WILLIAM MATHIAS (1934-1992): Let the people praise thee, O God, Op. 87, Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, Op. 53, A Babe is Born, Op. 55, In excelsis gloria, Missa brevis, Op. 64, Ave verum corpus, All wisdom is from the Lord, Op. 88/3, Lift up your heads, O ye gates, Op. 44/2, O nata lux, Op. 83/3, Festival Te Deum, Op. 28, O be joyful in the Lord (Jubilate Deo), Op. 90/2, For Solo Organ: Processional, Carillon.

Description: This utterly enjoyable disc is full of energetic, rhythmically vital pieces in which the organ is usually an independent part. There are carols you'd actually like to sing yourself, mysterious meditations cloaked in evocative sounds, a resplendent Festival Te Deum and a joyous anthem for Prince Charles and Lady Di's wedding (Let the people praise) and still more to praise. Mathias manages to synthesize Britten's rhythmic acuity with French stylistics, modal material, nods to medieval organum and other influences to come up with a style that sounds like no one else. Jonathan Vaughan (organ), Wells Cathedral Choir; Matthew Owens.