Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Not being a fan of the frequently ridiculed vocal chords of Britain's original rocking vicar, I viewed the prospect of an album of Garth's warbling accompanied solely by a lady on the virginal (a medieval keyboards for the plebeans in the house) with something less than wild expectation. But I was really blessed. With the excep­tion of some of John Donne's work, I've read little of the metaphysical poets, but this album, inspired as it is by the poems of John Donne, George Herbert and Henry Vaughan is a delicate delight. The full-blooded passion and mystical imagery of the great poets has been set to lovely music by Penelope Cave which emotes the eloquence of the words is perfect while the choice of 17th century instruments (virginals, harpsi­chord, the portative organ and the viola de gamba) create a wistful sense of period as Mr Hewitt sings with commendable sensitivity. An album recommended both as an aid to devotions and as an introduction to some of the most full-blooded devotional poetry ever committed to paper. Now Where's that 'Great British Poets' I had at school

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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