MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Stainer: The Crucifixion

"Barry Rose's orchestral version of Crucifixion was commissioned by the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra and its first performance took place in Guildford Cathedral on 31 March 2001, the centenary of Stainer's death. This recording, I imagine, uses pretty much the same forces and both composer and orchestrator have been well served by the performers. I believe that the orchestra is at least semi-professional. I spotted a couple of familiar names in the list of personnel. The playing is uniformly excellent. The players are sensitive to dynamics and rubato of which there is quite a bit, not all of it marked in my score but it's always convincingly done....Roderick Williams,,has a firm, well-focused baritone, which he uses with great intelligence...The recorded sound is first rate, being clear and well balanced. This is a very good CD which I warmly commend to all lovers of the English choral tradition." MusicWeb