Paul Ayres, The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, Sarah MacDonald - Sacred Ayres

Published Tuesday 27th April 2021
Paul Ayres, The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, Sarah MacDonald - Sacred Ayres
Paul Ayres, The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, Sarah MacDonald - Sacred Ayres

STYLE: Choral
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 180518-
LABEL: Regent REGCD536
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is an easy listen in the positive sense that the music is tuneful and well sung and the words are clear throughout, rather than the instantly forgettable blandness of easy listening music. Not that I object to Latin texts but it is nice to sit back and listen rather than having to follow a translation. This collection is the latest in Selwyn College Choir's growing series devoted to contemporary British church composers and while some of the texts will be well known to many the arrangements of the traditional tunes are always interesting and the new compositions, most of which receive their debut recording here, are all worthwhile and all well sung by the reliable choir under Sarah MacDonald. The sub-title of 'Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs' tells us what to expect and we get five of each plus three anthems, three carols and an encore giving us a generous 77 minutes, none of which is wasted. I enjoyed my first listen and when I came back to the disc with the helpful and amusing liner notes by the composer open in front of me, I got even more from the contents. Does the church really need three new settings of the 23rd Psalm, one of which is based on the traditional tune "Crimond"? Paul Ayres makes his case well and all three of his arrangements deserve to become well-known and well-used. And the last of the five psalms, Psalm 118 ("This Is The day") would be an excellent addition to anyone's hymnbook. After such a strong opening, the five hymns were less noteworthy although the reharmonization of traditional Irish melody "Slane" for "Be Thou My Vision" is a great improvement, especially for the men's parts. The five spirituals, either individually or collectively, would be good additions to any choir's repertoire and, as a fellow bass, I tip my hat to Hector Gardiner for his solo on "Go Down Moses". In his liner notes, Mr Ayres refers us to an article on his website (www.paulayres.co.uk/spirituals) where he politely but firmly answers the question as to whether it is acceptable for white composers to 'appropriate' black music. Well worth reading. The three anthems and carols are also well written and sung and all can be recommended to choir directors looking to extend their repertoire and the concluding encore, the title song. "Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs" is a true show-stopper. Whether you come to this collection as a listener, a worshipper, or a choir member, there is much to commend it and as a shop window for a prolific composer and arranger a great success.

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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