"A few years ago, I had the chance to go to England with my Daughter; at that time, I already owned several albums. On the last full day of our stay, I had the chance to go to Cambridge, and visit King's College. I desided to stay, and attend a Vesper Service; it was one of the best experiences of my life! The music of the Choir was all I expected, and more! The music on this album takes me back to that time and place; it is an indescribable feeling of JOY!! Buy it, you'll love it!!"
English Choirs
T. Sparfeld | 12/18/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Having visited many Cathedrals throughout the UK and listened to the enchanting voices of the boys choirs, I was disappointed with this particular rendering from Kings. Perhaps I am biased in that I enjoy the organ background or no background but the use of a full blown orchestra, in my opinion, tended to overwhelm and was totally unnecessary and somewhat grandoise choice on the part of Stephen Cleobury. Apart from that, much of the music was excellent. In comparison with other CD's from Kings, this was disappointing."
Buy this CD!
M. Barclay | 09/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having heard Kings College Choir twice, in the flesh, at Kings, this CD is a wonderful example of what you might hear. If you can't make it to Cambridge, buy this CD. It contains many of the old favorites and also some hymns that are not found on other English hymn CD's."
Great English Hymns
T. Sparfeld | Miami, FL | 02/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was one of my Christmas gifts and I really looked forward to listening to it. I had just visited King's College, Cambridge back in August and really liked it--you should try to make it out there if possible.
Anyway, this CD was great to listen to. Some hymns are scored for orchestral accompaniment, choir and organ, while the majority of tracks are just for choir and organ.
Recorded in the King's College Chapel (the front cover has a great shot of the ceiling's trademark "fan" stone carving), the hymns are pure English sound--boys' treble voices along with men's changed voices singing with a pure, clean, straight tone. It's very sweet-sounding.
The hymns chosen are also great; "Be Thou My Vision," an Irish classic, appears along with "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "All People That on Earth Do Dwell," and "Morning Has Broken" (later recorded by Cat Stevens).
The singing isn't especially elaborate--they're just simple hymns. They're orchestrated very well, however, and they sound great.
Religious people may prefer these recordings more in general--these are Christian hymns after all--but I think it's a great recording and is worth listening too, especially if you enjoy that English sound!