‘A superlative issue in every way. This inspired music by the contemporary Polish composer employs a convincing language of 'renewed tonality' in its impassioned response to the traditional liturgical texts … these young Cambridge singers bring a technical mastery and total commitment to this vibrant music’ (Choir & Organ)

‘Layton is arguably the finest choral director working today in the UK … Layton's choral scholars sing this challenging music, with its dazzling polytonal clusters, complex chords, and non-traditional progressions with absolute purity of tone, perfection of intonation, and depth of feeling … we live in a renaissance of sacred choral music … it is clear that Polish composer Paweł Łukaszewski belongs to this company of titans … I found myself amazed at each subtle harmonic surprise, at each stunningly apt underlining of a phrase … do not hesitate’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘With performances as sonorous and acutely paced as these, they come across with a winning fervour. Layton's advocacy is certainly vindicated’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘Stephen Layton conjures magical and sophisticated performances from the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, and I imagine that the composer must be in seventh heaven’ (International Record Review)

‘Layton's affinity with this radiant, accessible music is clear as he guides the Trinity College Choir, which sings with passion and purity throughout the programme’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘This is a lovely disc of enchanting choral music … only the hardest of musical hearts will remain unmelted by such committed interpretations. In its [Nunc dimittis] beautifully measured phrases, immaculately tailored textures and ingenious use of light and shade to invoke light shining in darkness, it is a gem which receives here a beautifully poised account … here is a composer who really is a true master of the art of a cappella writing. In saying that it has been difficult to draw this CD out of my player, so frequently have I returned to it, I can offer no higher praise’ (Gramophone)

‘From the arresting opening eruption, reminiscent of the famous 'O fortuna' from Carl Orff's Carmina burana, it is instantly clear that this is a passionate performance of a powerful work. Through its ensuing myriad contrasts, the peerless skill and unwavering dedication of Polyphony, the Britten Sinfonia, soloists and conductor Stephen Layton result in a compelling performance of Paweł Łukaszewski's moving oratorio … it is impossible to envisage a better performance. Strongly recommended’ (Classical Source)

‘This eminently accessible oratorio, whose impact is unquestionable … the piece is delivered with passionate, almost frightening intensity. From Polyphony under Stephen Layton's inspired direction one expects no less: luminously clear textures … his three vocal soloists are admirable too: the countertenor Iestyn Davies as the Evangelist in particular finding in his contributions a beautiful combination of sweetness and compassion’ (International Record Review)

‘A composer with a profound understanding of the technical and emotional range of the human voice … the shining writing for the countertenor Evangelist (performed by the outstanding Iestyn Davies) … and the Resurrectional blaze of the final 'Christus vincit'. This string of moments, by turns bright and oppressively dark, dramatic and reflective, receives a performance of the very deepest conviction by Polyphony and the Britten Sinfonia under Stephen Layton, and the recorded sound is wonderful’ (Gramophone)

‘Łukaszewski's reputation is growing rapidly, and rightly so … here, Christ's victory over death enables Łukaszewski to end on a triumphant coda that carries a primal power recalling Orff's Carmina Burana and Penderecki's St Luke Passion … all the performers evince an emotional commitment to the content as well as to accurate technical realisation of the music. The purity of sound achieved by Polyphony's sopranos and countertenor Iestyn Davies is notable, so too is Roger Allam's sonorous narration’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Miss King delivers the goods, technically and musically, making an easy, open creamy sound’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘There’s no denying the sumptuous virtuosity inherent in these pieces, which pianist Hamish Milne tosses off with obvious relish and technical assurance’ (Classics Today)