Herbert Howells was arguably the most important composer of music for the Anglican church in the mid-twentieth century, and this selection has all of the polish and charisma to be expected from one of Britain’s most accomplished choral conductors, Stephen Layton, and his excellent Cambridge Choir, which now rivals the far more famous Kin'gs College Choir in its achievements. Some of this stuff will be a bit austere for general listeners, but there’s much to enjoy here, notably the little anthem composed by Howells for the Coronation of our present Queen.

Classic FM