Edward Higginbottom and his Choir of New College Oxford present the second of three CDs exploring 20th-century choral music, this one concentrating on many of the contemporary British compositions that have figured in their popular New College chapel programmes and delighted many diverse audiences of students, Fellows and visitors alike. The track list reads like a veritable who’s who of contemporary British composers, with two sacred works by James MacMillan leading the way. Julian Anderson, Jonathan Dove, Tarik O’Regan, Robin Holloway and Judith Weir are among the others who contribute to a glorious disc that displays the Choir’s distinguishing versatility. Also available are Poulenc and his French Contemporaries (AV 2084), and Copland and his American Contemporaries (AV 2086).
- Recording of the Month - "...This is one of the finest choral discs to have come my way for some time. I rejoice to find clear evidence that so much high quality music is being written for liturgical use by composers of today. It’s an even greater cause for celebration that this music is regularly being performed at services in New College Chapel – and by other choirs, I fervently hope. I recommend this disc without qualification or hesitation and I look forward eagerly to the third and final volume in this enterprising mini-series." John Quinn
