Search - Holst Singers & Orch, Wetton :: Evening Watch & Other Choral Music

Evening Watch is remarkable

K. Taylor | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hilary Davan Wetton has with great touch potrayed the subtle and warm character some of Holst's later choral music. Of the Two Psalms (1912), the former is my favorite of the two, and the precursor to much of Holst's more mature choral style. The male choir songs are at once desolate (Before Sleep) humourous (Drinking Song) and evangelical (How Mighty are the Sabbath). And the female choir ad lib in How Mighty ... is touch a great touch for this recording. These are some of the most underappreciated pieces in all of Holst's music, and yet so representative his feelings on life and ideal in music. The Evening Watch from the Two Motets was performed with such intensity (aside from consonants being mistimed and the alto solo). What a wonderful way to climax a CD. But best of all of this CD are the Robert Bridge songs for female choir. The musicality of the recording is unmatched in any other recording (much more superior than the Hickox recording with Patrizia Rozario) If anything, buy this CD to hear how these SHOULD sound when performed. It is an experience that can not be underestimated. Nunc Dimmitis is a very nice compliment this wonderful CD. And ironically, like much of the music on this CD, is a gem waiting to be uncovered."