A Controversial Figure

'Soloists and choral singing are of the utmost quality ...'

The astonishingly diverse choral output of Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) is given full vein in this well-filled disc from Chandos with the fine St John's College Choir under the able direction of Andrew Nethsingha. The notes tell us that Wesley was perhaps the most controversial figure in nineteenth century church music, a far cry from Trollope's Warden perhaps.

The anthems are perhaps his better known works especially the opening Blessed be the God and Father, using a four-part choir and organ...