Naxos has done well to invite the choir of Rutter’s own Cambridge college to represent him in its catalogue, which certainly could not have gone much longer without something of the man who has become the most popular British composer of choral music in recent years. The selection, too, has been well-made, with a major work, the Requiem, to open, then a variety of shorter choral pieces (some a cappella, some with organ) to follow, and then some organ solos as a kind of extended voluntary at the end. Conspicuously missing is his Christmas music, which is perhaps being kept in reserve for a more seasonable month.

There is now no lack of choice in this field. Apart from the obviously authoritative (and excellent) performances with the Cambridge Singers under the composer’s direction on their own Collegium label, the general catalogue offers two discs by Polyphony under Stephen Layton. These include the Requiem and Come down, O Love divine, the latter an impressive piece of writing and a challenge to any choir that performs it.

Polyphony are in most instances the more subtle choir, their director very clear about what he wants from them, down to the finest detail. Clare are fresh and natural, thoroughly musical in feeling and professional in care; they also have an advantage in the recorded sound which, in the accompanied items, brings them further forward. The two organ pieces – Toccata in seven and Variations on an Easter theme – are finely played, and the version of the Requiem is the scoring for solo instruments and organ, rather than the full orchestral score heard in the other presently listed recordings.