Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The press release that accompanies this wonderful collection shows photographs of Arvo Pärt listening to the recording session at the Temple Church in London. The expression on his face is one of delight and he must be well pleased with what Stephen Layton and Polyphony have achieved. Five of the eight pieces are world premiere recordings. The other three are “. . . Which Was The Son Of . . .”, an imaginative setting of the genealogy in Luke's Gospel; “I Am The True Vine”, written for the 900th anniversary of Norwich Cathedral, and “Triodion,” written for the 150th Anniversary of Lancing College. By mentioning the old rather than the new I hope to emphasise Pärt’s versatility. Here he gives us texts in different languages for different occasions and yet, on hearing them, we can recognise that only one person could have produced such music. Polyphony sing with total assurance, often unaccompanied although Christopher Bowers Broadbent does play the organ when needed. This is a disc of achingly lovely music at its most mesmeric – prepared to be stunned.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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