Like to the Lark

“This is a highly attractive and innovative programme of a cappella choral music which also makes use of solo instruments. The Swedish Chamber Choir, a beautifully honed sound with a versatile tessitura (and excellent English!), are directed by Simon Phipps, who brings a sympathetic set of interpretations to much of this inwardly melancholy repertoire…”

Performance ****      Recording ****

“Listening to Simon Phipps’s immaculately accomplished Swedish Chamber Choir is rather like sinking into a warm bath bubbling over with your favourite scented lotions. After the emollient harmonies of Stenhammar’s Three Choral Songs, you may wonder if the choir’s velvet blend could get any smoother. Answer comes with Serenity from the contemporary Norwegian Ola Gjeilo, smoother still; burnished with ecstasy as well, along with Jennifer Pike’s sweet solo violin… refreshing repertoire with refined choral bliss.”

“… In summary, this is a highly approachable disc and The Lark Ascending more than merits an airing on the radio as a lovely alternative to its usual orchestral presentation. Chandos’ production standards achieve their normal excellence, with a very informative yet readable booklet in English, German and French. Naturally enough, the SACD recording (played in stereo via my SACD player) is superb and the performances exceptional.”

“… A pure choral sound close to nature which we identify as typically Swedish and which always arouses noticeable curiosity abroad. Most recently among British critics who have elevated the new album of the Swedish Chamber Choir to the skys …”

Disc of the Week