Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

It is an audacious idea that should not work but does. The Dunedin Consort commissioned six different Scottish-based composers to write a movement of the Latin Mass. Along with this are six solo songs for the members of the Consort and the whole is linked together by plainsong chants sung by various children's and youth choirs from around Scotland. Reading this would lead one to expect a mess not a Mass but the end product is a triumph. The blending of six-part a cappella voices together with solo songs, harp accompaniment beautifully played by Helen Thomson, and the different upper voice choirs for the plainsong sections also gives the work an added dimension of space within its harmonic framework. The six composers are, in chronological order, Tommy Fowler (born in 1948), Malcolm Lindsay (1959), Christine McCombe (1967), Anthea Haddow (1969), Rebecca Rowe (1970) and John Gormley (1975). All are new to me and all have something worthwhile to say. The members of The Dunedin Consort are all fine soloists and the total is one of the most exciting and inspiring releases of the year.

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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