‘A must-have addition to any choral collection’ (Choir & Organ)

‘Westminster Abbey Choir commands top spot among this year's Christmas vocal releases. James O'Donnell and his choristers are on splendid form, upholding the character of each piece in a compelling programme without false sentiment or wanton display’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘The Christmas Eve carol service at Westminster Abbey is one of the most warming events in the festive calendar, and this CD captures the atmosphere beautifully … the singing is a constant delight’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘The Abbey choir's splendid performance … an ambitious and superbly sung programme, sympathetically framed within the choir's spaciously atmospheric home acoustic’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘The best newly recorded Christmas CD by a country mile … terrific’ (The Mail on Sunday)

'This is a disc for listening to in peace, after the Christmas Day festivites are over and the visitors have gone' (The Daily Telegraph)

'Stephen Layton directs the performances and deserves major credit for the very high standards evident on this compilation' (BBC Music Magazine)

'There are plenty of Christmas albums around, as you know, but this one is blessed with an extra dose of charm' (Classic FM Magazine)» More

'Taking as its theme the use of psalms in choral music, this anthology links the liturgies of Jewish and Christian traditions, represented respectively by Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and various European strains from Byrd and Allegri to Purcell and Parry. Incorporating leftover music from West Side Story, Bernstein employs organ, harp and percussion as he extends a theme of peace and unity between nations from the opening Jubilate, to the restful uplift of Psalm 131. The organ can sometimes hang too heavily over the pieces by Wesley and Parry. But the highlight is the beautiful version of Allegri's Miserere mei, Deus, with its solo treble soaring high and weightless likes the vaulting of a cathedral' (The Independent)

‘A high-priz'd noise indeed, with further insights into our rich heritage, performed with fragrance and deep affection. A fine and distinctive release’ (Gramophone)

‘This admirable disc could hardly have been made, at any rate to this high standard, even twenty years ago. Many of the exquisite pieces on this CD will be new to listeners … altogether this is one of the finest discs I have heard in a very long time. Congratulations to all concerned!’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Of the performance there can only be praise, for the level of precision, characterisation and rhythmic tautness is well-nigh impeccable. What is more, this facinating anthology presents an era of music which merits far greater attention than hitherto’ (Classic CD)