"Spanning the centuries from Tallis to Tavener, this collection is well-chosen and shows off the skills of the choir and its conductor. If you are a devotee of the "straight-tone" choir (as the Cambridge Singers always are), any of their CDs would be delight. However, this one (and a similar one, "Faire is the Heaven") is almost like a good back-rub: leaving you relaxed, invigorated, and wanting more. (Assuming English church music is on your short list of favorite genres.)Of special note are the title cut, Rutter's own "Loving Shepherd", and the last, "Bring Us, O Lord" by Harris. They are exquisitely conducted and sung. You want the last 6-8 measures of "Loving Shepherd" to last forever."
Wonderful!
PAUL LAMON | 05/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is the most touching and beautiful collection of music from my homeland: it moves me beyond words."
One of the best CDs of English choral music available.
Benjamin L. Filippone | Pittsburgh, PA United States | 10/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can hardly ever seem to find any CD of English choral music anywhere that truly hits the spot, and the reason is clearly that this was one of my first. Nobody who loves English cathedral music or English choral singing in general should be without this disc. Aside from the approaching the highest possible standards of choral singing and being an exemplar of the traditional English choral sound (straight-tone sopranos, not straight-tone EVERYONE as another reviewer said, "floaty" tenors, etc.), most of the tracks on this recording are total gems.
Of particular note are the Howells and Vaughan Williams, several of the Renaissance pieces, probably the best rendition of Tavener's Hymn to the Mother of God out there, "A Litany" by Walton, and Harris' "Bring Me, O Lord God" is a stunningly gorgeous end to the CD."
As Good As It Gets
PAUL LAMON | Morrisville, PA USA | 05/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a beautiful CD of English sacred music. I can't imagine a more perfect group of musicians than John Rutter and the Cambridge singers to capture the full range of emotional and spiritual expression in these selections. This is as good as sacred music performance gets."