Rutter: Gloria (with Bernstein - Chichester Psalms)

"For the pittance of a price this release has a lot going for it...all of the performers are top notch Brits recorded back in 1995. Quite a bargain for those looking for some superb singing at a great price." (**** AudAud.com)

"This is a very attractive collection of modern(ish) religious music which is entertaining as well as enlightening, and it is well worth having. Don't miss it on any account."
(Bargain of the Month MusicWeb April 2010)

Here are dynamic modern performances of some of the most popular of all sacred vocal works written in the second half of the last century, expertly done by chamber choirs soaked in the tradition which the works themselves draw upon.

The Gloria is perhaps the best-known of the extended compositions by John Rutter, composer of such choral evergreens as A Gaelic Blessing and Shepherds' Pipe Carol. Rutter's setting fully captures the exuberance of the text, with sparkling orchestral colours and fullbodied choral parts.

Like the Gloria, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms (socalled because of the nature of their original commission, made in 1964 by the Dean of Chichester Cathedral, Walter Hussey) may be musically sophisticated in technical terms, but never at the expense of creating an instant impression or of serving the texts. The poignant treble solo in the second movement is still, along with 'Maria', one of Bernstein's most imperishable melodies.

Poulenc, too, had melodies pouring out of him, though his settings of ancient liturgical texts (and rustic peasant prayers) in Litanies à la Vierge Noire, Quatre Petites Prières de Saint François d'Assise, Exsultate Deo and Salve Regina are in the more austere tradition of French sacred works.

• Recordings date from 1995

• Two of the finest chamber choirs in the English choral tradition, expertly directed and recorded

• Booklet notes in English, with sung texts in the original language and English translation