Blackford: Mirror of Perfection & Vision of a Garden

Highly Recommended

“…The disc opens with an excellent performance of the Mirror of Perfection, with Ikon and the Britten Sinfonia conducted by David Hill, and soprano Elizabeth Watts and the peerless baritone Roderick Williams. Such a fine rendition of this dramatic, deeply-moving and beautiful work, with luminous texts from Saint Francis of Assisi, makes this a real joy to listen to…”

“… Watts and Williams turn in their usual superb performances. Gadd is also excellent with enough vocal grit to sound like the grateful survivor of severe illness. The orchestral playing in both pieces is terrific. This is my first encounter with Blackford’s music, and I look forward eagerly to more.”

Editor’s Choice – Vocal section

“… A highly recommendable recording. Bravo!”

"Blackford's 1996 Mirror of Pefection is a big-boned and breathtaking opener, while the more recent Vision of a Garden ... sobres with its unhurried intensity. The Philharmonia and Bach Choir are on top form in the latter." ****

“… Under David Hill’s authoritative direction both works are immediate and engaging, with first-class soloists enhancing their impact. Both vocal ensembles give their best …” ****

“… David Hill, who was also involved in the creation process, conducts both works. Mirror of Perfection …  is the smaller scored work. Elizabeth Watts and Roderick Williams sing the solo parts with both technical confidence and the appropriate timbre and expression to express the diverse emotional worlds. The Ikon Chamber Choir, made up of selected singers from the island, handles its part with equal sensitivity and expression. The larger cast Vision of a Garden ties in only one soloist, baritone Stephen Gadd. He makes the solos sound solid. The Bach Choir and, of course, the Philharmonia Orchestra bring the necessary experience and expertise to render this piece with the sensitivity required while maintaining the intensity of the content. Hill keeps everyone involved together here as well, allowing for an expressive interpretation that does not fail to make its impression on the listener.” *****