Great Malvern is fortunate indeed to have the Priory, arguably the finest parish church in the country, at its' spiritual heart.

Continuing in the centuries old tradition of a choir and organ being central to enhancement of worship, this new disc O Praise the Lord shows the prowess of the present day musicians.

Andrew Wilson, director of music at the Priory since March 2000, with freelance organist Simon Bertram accompanying, and the fifty strong choir, perform a representative compilation of anthems and specific services in this recording.

Oft proven sacred pieces of the repertoire include a happy, well accented and staccato marked harvest anthem Thou visitest the earth by Greene, and a direct simplicity in Wesley's Lead me Lord.

Elgar's Ave verum corpus is sung with warmth of tone, and This joyful Eastertide arranged with attractive organ interludes by Philip Ledger, rollicks along. Mendelssohn's Hear my prayer, the solo sung by a pure toned treble, seems rather rushed.

Among the fifteen considerably varied tracks is gentle and charming Listen sweet dove by Grayston Ives, unalloyed sopranos singing the opening stanza, full choir following in harmony.

Richard Shephard incorporated a semi-chorus in composing The Secret of Christ which is sung with particular beauty; this is perhaps the most memorable track on the disc.

An expressive interpretation of John Ireland's substantial piece Greater Love, with the organ trumpeting, reaches a grand choral climax, and Blessed be the God and Father by Wesley brings about lively singing and forte organ chords in a resounding final cadence.

Solo episodes, all sung very musically, are contained within many of the items.

Sale of O Praise the Lord helps to raise funds for the Priory organ appeal, and is obtainable at £10.

Jill Hopkins