Here Ralph Vaughan Williams fervently reveals why one of his most communicative works is reverently worshipped by all. That potent Elder-Hallé combination unashamedly revels in this musical extravaganza.

Music aficionados who voraciously feed off the charming wit and harmonies of Ralph Vaughan Williams would do well to take note of this first of a series of releases which encompass the composer’s lifetime passion for folk songs.

For many churches with the right resources John Rutter is a hero… he has created a whole series of much-loved anthems and carol arrangements.

This is, in effect, a Schubertian journey that charts ecstatic love thence to melancholy and despair. There is a fine balance between the vocal means – romantic, withdrawn, only once specifically folk-like – and the varied piano writing which is colourful, clear, and sometimes turbulent.

This CD offers just under an hour of agreeable if slightly – well, slight – listening, and as such it might be best thought of as a sampler or calling card for a composer whose major achievements are to be found elsewhere.

This collection of compositions by 15 living composers is perfectly described in an introduction by Paul Hindmarsh of the Royal Northern College of Music as a ‘Garland of tributes to Sir John Manduell.