Britten, Elgar, Howells & Purcell

Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30
Elgar: Te Deum laudamus, Op. 34, No. 1
Howells: Te Deum & Jubilate 'Collegium Regale'
Purcell: Te Deum & Jubilate Deo in D; My beloved spake, Z28

The Temple Church Choir/James Vivian
with The Temple Players, Greg Morris & Ian le Grice (organ)

Signum SIGCD225

A welcome Christmas release which captures the resonant acoustic of the City of London's Temple Church, where we have enjoyed notable musical experiences during the year, especially Monteverdi's Vespers - and next door in Middle Temple Hall, a fine series of Temple Song recitals.

A particular pleasure it was to renew acquaintance with Britten's splendid Rejoice in the Lamb, which exemplifies his special flair in choosing texts for setting to music. I was delighted to hear again its fanciful and eccentric Christopher Smart poem and to be reminded that my small son Simon was once its Mouse, "a creature of great personal valour", before going on to great things as the leading boy treble soloist of his generation.

Well recorded and supplied with full texts. There is a companion release of English organ music played at Temple Church

Peter Grahame Woolf