Reviewed by Simon Carpenter

Think orchestral arrangements of classic hymns ("All Creatures Of Our God And King", "Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind" et al) and 1980s worship songs and you have in a nutshell what is offered in here. All very tasteful, all very pleasant, but why? The sleeve notes claim that it 'will inspire and refresh at every turn' but I'm afraid it left me cold. It's not that I am too young to remember the '80s songs ("All Heaven Declares" "Salvation Belongs To Our God", "The Servant King" et al). I have to admit I am old enough to remember when they were new and when Restoration house churches (from which most of them sprang) seemed like a good idea. But I can't help but wonder whether hymns and worship songs intended for congregational worship need the embellishments of a full symphony orchestra even one as adept as that conducted by Paul Terracini. Clearly there are swathes of middle class church goers who pack out the Prom Praise events who like their worship music played with orchestral bombast. If you're one of these you may already have purchased this box set.

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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