‘Uniformly charismatic performances. Fine engineering and notes too. Highly recommended’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Sensitive readings of the utmost sensitivity and control’ (Gramophone)

‘In hymns, prayers, invocations and anthems. These composers draw on ancient chant to produce music which is always passionate … beautifully captured by the Holst Singers’ (Choir & Organ)

‘Performing with insight and commendable Russian sonority, the Holst Singers have cast their net wide in this survey of Orthodox Church music. The main focus is the pre-Revolution period of the early 20th century, with Pavel Chesnokov generously represented. But he and other composers found ways of reconciling inventiveness with the Church’s constraints, and such rarities as César Cui’s Magnificat, together with works by Shvedov, Kastalsky and more familiar Rachmaninov, make for a fascinating spectrum’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘The programme is scrupulously prepared, with excellent pronunciation, idiomatic timbres and a fine fusion of ardent communication and sensitive shaping. The disc was recorded in the superb acoustic of All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London, and Ivan Moody's informative essay is an indispensable bonus’ (Gramophone)

‘The remarkable performances of the Holst Singers, securely balanced on the tightrope between pianissimo sensitivity and full-throated veneration … the intonation is faultless across all the registers here, diction is clear and the choral sound is beautifully homogenized—there doesn't seem to be a weak voice anywhere. Nor is there a weak piece: all 22 items blaze with devout passion. With the volume turned up, one after another brought up the hair on the back of my neck … this is a glorious CD and it should bring you much pleasure’ (International Record Review)

‘The playing is lovely, as is the recording’ (Fanfare, USA)

'Genuinely challenging and different … the Gabrieli's rapt and intense performance is remarkable in its poise and tonal control at mainly low dynamic levels … a wonderful Christmas offering' (BBC Music Magazine)» More

‘The audience response in the climactic sequences of the rag are an apt measure of the electrifying impact of these superb performances’ (Soundscapes, Australia)

‘Scintillance and flair … enthusiastically recommended’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Full of vitality and warmth, with bright brass and energetic strings in upfront perspective against a resonant acoustic … Lawrence Power as viola soloist … responds generously to the passages of hushed intenstity in the Choral varié’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘These works make a good introduction to D'Indy's post-Wagnerian art … Choral varié and Lied are concertante works in which, respectively, the saxophone and cello solos are replaced by viola, played by Lawrence Power with his customary seductiveness’ (The Sunday Times)