<<  -- 2 --  Robert Anderson    IMPECCABLE ENSEMBLE

This is more evident in the organ solo pieces, where Rubbra's inspiration also lets him down. It is seldom that I can resist a fugue, though having not a shred of Bach's ability to foretell the posibilities of a given subject. The trouble with this fugue is that the subject itself is insufficiently interesting to prompt speculation about its potential. It is a delight, however, to turn to the St Dominic Mass. Conversion is so often a time for mental agony and soul-searching. If Rubbra suffered on the way to Rome, the quiet assurance of this Mass speaks of a journey happily accomplished. The unaccompanied choir responds to the sincerity of the music with impeccable ensemble and intonation.

The acoustics of the Gilbert Scott chapel are warm enough to give the choral sound a lovely radiance, but they do not blur like King's. The trebles float the highest notes with admirable assurance and no suspicion of strain. The 'cathedral' tradition has hardly wavered over the generations of this land once said to be without music. Christopher Robinson demonstrates that his team is at the forefront of our church choirs and a match for similar music-making anywhere. The Agnus Dei makes the point as well as any of the movements [listen -- track 8, 0:01-1:01].

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