More than a Christmas album, Voices of Angels is a mix of traditional and new music for the festive season, with a sizeable chunk of Australian repertoire and also a number of surprises along the way.
Other than the traditional music such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and Il est ne le divin enfant, there is the unmistable Mary’s Lullaby and Star Carol by John Rutter, a highly energised and rhythmicSalvator Mundi by William Matthias, and a sublime arrangement of Silent Night by Dan Walker.
Of course, in keeping with the innovative thrust of both performing groups, there are works here which are not usual used for Christmas: Walker’s Laudate for Another Place, Another Time (which was inspired by the Benedictine Monastery in New Norcia, West Australia), Blake’s Walking in the Air, and Williams’ bell-like The Dominion of Dreams and A Flock of Stars (which uses the traditional tune and words of Silent Night, along with a beautiful intrumental accompaniment).
Paul Stanhope’s tongue in check Frosty the Snowman (An Inconvenient Truth) sends an environmental and political message which some may view as not belonging amongst this repertoire; but that is one of those surprises.
Whilst now is not so much the time to think of Christmas, this CD is still a recording which explores new music and new treatments of old favourites, with singing that is clear, precise and beautifully blended. It is clever, engaging, modern and accessible music.