Poulenc Sacred Music

“Excellent performances from choir and orchestra – a most enjoyable disc” Choir & Organ

“Poulenc’s Gloria for soprano solo, mixed choir and orchestra is a richly affirmative piece; bold in outline, prime coloured yet full of sensitive writing.  The very opening is reminiscent of Stravinsky and the Domine Deus (track 5) sometimes brings Prokofiev to mind, yet the composer’s own highly sophisticated musical language is always in evidence. John Rutter’s performance is exultant and sure-footed; his forces perform superbly and Donna Dean is a worthy soprano soloist. The sound is fresh and immediate, to match the performance. The various unaccompanied pieces are beautifully shaped and strongly projected.  A fine disc.” CD Review

“The fact that Poulenc’s choral music contains some of his most inspired and genuinely moving writing has not been lost on the record companies. There are a number of excellent discs in the catalogue from, among others, The Sixteen (Virgin), Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford (Nimbus), St. John’s College, Cambridge (Decca Double) and Groupe Vocale de France (EMI). That said, the re-issue at mid-price of this superb collection from John Rutter’s Cambridge Singers is something to be genuinely welcomed. Rutter really excels in this sort of repertory, and the tonal beauty of his crack choir makes for very satisfying listening. All in all, an excellent achievement. The Gloria is well served on disc, but this version has merits that grow on one subtly with each hearing. In any case, the other items easily make the disc worth investigating. Choral fans will already know of Rutter’s high standards, and this disc will not disappoint on any technical grounds. Recording is full and clear, with the suitably resonant acoustic well tamed by the engineers. Recommended.” MusicWeb International