John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia - Poulenc: Sacred Music

Collegium's recording offers an extensive selection of Poulenc's sacred choral music with the Gloria as centrepiece. Excellent performances from choir and orchestra � a most enjoyable disc - Choir & Organ

Poulenc's Gloria for soprano solo, mixed choir and orchestra is a richly affirmative piece; bold in outline, prime coloured yet full of sensitive writing. The very opening is reminiscent of Stravinsky and the Domine Deus (track 5) sometimes brings Prokofiev to mind, yet the composer's own highly sophisticated musical language is always in evidence. John Rutter's performance is exultant and sure-footed; his forces perform superbly and Donna Dean is a worthy soprano soloist. The sound is fresh and immediate, to match the performance. The various unaccompanied pieces are beautifully shaped and strongly projected. A fine disc. - CD Review