Perhaps at a time when ‘the peace of Jerusalem’ (and thereabouts) might seem a subject for Jeremiah himself, the stately confidence of Hubert Parry and the pulsing aspirations of Stephen Adams may be just what is wanted. On safer ground, the St John Ambulance charity (associated with the Holy City through its foundation) is a cause whose interests will be advanced by the sale of this CD; and if musical excellence can ensure sales, the cause should profit abundantly.

The choir is in fine form. The voices are strong and steady, and they sing with both power and refinement. At their very best in the chorus from Brahms’s Requiem, they preserve a graceful vocal line and, helped by some skilful organ playing, make ‘the courts of the Lord’ light and serene; then, as the polyphonic vigour of ‘They praise thy name’ comes into play, they sing out with strength, glorying in the high notes and the energy of good counterpoint. They bring a transforming touch to Verdi, and he’s none the worse for it. The trebles have a forthright tone and style, excellent in their Stanford. An admirable countertenor soloist narrates the story (set by Gibbons) of John the Baptist among the priests and Levites, and Emma Kirkby, neat in ‘Rejoice greatly’, rather too much addicted to the swell-pedal manner of production for my liking in ‘How beautiful are the feet’, is sublime in Laudate Dominum.

But the record is rather more than the sum of its parts. There is boldness in its conception – the programme itself, the use of the chamber orchestra and brass ensemble. Much is owed to the director, Malcolm Archer, and the recording team deserves a generous share of the praise also. Let us hope St John Ambulance do well out of it; and we will certainly pray for the peace of Jerusalem.