Reviewed by Jonathan Priday

There can surely be no doubt that the title King Of Hymn Writers belongs to Charles Wesley. Although many of his 6,500 hymns have been forgotten and many others drastically edited -some from as many as 23 verses! - no hymnbook is complete without a sprinkling of his gems. Add to all this the fact that the composers of the tunes reads like a musical roll of honour -Orlando Gibbons, GF Handel, WA Mozart, Stainer, Mendelssohn and the task facing Christopher Norton and Paul Leddington Wright becomes even more daunting. But they have managed to produce a collection which, while sure to upset some by its omissions, includes the great favourites. What's more, their arrangements are familiar enough not to offend yet fresh enough to breathe new life into even the best loved - "Love Divine", "Rejoice The Lord Is King", "O For A Thousand Tongues". The new tunes from Norton and Wright also work well. The singing of Coventry's St Michael's Singers is clear, controlled and a delight throughout. A source of inspiration to musical directors and a source of delight to hymn lovers.

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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