Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

I had already seen a favourable review of this release - in the Christmas issue of The Big Issue no less - and so was not surprised when I heard for myself how good it is. Indeed, a quick check back from this time last year shows my review of Merton College Choir's first release concluded with me, like Oliver Twist, asking for more. The beginning of Advent is celebrated with a particular solemnity at Merton. For its second recording the college choir explores the musical riches that adorn this most special time in the church's year, centring on a newly commissioned sequence of Magnificat antiphons from seven contemporary composers, namely, in order of appearance: Howard Skempton, John Tavener, Rihards Dubra, Gabriel Jackson, Celia McDowall, Matthew Martin and Eriks Esenvalds. Framing the new Antiphons we have a pleasing selection of old and new including two pieces by each of William Byrd, Michael Praetorius, and James MacMillan as well as offerings from Tomas Luis de Victoria and Judith Weir. Truly an eclectic mix but taken as a whole remarkably satisfying. Founded in 2008, the new Choir of Merton College, Oxford is led by newly appointed organist and full-time Director of Music Benjamin Nicholas, and Reed Rubin Director of Music Peter Philips and the choir is rapidly emerging as a major force in collegiate choral music. The disc is recorded in the beautiful environs of Merton College Chapel, which has stood at the heart of the College as a place of worship for almost 750 years, and the acoustic is perfectly captured by producer/engineer Paul Baxter. The repertoire does take us off the beaten track but the journey is well worth making.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.