‘A sign that the 36-year-old American choral composer Eric Whitacre has arrived is that he has been given the glamour treatment by Stephen Layton's magnificent Polyphony, one of the finest a capella choral ensembles active in the world today … Whitacre has experienced enormous success recently, writing choral and wind ensemble music. It's not hard to see why, from this impeccably performed collection’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘A lifetime of listening to choral music had not prepared me for such lush harmonies—a cappella voices perfectly tuned and blended. This was my first encounter with Polyphony, possibly the best small (25 or so) professional chorus in the world. Polyphony is from Britain, where choral singing is a national fetish. Since their formation in 1986 by conductor Stephen Layton, they have amassed an impressive catalogue on the Hyperion label, which also includes the highly praised, Grammy-nominated recording of Morten Lauridsen’s Lux aeterna. But for pure Polyphony, the group’s CD Cloudburst, comprised entirely of works by wunderkind composer Eric Whitacre, is a stunning recording, their best showcase yet’ (Encore, USA)

‘This one is in the We Told You So Department. American composer Eric Whitacre in his mid-30s, is—with the estimable Morten Lauridsen—a part of a growing bounty of choral exploration and development frequently now being recorded by the British-based Layton and his remarkable ensemble, Polyphony. And the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences have heard the word and smartly nominated this outstanding CD for a Best Choral Performance Grammy. The title work alone is a tour de force, the singers themselves creating the percussive sound of a raging storm. Note, also, the wrenching despair of When David heard—this may be too much for families suffering the loss of military sons and daughters right now, by the way. Lauridsen’s new Nocturnes also with Polyphony—hits stores in February. For now, soak yourself in this superb Cloudburst’ (CNN)

‘Theirs is the sort of virtuosity that calls no attention to itself but unfolds the music with a spontaneous, ongoing sense of discovery’ (Opera News)

‘This is a real gem’ (International Record Review)

‘Quite simply, it's the most consistently beautiful sung version of the work I know, with exemplary instrumental contributions. If you don't have it already make sure you don't miss it this time round’ (Early Music Review)

‘Stylish and deeply moving’ (CDReview)

‘Unusual music … a rewarding release’ (Gramophone)

«Ces lamentations … méritent assurément le meilleur traitement interprétatif, ce qui es le cas ici» (Telerama)

‘Performances which are not only exemplary but compelling’ (Organists' Review)

‘This truly rich advent feast is performed wonderfully well on all counts and can be highly recommended’ (Organists' Review)

‘Bright, youthful choir timbre, affectionate yet staunch renditions, and superior sound from the Hyperion engineers. Recommend you buy on sight. Repeat, buy on sight’ (American Record Guide)