It is a great shame that
Ralph Vaughan Williams' choral music is not better appreciated outside of England, because
Vaughan Williams' choral works are in their own ways every bit as good as his symphonies. But, thankfully, there is still an England, and thus still performances of
Vaughan Williams' cantata Dona nobis pacem and his oratorio Sancta Civitas like this pairing on Naxos led by
David Hill. With the services of the
Bach Choir, the Winchester College Choristers, and the
Winchester College Quiristers, plus soprano Christina Pier, tenor
Andrew Staples, baritone Matthew Brook, and the
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra,
Hill turns in commanding performances of both works recorded in deep, detailed, and colorful sound by Naxos. Though not for
Vaughan Williams neophytes -- try his Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis for 10 minutes of the composer at his best and most characteristic -- listeners who already know
Vaughan Williams' instrumental works will likely enjoy his choral works as well.