English Choral Tradition

Advantages: Breadth of choral works, expert musicianship
Disadvantages: None

...', 'Praise to the Lord' and 'O for a Closer Walk With God' - and as such allow the listener to relate much more closely to the music, bringing their own experiences of these hymns to their listening. The Bible Songs are performed with expert musicianship from both choir and organ. This CD comes highly recommended for lovers of choral music. Those with an interest in the English tradition and in the development of more recent choral music will find this a joy to listen to. As part of the Stanford collection it plays an important role in bringing his hymns and wider styles of choral pieces to the forefront - the settings of set sevrices are less dominant here. However, the settings that are chosen are of particular quality. Followers of Stanford should consider this CD and indeed the rest of the collection as an excellent purchase.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Well-balance compilation, excellent artistry, well-recorded
Disadvantages: None

...Charles Stanford is one of the great English choral composers and this third volume of his sacred works continues to pay great homage to this. Sung by the choir of Winchester Cathedral the musical capability of the artists is not in doubt, and they do great justice to the works. Throughout these pieces the organ accompaniment of Stephen Farr is exemplary, and well balanced with the choral sound. This compilation contains a nice mix of tracks. As well as the Evening Services, there are a number of anthems and several extended pieces (St. Patrick's Breastplate, For Lo, I Raise Up). The Evening Services in C and B flat reflect Stanford's great ability to bring life to the magnificat and nunc dimittis. With such frequently sung words this is a difficult enough achievement, yet here we hear voices that soar with dynamism and grace... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Quintessentially English
Disadvantages: I only listened to the compostions I am familiar with!

...This is a double CD of traditionally English composers, among them are 3 of my favourite composers, Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Delius. Included are the some of the works of Warlock and Butterworth which are just as notable. William Bennett- Flute Iona Brown- Violin Nicholas Kraemer- Harpiscord Sir Neville Mariner- Director The Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields. I love Ralph Vaughan Williams, as I was exposed to his composition and works as a youngster in wind band. Musically Vaughan Williams is famous for his woodwinds and versatility in Military Bands, but has been adapted to full orchestra. Elgar, famous for Nimrod withinthe Enigma Variations and Delius are more orchestral in their composition. The CD The CD opens with the title track and Vaughan Williams. Fantasia on Greensleeves I adore this peice... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful