Vaughan Williams: Sacred Choral Music: A Vision of Aeroplanes / Mass in G minor / The Voice out of the Whirlwind

"There's no doubt [Vaughan Williams] would have doffed his boater to the latest recording…from Clare College…the sweeping energy and rich detail of Tim Brown's interpretation draw out the best from his young singers, in matters musical and mystical." (ClassicFM April 2010)

"The main challenge comes in A Vision of Aeroplanes first performed by the professional and much vaunted choir at St Michael's Church, in Cornhill, London. It is not only a massive challenge to the singers, but equally for the organist, Clare College here drafting in for this one track James McVinnie from London's Westminster Abbey. It proves a thrilling experience." (David's Review Corner March 2010)

Ralph Vaughan Williams's sublime Mass in G minor reveals the composer's absorbing interest in using the modal harmonic language and contrapuntal textures of the English late Renaissance to achieve a huge emotional and dynamic range. Undoubtedly the most technically demanding work on this disc is A Vision of Aeroplanes, a virtuosic motet for mixed chorus and organ. Several neglected works also feature here, including The Voice out of the Whirlwind, an anthem for mixed chorus and orchestra or organ, and Valiant-for-truth, one of several works based on Bunyan's Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress.