Search - Benjamin Britten, Claude Debussy, Frederick Delius :: Cambridge Singers - A Cappella (Collegium)

A Fine Survey of Choral Music

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Rutter has long been established as a fine choral conductor as well as an intelligent programmer and this CD further substantiates his preeminent position. For this album Rutter has selected a wide ranging repertoire of songs written for unaccompanied chorus, a tradition that dates back to the plainsongs of the old churches.



Opening with Benjamin Britten's completely enchanting setting of WH Auden's long poem 'Hymn to St. Cecilia' is marked by fluid rhythmic changes, perfect enunciation, and glorious choral singing. This is followed by a set of Brahms songs for female voices alone, Schumann's four songs for full chorus, a lovely performance of 'Lay a garland' by the little known RL Pearsall (1795 - 1856), and the Delius 'The splendour falls on castle walls'.



Rutter and his chorus then survey the French literature with three songs by Ravel (including the perky and mocking 'Nicolette'), three songs by Debussy (with the incomparably beautiful 'Quant j'ai ouy le tamborin', and ends the recital with Francis Poulenc's 'Chansons francaises'. Through out the recital the choral tone is composer-appropriate, well recorded, and there isn't a weak moment in the set. Highly recommended for lovers of choral music. Grady Harp, March 06"