworking Vivaldi's "Gloria In D Major" into Wakeman-style bombastic pop opera is not my idea of listening pleasure. Keyboards man Ashley Thompson shows considerable skill but not all the vocalists, particularly the sopranos, seem up to the job while the work, glorious in its original form, often sounds shrill and grating when given a pop rock run through. If you were there at Chester Cathedral in 2000 when this reworking was first performed, you may want this CD momento but personally I'd suggest buying Vivaldi in a more authentic form.

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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