Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This recording is a compilation of music used in the 11 September Memorial Services in 2001 and 2002 and also from the Memorial Service for the victims of the Bali bombing in October 2002. Touchingly, it is dedicated “to the memory of Robert Eaton, chorister of St Paul's Cathedral from 1973 to 1977 who died in the World Trade Center, and to Ted Perry, inspirational founder of Hyperion Records, who died in 2003 and with whom the St Paul's musicians enjoyed a happy artistic collaboration since 1987.” This is not easy listening. Vocally it is immaculate and individually all the pieces are beautiful but collectively it becomes rather sombre. As a resource for choirmasters and funeral directors this may become indispensable but the casual listener would need to be in a reflective frame of mind to listen all the way through in one sitting. The selection is interesting, starting with a Gregorian chant and including several contemporary composers, including Geoffrey Burgon, Joseph Gelineau, Mark Blatchly and Ian Kellam. Two popular and appropriate hymns are featured: “O God Our Help” and “Abide With Me” and, for this reviewer, the best track is “Crossing The Bar (Sunset And Evening Star)”, Hubert Parry's beautiful setting of Tennyson’s poem.

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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