The spirit of the Welsh is very real on this collaboration between Wales’ most famous singer, bass-baritone Bryn Terfel and lyric tenor Rhys Meirion, who were born within just a few miles of each other among the western foothills of Snowdonia.
Of the 14 tracks totalling 45 minutes which were all recorded in Wales, two are in English: Eli Jenkins’ Prayer (words by Dylan Thomas) and Perhaps Love (words by John Denver). The very beautiful opening title track Benedictus, is of course, from the Latin Mass. To assist the listener, there is an excellent booklet of translations.
One can’t ignore the exceptional vocal tone, blend and phrasing from these two singers. The ability to create mood and change vocal colour is a hallmark of this collaboration. A joy and patriotic spirit is evident in a song, such as Y Ddau Wladgarwr, whilst a reverential quality is heard in a contemporary setting by Caryl Parry Jones of Psalm 23 (sung in Welsh), complete with keyboards and drum kit.
The accompaniment for a large part of the disc is provided by warm strings of Celticana and Ensemble Cymru, pianist Annette Bryn Parri and harpist Catrin Finch (the favourite of the Prince of Wales).
This disc is notable for capturing two great singers from one little corner of Wales, with a performance that should resonant around the world.