Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The 10 composers featured in this set are indeed a roll of honour for English choral music of the 20th century. They are, in order of their birth and omitting titles to save space: Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924), Edward Elgar (1857-1934), Herbert Howells (1892-1983), Gerald Finzi (1901-1956), Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986), William Walton (1902-1983), Lennox Berkeley (1903-1989), Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988) and John Tavener (born 1944). So no Ralph Vaughan Williams or John Rutter but not withstanding this is still an excellent survey of English choral music sung by an outstanding choir and recorded between 1999 and 2003. Christopher Robinson, organist and director of music at St John's since 1991, is to be applauded in maintaining such a high standard throughout this time. At £40 this set is an outstanding bargain, even in you have some of the individual CDs.

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.