Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Let it be said straight from the start that this is a pleasant recording of some splendid music. The Choir of St Paul's Episcopal Church is small with just two singers to each part but the vocal blend is good and we get an enjoyable recital. For me, the highlight is - perversely - an organ solo: the first movement of the sonata in G played by Graham Elliott. The choral material is well chosen and includes many of Elgar's finest compositions, including "Great Is The Lord", "Ave Maria", "Give Unto The Lord" and "Te Deum Laudamus". But there lies the problem. All of this material is available elsewhere and often at a better price. This is the third Elgar collection I have been sent since I started reviewing for this august publication and although it is by no means a bad disc neither is it the best or the best value. In my opinion the recording by the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, under Christopher Robinson on the budget Naxos label is just as good as this CD and at well under half the price much better value.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.