Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The St Thomas Choir of Men & Boys, Fifth Avenue, New York with their director John Scott, have released a compelling recording of the contrasting and poignant Requiems by close contemporaries Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) and Herbert Howells (1892-1983), bridged by Ralph Vaughan Williams' (1872-1958) setting of Mr Valiant-For-Truth's speech from John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress'. This album marks the final disc in the on-going series of six releases recorded across the late John Scott's illustrious tenure with the Saint Thomas Choir in New York. Both Requiems are significant contributions to 20th century choral music which means there are other recordings on the market (as seen elsewhere on this website) but, to the best of my knowledge, this is the only disc that pairs the two together. St Thomas on Fifth Avenue in New York City is one of the leading Anglo-Catholic congregations in North America with a suitably prestigious music department and under John Scott standards became comparable with any in the world. Thus if you have any liking for either Howells or Duruflé you will find much to admire and, chances are, if you like one you may well enjoy 'tother. By using just the men and boys Scott gives us a traditional version with Howells being a cappella and Duruflé benefiting from Frederick Teardo on the organ. Vaughan Williams' "Valiant-For-truth" sits most comfortably between the two main courses and helps to bring the timing above the hour mark. The audio quality is excellent and the programme as a whole makes a most appropriate and indeed moving epitaph for the much respected and greatly missed John Scott, LVO.

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