Best Loved Hymns from York Minster (2006)

performed by John Scott Whiteley (organ), York Minster Choir (choir, chorus), Philip Moore (conductor)
composed by Alexander Reinagle, Anonymous, German, Anonymous, Swedish, Arthur Bliss, Basil Harwood, Clement Cotterill Scholefield, Edward Miller, George Frederick Handel, German Traditional, Irish Traditional, Jessie Seymour Irvine, John Goss, John Liptrot Hatton

Good collections of hymns are usually scarce, and exceptional albums of them are even harder to find, so this 2006 reissue from EMI should attract considerable attention for its generous selection of sacred favorites and its genuinely uplifting performances. Philip Moore and the York Minster Choir present a well-rounded program that many will find familiar, filled as it is with such popular hymn tunes as "Abide with Me," "Amazing Grace," "Praise, My Soul the King of Heaven," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and "Praise ... Read More

Good collections of hymns are usually scarce, and exceptional albums of them are even harder to find, so this 2006 reissue from EMI should attract considerable attention for its generous selection of sacred favorites and its genuinely uplifting performances. Philip Moore and the York Minster Choir present a well-rounded program that many will find familiar, filled as it is with such popular hymn tunes as "Abide with Me," "Amazing Grace," "Praise, My Soul the King of Heaven," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and "Praise to the Lord," with 15 other memorable melodies that have long been a part of Christian services, regardless of denomination. The York men and boys sing with a straightforward delivery and avoid sounding too mannered, yet they retain the classic purity of tone and clear diction that English choirs are noted for; the hymns are sometimes adorned with descants that are quite stirring to hear. If there is one aspect of this disc that deserves criticism, though, it has to be the occasional... Read Less