Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

In 2014, Merton College in Oxford celebrates its 750th year, which is surely worth celebrating. To commemorate the occasion joint conductors Benjamin Nicholas and Peter Phillips have conceived a programme that journeys through three quarters of a millennium of choral repertoire. This is more than a demonstration of this accomplished ensemble's versatility as the recording also provides an overview of some important moments in musical history, and features two composers - John Dunstaple (c 1390-1453) and Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989) - associated with the College as well as three works specially commissioned for the anniversary celebrations: including Eriks Esenvalds (born 1977) "Merton Service". Also we get première recordings of a Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis by William Mundy (c 1529-1591), "Beati Quorum Via" by James Lavino (born 1979) and "Sacred Origins" by Ola Gjeilo (born 1978). It is interesting to hear how well these new compositions sit with established classics from William Byrd (1539/40-1623) and Henry Purcell (1659-1695) and more recent contributions from Vaughan Williams ("Valiant-For-Truth"), Parry ("There Is An Old Belief") and Part ("The Woman With The Alabaster Box"). The choir, a relatively recent addition to this illustrious college's complement of treasures, gives stylish and committed performances in the famous acoustic of Merton's chapel and the recording clarity, thanks to producer/engineer Paul Baxter, is excellent. This CD should be of interest to many beyond the confines of the University of Oxford.

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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