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After seven marvelous volumes of 'The English Anthem', Hyperion continue
to dig provincial English choral music out of the back alleys with this
mouth-watering collection of anthems. The volume is marked as the first in
a series so we can look forward to a host of releases jam-packed with goodies
like this one. Those of you familiar with the BBC series, 'Songs of Praise'
will know what I'm raving about. Well-known items such as 'Christ Triumphant
ever reigning' and 'I Vow to the Thee my Country' (almost commercial since
Lady Diana's funeral) rub shoulders with some exquisite rarities such as
'For all the saints' and 'Lead Kindly Light'. We also discover some outstanding
beauty in 'Praise the Lord of Heaven' and Salisbury's enchanting 'Holy Spirit
ever Dwelling', an outstanding exercise in choral beauty. All twenty-two
numbers have something special to them and I recommend the listener to sample
each piece over and over again, you will be hooked by the sublime pattern
that is so characteristic to the English Hymn. The Choir of Wells Cathedral
are a self-recommending bunch of singers and the direction of Malcolm Archer
is quite exemplary. The cover design is also immediately striking whilst
the notes are very detailed and make interesting reading. Those who have
collected the English Anthem need not hesitate whilst newcomers should
investigate with vigour; this is surely not to be missed.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
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Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
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The Choir of Wells
Cathedral Rupert Gough: Organ, Malcolm Archer.
