'[Sir Colin Davis] has always been a great Elgarian … their Enigma, captured at the beginning of this year [2007], is one of the most beautifully played I can recall, and certainly one of the most moving accounts of this much-recorded music … this superlative performance is coupled with an equally dazzling account, from 2005, of the Introduction and Allegro for Strings’’ (The Sunday Times)

'Colin Davis's LSO Live recordings of the Elgar symphonies are already jewels in the label's crown, so this release brought with it high expectations. Davis's way with Elgar is always a fairly flexible one … it gives this splendid account of the Enigma Variations a real sense of a living organism. The LSO plays wonderfully' (The Daily Telegraph)

‘‘Of all the issues to mark the 150th anniversary of Elgar's birth, few will be more distinguished than these masterful accounts … you have an Enigma Variations as beautifully paced and played as any on disc and a superb Introduction & Allegro by the orchestra that premiered the work under the composer’’ (The Observer)

'There's no sign of ageing in Davis's energetic Enigma interpretation, which enjoys an abundance of characterisation from its well-paced statement of the theme to a series of variations that each carry their own fascination. There is luxurious warmth in every sweeping phrase, but also a driving energy that holds the entire work together' (The Scotsman)

'A reading clearly born of true affection for, and deep knowledge of this rich and ever-wonderful score … any Elgarian seeking these three pieces together will not remotely be disappointed' (International Record Review)

'Three fine interpretations, that also has the excitement of public performance, by a conductor who loves this repertoire and knows it like the back of his hand' (BBC Music Magazine)

'A highly impressive recording' (Classic FM Magazine)

‘These choral works can be judged as small masterpieces’ (Classics Today)

‘Every work on the disc receives a convincing performance. James O'Donnell has chosen the tempi carefully, allowing the music enough space to breathe in the Abbey's generous acoustic whilst managing to avoid any sense of dragging. The choir sings well throughout and almost without fail produces a well-blended sound. Robert Quinney's accompaniments are colourful and exciting … highly recommended’ (Cathedral Music)

‘James O'Donnell never lets a detail pass or an effect count for nothing; likewise the Westminster Abbey Choir. Rarities, such as the Queen Alexandra Memorial Ode of 1932, receive equal care and attention … above all, this disc projects Elgarian grandeur and dignity’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘The Westminster Abbey Choir delivers its organ-accompanied programme with beautiful tonal colour and blend’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘The Choir of Westminster Abbey, directed by James O'Donnell, does great service in a programme ranging from his naive early pieces for his local Catholic Church, to Coronation music and an Ode, written for the unveiling of Queen Alexandra's memorial in 1932, one of his last pieces. Beautiful singing and sound quality from Hyperion’ (Liverpool Daily Post)