Shirley Ratcliffe
Choir & Organ

First comes the word and here we have a composer who has an implicit understanding and love of the text, which manifests itself throughout his music. Judy Martin is a choral director who has a perfect understanding of this relationship. She draws from the mixed-voice choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, in beautifully expressive and finely honed performances. This elegant and individual music gains its own momentum as it builds toward each climax. Choral works include the Mass in five parts, Turn our Captivity, A Remembrance and O Lord, support us all the day long. The composer's organ writing is represented by his stunning Introduction, Toccata and Fugue, which is given a first-rate performance by the cathedral's young Australian organist Tristan Russcher. Highly Recommended.