In some ways, this is a difficult CD to “review”.  Yes, one can listen technically (to the actual recording / background noise etc.); the singing etc. can be critiqued and so on.  However, just to “hear” the CD is not really the point, as I will make clear later on. 

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Allow me to clarify, though, that the technical aspects are all but flawless.  As one has come to expect from Amemptos (literally meaning– “without fault”), each track is recorded very clearly in the subtle acoustic of Southwell Minster. This resonance does not intrude to obscure any of the words – indeed it only adds to Ven. David Garnett’s readings from St John.  There is the very occasional not-quite-together final “T” or “D” when the choir is more exposed (most are absolutely spot-on) and one voice that wanted the “living water” to be plural – I really am being picky here!    Even in the final track where the choir sings whilst processing ultimately to the west door, there is barely a hint of audible footsteps, despite listening critically via decent headphones.  So, it is a “good recording”.

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It is also a “good selection”, with most of the music being well known. Only Sir John Dankworth’s setting of Paul Wigmore’s “Light beyond shadow” (with some obvious jazz inspirations – listen to that luscious final chord) was new to me, with the Brahms’ “Es ist ein Ros” falling into the “less familiar” category.  

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So why buy a CD with music you can get on any number of classical choral selections?  Quite simply because it is different to any other recording I have heard recently in that it is essentially as set of short personal devotions with both music and the spoken word.  For instance, it opens with the choir singing Psalm 24 “The earth is the Lord’s” accompanied very effectively by Simon Bell on the Minster organ.  This sets the scene of God as Creator as revealed to the Psalmist.  Following this is read the famous opening words of St. John’s gospel reflecting and updating the opening of Genesis: “In the beginning …”  Mirroring this transition from the Old to the New Testament is the beautiful “Of the Father’s love begotten” referencing the prophecies of the coming Messiah and moving forward to His birth adoration by the Magi.  

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We move forward in John’s gospel to Nicodemus’ visit to Jesus at night and His ultimate assertion of God’s love for the world in sending His only Son.  Following this is Sir John Stainer’s beautiful setting of verses 16-18.  Similarly paired is the account of the woman from Samaria at the well where Jesus offers “living water” with Sterndale-Bennett’s sadly under-used “God is a Spirit”.  Sir John Dankworth’s anthem then follows John’s account of Jesus’ statement that He is the “Light of the World”.  Continuing, we have readings linked to the hymn “The King of Love” (to the delightful tune “St Columba” for a pleasant change); Tallis’ sublime “If ye love me” – which revels in the acoustic as if written for it - and Ireland’s “Greater love”.  Simon accompanies magnificently, never swamping the choir even at full organ or with the solo reeds giving their all in the middle.  He returns for the Brahms and plays it very sensitively (on the Nave organ?  Is that the electro-pneumatic action I can only just hear?) before the final reading and the choir process out singing verses from Psalm 119 to a plainchant.

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I could conclude by saying that this is a stunningly clear recording of a remarkably good set of performances.  However, as I have already indicated, this collection is not intended to be heard as a “performance”.  In which case, how should you listen to this disc?  My suggestion is in small doses and with a "Commentary", treating the groupings of words and music as short services. Listen to the reading whilst following it in a Bible and then re-read the passage alongside the commentary.  Although John's gospel contains some of the most beautiful passages in the New Testament, he can sometimes call for his readers to work a little harder than the other three evangelists.  Finally, listen to the music which has been inspired by the words.  To put it another way, let me quote the notes in the booklet, which indicate that it is “ideal as [] a support to personal faith and meditation [] for anyone who is unable to attend Christian worship or [] to many others who simply wish to have available in the form of spoken words, the comfort of Christ’s promises and to hear the splendour of the most beautiful choral music".

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Further details & ordering from www.amemptosmusic.co.uk