Reviewed by Oscar Hyde

This is not the first time Missouri-based composer James Schindler has reimagined a hymn in an epic setting; his 2008 arrangement of the Lord's Prayer rose above its limited budget and synthesised orchestra to be a truly moving experience. Now, I'm a massive fan of any song or piece that aims for the most lavish, extravagant, over-the-top arrangement possible, and Schindler does not fail at all on that front. Strings sweep and swell and sizzle along minor chords, the melody bristles and glowers and is appropriately awe-inspiring, choirs weigh in to raise the chorus to heaven. Unfortunately, probably for budgetary reasons, these strings and choirs are entirely synthetic, which doesn't allow us to hear the full majesty of the arrangement. I wish I could give this a much higher rating; alas, the metallic and tinny-sounding synth orchestra and claustrophobic, unpolished production let down the excellent architecture. The orchestration, though, I reiterate, is excellent, and I would love to hear it interpreted by live musicians and choirs-it's powerful, menacing against the forces of darkness, imposing, just like the mighty fortress of the title.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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