‘The programme is scrupulously prepared, with excellent pronunciation, idiomatic timbres and a fine fusion of ardent communication and sensitive shaping. The disc was recorded in the superb acoustic of All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London, and Ivan Moody's informative essay is an indispensable bonus’ (Gramophone)

‘In hymns, prayers, invocations and anthems. These composers draw on ancient chant to produce music which is always passionate … beautifully captured by the Holst Singers’ (Choir & Organ)

‘Performing with insight and commendable Russian sonority, the Holst Singers have cast their net wide in this survey of Orthodox Church music. The main focus is the pre-Revolution period of the early 20th century, with Pavel Chesnokov generously represented. But he and other composers found ways of reconciling inventiveness with the Church’s constraints, and such rarities as César Cui’s Magnificat, together with works by Shvedov, Kastalsky and more familiar Rachmaninov, make for a fascinating spectrum’ (The Daily Telegraph)

‘The remarkable performances of the Holst Singers, securely balanced on the tightrope between pianissimo sensitivity and full-throated veneration … the intonation is faultless across all the registers here, diction is clear and the choral sound is beautifully homogenized—there doesn't seem to be a weak voice anywhere. Nor is there a weak piece: all 22 items blaze with devout passion. With the volume turned up, one after another brought up the hair on the back of my neck … this is a glorious CD and it should bring you much pleasure’ (International Record Review)