SAMUEL SEBASTIAN WESLEY: ANTHEMS
The Choir of Clare College, Cambridge
James McVinnie, organ
Christopher Robinson, conductor
NAXOS 8.570318, 75m14s

This is a dream recording made when Christopher Robinson was Acting Director of Music at Clare in 2005/06. Recorded at St Michael’s College, Tenbury, the programme comprises nine anthems of Wesley including three large-scale works: Ascribe unto the Lord; Let us lift up our heart; and The Wilderness. The shorter items include a ravishing performance of Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace and Cast me not away from Thy presence. The choral sound is exquisite, balances immaculate, phrasing polished, tempi beautifully judged. There is a wonderful purity of tone. The organ playing by James McVinnie is of the highest order. It is little wonder that this recording was short-listed for a Gramophone Award. The booklet contains an excellent text by Nicholas Temperley, information about the choir, conductor and organ, and full texts of the pieces. A must have! GMS