Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

How time flies: 13 years ago (in 2006) Volume I of the Huddersfield Choral Society's 'Hymns Album' was released with Joseph Cullen wielding the conductor's baton. The baton has now been passed to Gregory Batsleer but the splendidly robust sound of the choir continues to bring pleasure to many. This new collection has a generous 24 hymns ancient and modern and while not all would be in my personal list of favourites there is nothing here that is not worth hearing. Indeed other choir directors and worship leaders may find something new here too and be able to share it. The furthest back in time we travel is to Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612) whose "O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded" was harmonised and borrowed by Johann Sebastian Bach, most famously in his 'St Matthew Passion'. Living composers are also represented, including David Evans (born 1957) with his popular "Be Still, For The Presence Of The Lord" and Will Todd (born 1970) with a new setting of "The Lord Is My Shepherd", the fourth movement of his 2009 'Te Deum'. However, for this reviewer at least, the standouts are the lively performances of those sometimes dry and dusty Victorian favourites such as "All Things Bright And Beautiful", here minus some of the particularly out dated verses, or "Alleluya, Sing To Jesus" to the tune "Hyfrydol". But if I had to pick one song to highlight it would be Richard Wilberforce's specially commissioned arrangement of "Amazing Grace" that keeps the traditional tune "New Britain" while allowing John Newton's heartfelt words to speak loud and clear to all who have ears to hear. Those who think that traditional hymnody has no place in the modern Church would do well to listen to this excellent collection of outstanding compositions all sung very well indeed.

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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