Choir Of St Paul's Cathedral - The English Anthem Vol 3

Wednesday 1st June 1994
Choir Of St Paul's Cathedral - The English Anthem Vol 3

STYLE: Choral
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 19520-
LABEL: Hyperion CDA6618
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by John Biddulph

Volume 3 of this series contains many fine examples of the anthem. Most compositions are situated either in the latter part of the 19th century or the early part of the 20th century and there are lots of familiar names. In addition, there are a few contemporary workings that compliment the collection and add breadth and balance. The Basil Attwood "Come, Holy Ghost" provides a rousing opening that is delivered with style and gusto by the Choir Of St Paul's Cathedral with Andrew Lucas providing a balanced accompaniment at the organ and ably directed by John Scott. Settings by Stanford, Wood, Hoist, Parry and Walton all live up to expectations with perhaps the Stanford just getting the nod although it is a very close run thing and all represent genuine attempts by these composers to reveal their love of sacred music. The gem of the recording for me is the setting by Robert Saxton although John Travener runs him a close second. Saxton is a man composing with real flair and imagination and resisting the temptation to become self-indulgent. Anyone who has heard the choral music of Gyorgy Ligeti (remember 2001 A Space Odyssey?) will be familiar with the use of extended melodic patterns and clusters of sound. Soloists Thomas Colwall and Alan Green deserve a mention for their contribution to a recording that is worthy of a place in many collections.

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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