Samuel Sebastian Wesley: Anthems

June 2007

“The Choir of Clare College, which many will remember for their fresh and accomplished singing under John Rutter, is here directed by Christopher Robinson, than whom none better.”

“The fine Clare College choir sings [the anthems] with appropriate fervour”

2010

“There are few lovelier anthems than Wesley's Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace; Cast me notaway is worthy to stand with Purcell's Hear my prayer; and among his larger choral compositions The Wilderness retains an enviable place in the service-lists. For those who know Ascribeunto the Lord there will be many more for whom its final chorus, 'The Lord hath been mindful of us', is a firm favourite, satisfying in structure, vigorous in counterpoint, and sporting as its main themes two of the best melodies in the chorister's repertoire.
The Choir of Clare College, which many will remember for their fresh and accomplished singing under John Rutter, is here directed by Christopher Robinson, than whom none better.
The Robinson touch is manifest in the marvellous phrase 'that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice' (Cast me not away). Poor old Wesley had injured his in a fishing accident: he writes feelingly and the choir are with him. The 'ransomed of the Lord' passage in The Wilderness has terrific energy. And the soprano soloist in 'And sorrow and sighing' sings like an angel.”