Search - Winchester Cathedral Choir :: Choral Showcase

A definite classic

Mark Swinton | 05/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It was under Martin Neary that the Choir of Winchester Cathedral first made a name for itself, through records such as this one. This is THE sound of boys voices that has made the English choral tradition so highly prized both here and abroad, albeit singing more than just the old familiar Christmas Carols frequently associated with English cathedral music. I bought the disc for Jonathan Harvey's "I Love the Lord," which I was fortunate enough to sing in Guildford Cathedral over Holy Week, with the RSCM Millennium Youth Choir under Dr Neary's direction. He believes it to be the finest anthem written in the latter half of the 20th century, and indeed on this recording it is sung by the choir for which it was written. It is not an easy piece, either to listen to or to sing, but whatever you think from listening to it here, it is unquestionably the greatest example of the performance standards wrought by Dr Neary.Lest you think this is just a compilation of "Winchester Commissions," the disc also features some exquisite classical favourites, including Mendelssohn's "I waited for the Lord," Stanford's brief motet "Caelos ascendit hodie" and the incomparable setting of "Faire is the Heaven" by William Harris (quite possibly his finest work). In addition, James Lancelot breaks up the programme twice with his fluent renditions of organ music by Dubois and Franck, all sounding magnificent in the cathedral's famed acoustics.This is by no means a perfect recording: first of all, a varied programme is commendable but never always to everyone's taste (so eclectic music lovers will get the most out of this CD). Secondly, the booklet notes are practically non-existent - the two organ works are given short commentaries and the anthem texts are supplied but you are left without programme notes describing them. Thirdly, as it was originally released as an LP it comes in at under 60 minutes running time, although the performances still make it worthwhile for what you pay. Fourthly, it is an AAD re-master, and as such it shows its age (I think this is indicative of the initial apathy from most record companies towards the newly-introduced digital audio tape, now used by all companies!).Nonetheless, this CD fully lives up to its title. It is one of those classics that deserves to be better known."