Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

"Mixing Their Music" is a quote from the opening track on this collection: Gerald Finzi's "God Is Gone Up", the first of five 20th century pieces on show. Most notable are two premiere recordings: Leighton's 1968 "Te Deum" and "Jubilate" by Malcolm Singer which was commissioned by this choir for its 40th anniversary in 1998. These two songs will be of interest to all who enjoy English choral music. Indeed there is much to enjoy throughout this collection. In chronological order we move from anonymous Plainchants to Tomás Luis de Victoria to Heinrich Schütz and then Johann Ludwig Bach and his more famous cousin Johann Sebastian and then Felix Mendelssohn, Benjamin Britten and Herbert Howells. If there is a sub-theme running through the programme it is that of music for double choir. This means that instead of being divided into the standard four (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) vocal parts, each of those parts is divided to produce two four part ensembles which composers can combine and contrast in a variety of ways. The singers rise to the challenges presented by the music with some help from the organist Roger Judd. All in all, a satisfying collection.

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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