British Music Society Reviews Songs of Renewal

“Every one of the seven choral composers on this CD is represented by their most fascinating and attractive music. Well-known names like Judith Weir whose opera background comes through in her piece ‘a blue true dream of sky’, or Cecilia McDowall’s instantly attractive ‘Standing as I do before God’, use soprano soloist Elizabeth Cragg soaring cleanly above finely wrought choral backgrounds.  Tarik O’Regan has set an unusual poem ‘Threshold of Night’ by Kathleen Raine while Huw Watkins offers a fast-moving setting with delicious harmonies of ‘The Phoenix and the Turtle by Shakespeare. … [Bath Camerata and the soloists] give quality performances, something reflected in the choral sound as a whole. … Huw Watkins, one of the composers, is piano accompanist in the opening seven movement work ‘The Passing of the Year’ by Jonathan Dove.  The energetic gyrating piano part at the beginning recurs in a variety of guises through the piece. … Equally surprising is the opening movement of three in ‘Songs of Renewal’ by Will Todd which uses drumbeats as a surprise accompaniment.  There is a hint of jazz in his writing. … Its final words are perfect for a concert of choral music, ‘the singing will never be done’.”

—Alan Cooper, British Music Society

See the full review in the April Newsletter!