Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Delphian's "super choir" reunites after its successful recording of Shchedrin's 'The Sealed Angel' in 2009. This time the programme consists of German Romantic music, opening with Richard Strauss's sumptuous "Deutsche Motette" and with the rest of the programme exploring the vivid colours and shadowy half-lights of a distinctly German music that reached its culmination in Strauss's extravagant masterpiece. The singing throughout combines a musical intensity and imagination with an understanding of period style, that are hallmarks of both choirs' work. The Choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge (directed by Geoffrey Webber) and The Choir of King's College London (directed by David Trendell) are two of the UK's leading choirs. Both choirs combine singing at services during term time with a busy schedule of concerts, recordings and broadcasts, both at home and abroad. Vocally this is a memorable recital and we applaud producer/engineer Paul Baxter for capturing the sound so clearly. Much as I enjoyed Strauss's contribution to the programme none of the other composers made a similar impression on me. Josef Rheinberger's "Abendlied" is very pleasant but, at three minutes, is over as soon as it has started and the works by Robert Schumann, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms and Peter Cornelius did not leave me wanting more. I can appreciate the compositional skill that has gone into them and the musicianship of the choirs is of the highest standard but German Romantic music is not my favourite genre. Those who do like it will probably have this CD on their Best Of 2013 list come December and the combined might of the two choirs may get them a nomination for Choir Of The Year but, with the greatest respect, it was all rather wasted on this reviewer.

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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