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One of the most appealing things about From Darkness to Light: An Advent Procession is that it is just that. The CD is a record of a particular Advent Procession liturgy. It isn't completely clear whether this is a recording of a live performance (if it is, there is absolutely no background noice to prove it), but it clearly was performed inside the Wellington Cathedral. As such, the acoustics are only slightly noticeable, and really only during the spoken parts.

The Choir of Wellington Cathedral, comfortable on its home field, uses the acoustics of the space to produce an angelic and ethereal sound. A particularly good example of this was the contrast between the plaintive pathos early in the piece and the triumphant choral finish on O Come, O Come Immanuel. The effectiveness of this selection was enhanced as well by the organ, coming in at the midway point and helping the choir build to the climax of this wonderful carol.

Indeed, the other aspect of this CD that sets it apart was the judicious use of the organ accompaniment. The organ was not a part of every hymn, but when its voice was heard, it always evoked an emotional response. The Choir did not need an organ, but their sound was enhanced by it. The organ was featured only on a piece entitled Organ: Wachet auf, ruft ins die Stimme, one of my favorites on the record.

Full of spirited singing, nice organ work, and flawless recitations, this is a beautiful religious work and should be of interest to fans of the genre.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2003)

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From the liner notes:

Performing on this CD are the Wellington Cathedral Choir, Andrew Cantrill, director, James Taylor and Alastair Carey, organists. Sopranos: Carlie Bromley, Susan Browne Heather Cameron, Jane Deighton, Ondine Godtschalk, Frances Griffiths, Svetlana Lushkott, Sabrina Malcolm, Felicity Smith; altos: Judith Berryman, Kylie Brown Ruth Lightbourne, Christopher Warwick; tenors: Alastair Carey, Kenneth Deighton, Philip Thompson; basses Nathaniel Alcorn, Brian Hesketh, Timothy Hurd, Thomas Liggett. Pepe Becker is a guest soloist on track 18.

British-born Andrew Cantrill is Organist and Director of Music at the Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul and Musical Director of the Orpheus Choir of Wellington.

A native of Nottinghamshire, James Taylor was born in 1976 and received his first musical training from his father. He read music at Huddersfield University, graduating in 1998 with Honours. He continued his studies to gain his MA in organ performance, learning from David Titterington, Dame Gilllian Weir, Peter Hurford and Anne Page.

Alastair Carey is Associate Organist of the Cathedral, conducts Cathedral Voices, and sings Tenor with the Cathedral Choir.

From the liner notes:

"Wellington Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Wellington. Situated at the heart of the capital city in the Parliamentary precinct, it is the venue for numerous national and civic occasions and special anniversary services. Four choral services are held in the Cathedral each week and the Cathedral Choir is responsible for singing Choral Evensong on Thursdays and Sundays and Choral Eucharist each Sunday morning. An adult choir of women and men, the Cathedral Choir is complemented by three other choirs: the Children's Choir, the Cathedral Choristers and Cathedral Voices.

Choir of Wellington Cathedral

From Darkness to Light: An Advent Procession

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Track List