Drawn from across the composer’s lengthy career, this collection of Part-Songs and Choral Works explores the great variety and range within Elgar’s work for choir and voices. Along with more well-known works such as Love and Deep in my Soul there are early pieces such as O Salutaris hostia (composed for small amateur choirs) that give hints of his later mature style, through to the 1928 piece I sing the Birth – a work that shows Elgar’s ability to adapt to more contemporary styles of 20th-century choral composition.
The Rodolfus Choir have established themselves as one of the leading youth choirs in Britain, made up of singers aged from 16 to 25 who have been chosen from past and present members of the Eton Choral Courses for prospective choral scholars. Many members of the Choir are choral scholars, some are at music college, and most hope to make a career in music. The Rodolfus Choir and Ralph Allwood are well-known for imaginative programming, and for presenting new music. The Rodolfus Choir’s recent CD recordings with Signum include music as diverse as Howells, Monteverdi, Grier, Tallis and the German Romantics.
Elgarians and others tempted by the works assembled in this new collection can be assured that it is on a par with the best of them -International Record Review
Trained impeccably by their director Ralph Allwood, the sound of these young voices is a mixture of sheer delight and sensitive musicianship … For me the outstanding interpretation is of the Five Part Songs – it’s simply stunning – Choir & Organ
Give unto the Lord [rounds off] this hugely enjoyable disc with aplomb – Gramophone
The Rodolfus Choir shine strongly in these well-loved Elgar part-songs choral works – MusicWeb International
