This most worthy anthology of sacred settings from the legendary Sir John Tavener is a remarkable and very splendid achievement. Tavener’s association with the choral foundation at Winchester through the tenure of Martin Neary and David Hill as well as with the present distinguished director, Andrew Lumsden, is of long standing; the cathedral and its musicians have given many first performances of Tavener’s music. The honeyed acoustic and wonderful organ at the cathedral contribute much to the 11 separate works augmented by the four anthems from the large-scale Veil of the Temple cycle, an all-night vigil in music commissioned for the choir of Temple Church, London and first heard in 1992. The admirable liner booklet contains perceptively informative notes by Dr Martin Neary and complete texts of the music sung. The whole choral foundation features in the enterprise, with all upper voices combining in deft transcriptions of the two most famous works—Song for Athene and The Lamb—and of the Lord’s Prayer, the work of Dr Barry Rose. There is a wonderfully conceived lightness of texture that contrasts with the deeper resonances of the remainder of the programme. Impressively assured singing, along with the brilliant and sensitive organ-playing of George Castle, is a major factor in this great success. Some of the lengthier pieces find boys, girls and men all involved. Boys and girls together tackle the upper voice material and boys and men have the five excerpts from The Veil of the Temple along with God with us, Hymn to the Mother of God, Love bade me welcome and They are all gone into the world of light.

A marvellously worthwhile anthology, and a recording that should be in everyone’s collection. Andrew Lumsden’s singers are deserving of the highest approbation. Interpretatively inspirational and technically brilliant.