Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This 2017 release from award-winning professional vocal ensemble Tenebrae marks their 15th anniversary with a celebratory re-release of Joby Talbot's 2005 'Path Of Miracles' as well as the premiere recording of 'Footsteps', a new work by Owain Park. Inspired by the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, 'Path Of Miracles' has quickly become a contemporary classic although the work has proved too challenging for many amateur choirs. If you think of choral compositions by James MacMillan or Arvo Part you will get an idea of the demands that Talbot places on his singers; demands which Tenebrae have met. Conductor Nigel Short commissioned British composer Owain Park to compose his new work 'Footsteps' as a companion piece to 'Path of Miracles', and one which allows Tenebrae to perform alongside guest choirs when on tour. A note from Owain Park: "I was delighted to be asked by Nigel to write a piece for Tenebrae to be performed alongside 'Path of Miracles'. Tenebrae's recording of Joby's piece is one of my absolute favourites; I remember being bowled over by the instrumental quality of the opening and the combination of ancient chant with the composer's own modern voice. When I met with Nigel we spoke about the possibilities for this new work; it would need to be much shorter than 'Path of Miracles', but hopefully contain many complimentary themes, namely travel, solitude and journeying. 'Footsteps' is the result of many months of researching texts to structure a narrative that cycles the seasons through the view of a lonely traveller who is constantly being moved on before being allowed to settle, finding comfort in the sky and stars above." The two pieces do indeed sit well together but admirers of Tenebrae - surely one of the finest choirs around - will have to make up their own mind as to whether they want to buy the full CD for the seventeen minutes of 'Footsteps' if they already own the hour-long 'Path of Miracles'. However for new listeners who appreciate excellent contemporary choral music this is an early candidate for pick of the year.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.