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Recorded Sound Reviews
Recorded Sound Reviews

David Puderbaugh, Editor david-puderbaugh@uiowa.edu

Laura Wiebe, editor laurawiebe@gmail.com
Laura Wiebe, editor laurawiebe@gmail.com

Finding Harmony Neo Muyanga; William Byrd pre- Vaughan Williams would be proud.
The King’s Singers cedes an Arianna Grande hit. What More recent British composers,
Signum SIGCD 607 (2020: 69’ 40”) ties together such a disparate playlist though, have enjoyed the luxury
is not only their invention, but also a of working directly with the King’s
Those of us old enough to recall quest for harmony, both literal and Singers, and two of the most illus-
the debut of The King’s Singers can metaphorical. And here is where the trious musical ‘knights’—Richard
only marvel at the group’s longevi- lengthy but thoughtful essay by one Rodney Bennett and James Macmil-
ty. The original personnel have long of the Singers, Patrick Dunachie, lan—made exquisite arrangements
retired, of course, but with them the proves invaluable: this program was for the ensemble. It’s a particular
die was cast and what has survived, originally created for a concert set- pleasure to hear those on this disc.
indeed, thrived, is the ‘brand.’ Its ting rather than an academic anthol- There are other delights too, but per-
hallmarks are an exquisite sense of ogy intended for selective sampling. haps they should remain a surprise,

pitch and inflection, diction that is In live performance, the King’s like discovering a new favorite at a

clear (not affected or precious), and a Singers take the time to introduce concert, ‘fi nding harmony’ indeed.
range of selections that is catholic in each piece, giving its background
its truest sense. Even those who take and then explaining why they chose Philip Barnes
pride in their expansive repertoire it: it’s one of the reasons why their St. Louis, Missouri

will find something unfamiliar but audiences return. So, to disregard
deserving of attention in their choic- the Finding Harmony essay is a mis-
es, which has never been more evi- take, and it will only detract from the Vexilla Regis: A Sequence of
dent than in their latest compilation. listener’s appreciation and enjoy- Music from Palm Sunday
This disc is outstanding in every way, ment. However, as the descriptions to Holy Saturday
from the confident way in which the do not follow the sequence of tracks, The Choir of

singers tackle numerous languages, it’s best to listen fi rst, then read and Westminster Cathedral
to the vocal dexterity they show in repeat the process. Martin Baker, conductor;
diverse styles of music. On second hearing or more, some Peter Stevens, organist
The playlist is eclectic, to say the arrangements are striking, especially Ad Fontes; (79:22)
least: Bach contrasts with Gospel ar- those by Tony Young and Rebecca
rangements specially made for this Dale. The latter has transformed The Choir of Westminster Cathe-
disc by Stacey V. Gibbs; Baltic com- the early feminist anthem Bread and dral is considered one of London’s
posers complement the Sowetan, Roses into a fully-fl edged folk song— top three established church choirs,

CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2021 Volume 61 Number 11 77