Wisdom & Strength
Rebecca Tavener
Friday, May 9, 2025
The evident pleasure they derive from recent music radiates in the warmth of the voices and tender phrasing, with forthright, exciting sonorities as required

‘An imaginary Sunday’ of Compline, Eucharist, and Evensong informs the programming of 18 works by Kerensa Briggs, Sara Cattley, Joanna Marsh, Kristina Arakelyan, Marisse Cato, Shruthi Rajesekar, Alison Willis, Amy Summers, Kerry Andrew, mostly premiere recordings, a cappella or with organ, some commissioned by the performers. The evident pleasure they derive from recent music radiates in the warmth of the voices and tender phrasing, with forthright, exciting sonorities as required. Judith Ward has the lion’s share with her Mass for St Mark (based on the plainchant Credo I), motets, Evensong Responses, and her Gloria tibi Trinitas for organ. A pleasingly immediate recorded sound and beautiful balance adorn this excellent anthology.
★★★★