Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

If ever you have read C. S. Lewis's The Four Loves (1960) you will remember that in English the word 'love' carries different shades of meaning. To say that 'I love God' and 'I love ice-cream' cannot really be using 'love' in the same way (or at least one hopes not). In the five songs on this digital EP from composer John Barber and Fourth Window vocal octet under Sarah Latto we hear five different love stories, covering spiritual, romantic and parental love. "Julia" is a setting of a text by Robert Herrick (1591-1674) depicting a lover anticipating a magical late-night rendezvous; "My River", written for the composer's newly-born son, uses a text by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) to create a contemporary spiritual of hope and gratitude; and in "Lullaby" a mother sings her baby to sleep while her partner is off at war. The EP is topped and tailed by "The Voice Of My Beloved" and "Love Is As Strong As Death" both of which are from the Old Testament collection of love poems in Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon. While the range of sources is admirable and the singing, all a cappella, is exemplary there is a lack of variety. Perhaps, for example, the Old Testament texts could have sounded more Hebrew, although this is intended as an observation not a criticism. Barber writes in the ecstatic style of someone such as Eric Whitacre and the choir give full value throughout. Wearing my performer's hat, I would love to think that the choir I sing with could tackle any of these songs but I suspect that without the safety net of a piano to accompany us it would be beyond us. It might be fun to try and it makes me appreciate choirs such as Fourth Window that can rise to such a challenge. However, while the music may be challenging to sing it is certainly easy to listen to although by no means 'easy listening'. If you enjoy contemporary choral music this is highly recommended although perhaps a little off the mainstream for the more traditional listener.

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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