Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

For his final recording with the men and boys of Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum, the Director, Benjamin Nicholas, has chosen to celebrate Britain's best-loved living composer, John Rutter (born 1945). Rather than simply sticking to familiar classics, this programme explores the full range of the composer's output from "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge" to his most recent piece "This Is The Day", written for the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Rutter's rare communicative gifts are given a special glow by the refulgent acoustic of Tewkesbury Abbey and the choir's luminous singing, ably captured by engineer/producer Paul Baxter. From the trumpet introduction to "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge", played by Gavin Wells, to the closing "A Choral Amen" this is a most enjoyable collection with some excellent choral singing and accompaniments. Personal favourites include "The Lord Is My Shepherd" with a graceful oboe line (played by Alexandra Lowdon) that is entwined with the vocal parts, and "As The Bridegroom To His Chosen" featuring baritone Christopher Monk. There is much to enjoy in the 70 minutes of this recording and although this may not be the definitive take on Rutter's choral works - that honour belongs to his own Cambridge Singers - this is a most acceptable alternative. Rutter collectors will appreciate these new versions of old favourites and those new to this composer will find this an excellent introduction. The Director, Benjamin Nicholas, is moving to a new post at Merton College, Oxford. He can be very proud of this final recording from Tewkesbury.

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