Advent at St. Paul's (1997)

"As in the seasonal calendar a single window opens first, so in this Advent recital a solo voice sings in the distance. The programme begins with some Mediaeval plainsong. And by the end, the great Cathedral is filled with the organ's fortissimo from deepest pedal sub-bass to brightest trumpet and topmost piccolo. In between comes a satisfying alternation of ancient and modern. Particularly splendid is Martin Peerson's Blow out the trumpet, a fun-anthem, strong in rhythm and colour. Robert Parsons's five-part Ave Maria is also a joy. The modern works include an interesting, deeply felt piece by John Rutter. The famous choir are on top form, providing good treble soloists for Philip Wilby's imaginative Echo Carol and a fine countertenor, Christopher Royall, for This is the record of John. Britten's Hymn of St Columba is especially well performed. Andrew Lucas is the remorselessly exercised organist in this, and John Scott takes over for the Toccata at the end: both do excellent work." (JBS, Gramophone, 1997)