Search - Charles Villiers Stanford, Stephen Farr, Christopher Monks :: Stanford: Sacred Choral Music, Vol. 3 "The Georgian Years"

Leads You into the Essence of Great Choral Hymns

Dennis J. Dickerson | Arlington, TX United States | 02/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you were to only purchase this CD for the performance of St. Patrick's Breastplate (track 5) your purchase would be fully justified. The sincerity, power and majesty of this particular recording of the hymn attributed to St. Patrick is the best that I have heard. Both the choir and the deep robust bass of the Winchester Cathedral organ are recorded with great clarity. Each verse is uniquely treated and the results are compelling. If you are not familiar with the other works compiled from the final thirteen years of the composer's life, the thorough notes which candidly parallel the compositions against the background of the composer's life, character and personality - and which explain the logic of the musical development within each piece - will certainly guide the listener to a full appreciation of each work. Includes text for the compositions. Very highly recommended."