Finally – one of the best choirs in the world have released, for the first time a disc of English music for a cappella chorus. Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor drew upon the music of the great Tudor choral tradition for inspiration and set new standards for English choral music; also included is the late „Silence and Music“ (from collaborative work 'A Garland for the Queen') written for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Like Vaughan Williams, the contemporary Scottish composer James MacMillan also draws upon the great choral traditions of the past for inspiration. His Motet “O bone Jesu“ in particular references the famous work of the same name by the 16th century composer Robert Carver, while in “Màiri” he adapts the translated text of a Gaelic elegy by the 19th century poet Evan Maccoll. The words ‘She has gone’ dominate the piece and underline its sense of desolation. A mesmerizing, atmospheric work, which contrasts the stillness of slow-moving voices with bouts of frenetic activity and florid ornamentation.