Customer Reviews

Music of the Westminster Cathedral Choir

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This disc is ideal for anyone who is curious about the Roman Catholic Cathedral just down the road from Westminster Abbey. It features music from all ages, all of which is brilliantly sung. Of course, since it covers such a broad range of styles, it is what I like to call a "buffet" CD- there's always a firm favourite item, rubbing proverbial shoulders with something less appealing. For instance, I am very taken by the Panufnik work "Deus meus es tu" but find such items as the Palestrina quite dull (although other works from that period such as the Byrd "Ave verum" are most arresting). On the whole, this disc is the definitive "voice" of Westminster Cathedral Choir, and it will be interesting to see what happens when director James O'Donnell takes over at Westminster Abbey in the new year. A broad mix of music that is good value for money.

Westminster Cathedral Choir is one of the finest Catholic Choirs if not in the UK. Anyone who has never visited the building would be blown away by the sheer size of it with a long nave and fine Willis Organ facing the West end position. This collection of delights are a delight for any listener who appreciates the old masters to the more contemporary. The Britten is a revelation and the longest work is the double magnificat by Charles Stanford. Notice how the Choir stay perfectly in tune on the note and never tired of such a work which is unaccompanied. A real treat.

I bought this recording because it had the Messaien piece as well as the Martin Mass on it (or so I thought). I'm performing a concert with both of these pieces, so I was trying to get more bang for my buck. The recordings are fine, however, it only had one movement of the Martin Mass. I probably should have read the description in much more detail, but when one sees "Martin Mass" on a recording, one assumes the whole thing is there.

I had sorta been looking around for a cd with some "angelic" sounding voices on it after having been inspired by the movie "City Of Angels." This cd has given me what I was looking for...and at a nice price. It's great music for relaxation.