Matthew Power
Choir & Organ
May 2012

Any new album that contains Bernstein's Chichester Psalms catches my eye. This one contains much more of note, with settings of psalm texts in various styles by Allegri (the Miserere), verse anthems by Byrd (Teach me, 0 Lord, with a crystal-clear alto solo from Tim Travers-Brown) and Purcell (Thy word is a lantern), Wesley (Ascribe unto the Lord) and Parry (Hear my words, ye people). Apart from the variety of this great music, the polish of the choir's singing, combining a beautifully honed treble line with characterful yet restrained adult voices, is all recorded with fine balance. Copious sleeve notes add value to a very attractive release.