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DCD34026-CD
Saxophonist John Harle joins Scottish soprano Susan Hamilton and Delphian artist Matthew Owens in these bold works. Refracted through the varied generic possibilities whether of spiritual, carol, motet or Mass, Richard Allain has developed a musical dialect malleable enough to cover the gamut of liturgical purposes represented on this disc.
With advocates such as these, Allain’s music cannot fail to make a lasting impression.
"Magical moments abound"
"startlingly impressive"
"Let it be said that all the performers are first class: John Harle on soprano saxophone, the soprano Susan Hamilton, James McVinnie and Matthew Owens on organ, the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the vocal group Laudibus. Mike Brewer conducts and all are first recordings and were made in the presence of the composer who must be delighted with the result."
CROSSRHYTHMS
"Mike Brewer’s two choirs, the 74-strong National Youth Choir and the chamber-scale Laudibus, both do Allain proud with confident, committed performances – as do the solo team, with John Harle’s plangent soprano saxophone to the fore."
"Richard Allain passionately believes in the need to create pieces that speak clearly to their audiences and performers. When I’m Gone proves that he’s much more than a jack of all musical styles, grabbing the ear from the opening bars of his Salve Regina and holding them with pieces such as At night I seek the one my spirit loves and Memento Homo. John Harle’s keening saxophone crowns the National Youth Choir’s sublime, fervent singing. Recommended."
"I can thoroughly recommend this disc for excellent sound-quality, the choirs well conducted by Mike Brewer, and some of the most compellingly innovative works I’ve reviewed on CD to date."
TEMPO
"If you are an adherent of English choral music do try this; something out of the ordinary and rewarding."