Advantages: Simply stunning music
Disadvantages: None that I hear

...of mine since the first time I heard them decades ago, are a group dedicated to the performance and preservation of the best of this type of music. A choral group of exceptional ability, I have been privileged to see them many times in public, and at almost every performance, their singing seems almost like a spiritual epiphany for me, one that defies explanation in words. Directed by Peter Phillips, the group consists of a small number of male and female singers who have trained themselves well to their task. Their recordings are of a consistent quality that deserve more than five stars; this particular disc of pieces by Taverner deserves a place on the shelf of anyone who loves choral music, liturgical music or Gregorian chant, classical music generally, or religious music. It is truly remarkable. The pieces here were recorded at different... Read review

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Advantages: Some outstanding works, a balanced album
Disadvantages: None

...The first CD in this fine collection of Stanford's choral works, this compilation delivers well. This collection focuses on the first period of his choral work, 'Cambridge Years'. Dominating the tracklisting are settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Particularly outstanding are those in B flat and F. You cannot fail to be moved by either the depth of bass in the Nunc Dimittis of the former, or by the triumphal crescendoes in the Magnificat of the latter that demonstrate this composer's temendous ability to bring words to life. The other settings, in E flat and A, are no less majestic. However, it is perhaps hard to appreciate these as one should when they are found on the same disc as those aforementioned. The rest of the CD provides a good contrast to the Evening settings. The anthems and motets provide for a more rounded view... Read review

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Advantages: Breadth of choral works, expert musicianship
Disadvantages: None

...Charting Stanford's greatest works of the 'Edwardian Years', the second CD in this collection is as well constructed and balanced as the others. The Evening Service in G is perhaps the most familiar setting by Stanford, and for good reason. The soaring treble of the Magnificat is sublime and expertly sung. Following this the Nunc Dimittis features a bass solo that, again flawlessly sung, produces an unrivalled atmosphere of reverence. Unlike the other two CDs in the collection, more space is given to choral works other than settings of the Evening Service. The Morning Service in C allows exploration of Stanford's construction of music to set words, whilst the collection of Hymns and Bible Songs showcase his own creativity of music and lyrics. Among the hymns are some that will be instantly recognisable - 'Let Us With A Gladsome Mind... Read review

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Advantages: Delightful, charming, historic and good beer
Disadvantages: small and hard to find

...Many years ago (late 70s,early 80s) I lived and worked in Oxford and frequented a charming little pub called the Turf Tavern. In fact for several months I actually lived in rooms that the pub used to let (I don't know if they still let rooms). I had fond memories of this ancient and charming pub and so recently upon visiting Oxford with the family I took the opportunity to revisit to see if it was as I remembered. To my delight it has not changed very much. They seem to have reworked the interior at the rear a bit so there seems to be a little more room but there is still not a lot of room inside. The Turf Tavern is very well hidden but not a secret to anybody who knows Oxford. You can impress your companions with your knowledge of Oxford if you can find the Turf Tavern. If you are in the area of Radcliffe square or Broad Street (the... Read review

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Advantages: Warm, friendly atmosphere; excellent food at reasonable prices
Disadvantages: None

...For my latest Jersey review, I thought I would introduce you to my favourite little eating place on the island. Nowadays, especially since the arrival of our little boy, we no longer stay in hotels but choose the more convenient option of a self catering apartment. However, I utterly refuse to ‘self cater!’ It may work for some, but in my opinion, cooking tea and washing dishes can be saved for other 51 weeks of the year. During a holiday, whilst many people prefer to partake of their evening meal in the luxury surroundings of a Michelin star restaurant, I prefer to opt for the more comfortable, easy going setting, namely - a pub! We originally came across Les Fontaines Tavern by accident approximately four years ago. During a leisurely drive around the island late one afternoon, and having got lost a couple of times, we were... Read review

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Advantages: A fine mixture of gothic, medieval and modern music and words. You will know some of the themes - it will repay study. This is a superb rendition.
Disadvantages: None

...sympathiser. This is a stigma which still attaches to him. Given the date and place of his writings this is not surprising. However Orff, (unlike Herbert von Karajan or Elisabeth Schwarzkopf) never belonged to the Nazi Party. He was one of only twelve composers to receive a full military exemption from Goebbels's propaganda ministry. It is possible that his cantatas can be considered the only remaining music of the Third Reich. His cantata “Carmina Burana” took many years of experimentation before it received its premiere in Frankfurt in 1937. He took the poems – often in their original language - and converted them into a choral work, a piece of theatrical spectacular. He used a remarkable admixture of classical, romantic, church and plainsong and rumbustuous peasant musical themes. His own description “Cantiones profanae cantoribus et choris... Read review

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Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...I happen to go through a sale in a CD shop in London and came across this recording of Incidental music to two plays, written by Beethoven. The longer work is the incidental music to "The Consecration of the House". Most music lovers might know the overture but the complete incidental music is a sheer joy. The orchestra is Abbado's own, the Berlin Philharmonic and the soloists are Sylvia McNair and Bryn Terfel. There is a considerable amount of choral writing. The music is rich, joyous and, at times, full of grandeur. The recoding is suitably warm and rich whic matches the performances. The other item is a piece I did not know existed. It is music to Dunker's play "Leonora Prohaska". This is aslo a great find. This CD is an indispensable addition to all Beethoven lovers.... Read review

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Advantages: Access to enjoyable choral participation events, high musical standards expected and achieved
Disadvantages: None

...Is this you? 1) Your taste in music is inclined towards the classical end of the spectrum. 2) You are happy to pay to attend concerts and musical events but would rather be an active participant than a silent member of an audience. 3) You can sing in tune and on time, and 4) You can EITHER sight-read a score very well OR know enough to study a score and “learn the notes” of a work on your own – or with friends. If so then you may find that joining The Really Big Chorus appeals to you. You can find details of how to join on their website: www.trbc.co.uk. I joined earlier this year and recently had the joy of singing in a performance of Verdi’s requiem at the Royal Albert Hall with the English Festival Orchestra under the direction of Sir David Willcocks. The concert was organised by “Concerts from Scratch” an organisation which... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic Gregorian Chants
Disadvantages: None

...The Gregorian Chant is probably one of the finest types of choral singing ever. In the entire history of the whole world. That's just so as you know where I am coming from on this one! The history of the Gregorian Chant is an old one. It dates back to at least to the time of Pope Gregory I or Gregory the Great as he was otherwise known. Gregory abandoned his life as an up -and-coming young Roman patrician, of whom great things were expected. But he became a monk, instead. After being ordained by the pope, he eventually became pope himself. He served as pope between 590 to 604. Pope Gregory worked hard to formalise and bring togther the varied types of church singing as part of the Mass. And the result of his work was the Gregorian Chant. The Gregorian Chant is far from a dead form of choral music. Far from it. There is a Gregorian... Read review

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Advantages: Very very funny
Disadvantages: Not on for long enough

...This is my favourite cartoon on the Tv, it is so funny. When you start to watch this programme you have to read more into what eacth character says. There are always hidden innuendo's and meanings with most of what they all have to say. Homer - well he is supposidly a safety officer at a chemical plant, although all he ever does at work is sleep and eat doughnuts. Homer's favourite saying is "d'oh" which is closley followed by "Mmmmm Duff". Homer is married to Marge who seems to go to bed and wake up with her hair still looking perfect (where did she get that blue dye from, she never seems to have to re-apply the colour) she is the mother to Bart who has been 8 years old since the programme started, Bart is a bit of a brat and is always in trouble at school for not behaving. he rings up Mo's tavern all the time and plays practical... Read review

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