Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Where to start? This three CD box contains three quite distinct albums (and, caveat emptor, all have been previously released under different titles and on different labels). CD One is 'Easter Voices' and is sub-titled 'A Choral Celebration Of The Resurrection' which is exactly what it is. If this CD had been released on its own it would be filed under Hymnody as it gives us 17 appropriate hymns from the Victorian classics such as "When I Survey" through to the more recent "Shine, Jesus Shine". Whether as an aid for private devotions or a worship resource this is recommended. CD Two is 'A Symphony Of Easter Joy', with 16 "Orchestral and Instrumental Hymns". This time the range is greater, going back to Bach on to the Gaither's "Because He Lives". There are too many different performers to list in a short review but the standard is uniformly high even if the overall impression becomes somewhat blurred as one classic follows another. If your fellowship likes to play background music during coffee time (subject, of course, to having the appropriate licence) then this is recommended; personally I would not listen to it too often as it is just a little bit too bland. CD Three is 'Easter Highlights' taken from Handel's Messiah plus a little bit of Vivaldi and Mozart. The Messiah in question is from The Oregon Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra conducted by Helmut Rilling and reviewed elsewhere on this website. The Vivaldi is "Gloria In Excelsis Deo" and Mozart weighs in with "Exsulate, Jubilate" and "Alleluia", both from KV165, before Handel closes the proceedings with "Thou Art The King Of Glory" from the 'Dettinger Te Deum'. To conclude, there is a great deal of great music in this box plus a certain amount of filler. Many of the musical works here are indispensable but the performances on offer are not always the best available. However the price is generous and unless you already own much of the content on other releases this is a recommended purchase.

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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Easter is the most joyful of all the Christian Festivals. This unique 3CD gift set tells the whole story in music and song, from the Passion of Jesus to the surprise and excitement of the Resurrection morning, and the very first Easter Day.

Expressed through soaring hymns, stirring orchestral arrangements and oratorio selections, the tale of redemption and reconciliation unfolds. This joy filled collection celebrates the power of the Cross and Resurrection that changed the world for ever, giving us our Eternal Hope….

“He is not here – He is risen, just as He said..” - Matthew 28 v.16