Herbert Howells CD

"While the Gloriae Dei Cantores recording is far superior in terms of sound and depth, they also bring an unencumbered and tradition-free approach to the music giving it more passion than is often heard...if I prefer the Cantores by just a hair, it's only because of the unique and flavorful sound they bring to this usually-done-by-the-English music, and the spacious hi-res surround sound."

— Audiophile Audition

"...under Elizabeth Patterson's able direction, they produce a big, thrilling sound that sweeps the listener up in an exhilarating cascade of vocal glory, abetted here by the excellent organ playing of James Jordan and SACD recording technology. Texts are included, and special note should be taken of the unusually elaborate work on the booklet, which is exceptionally intricate and beautiful in its mixture of pictures and typefaces...Take Him, Earth for Cherishing receives a ravishing, heartfelt performance that can hold its own with any other in the catalog."   

—Fanfare 

"In other respects, the work's [Requiem] emotions are strongly communicated..."

"Among the shorter pieces, A Sequence for Saint Michael is particularly successful..."

 

"Howells often conceived his works with the acoustical properties and character of specific buildings in mind... Gloriae Dei Cantores recorded their program in the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts. It is a recent (2000) stone building in the 4th-century basilican style with a lively acoustic. The organ consists of pipework from 12 instruments by EM Skinner and is entirely appropriate to accompany the works of Howells."

 —American Record Guide