British composer Robert Hugill is largely self-trained as a composer, but the works recorded here show a solid understanding of the contemporary, primarily English, traditions of vocal and choral writing, based probably on his experience as a performer in choirs. Hugill is strongly influenced by chant, and the use of the church modes and drones, along with a prevailing somber tone characterize most of these pieces. The album as a whole, and even some of the brief pieces suffer from a lack of variety that's ultimately wearing on the ears. The centerpiece of the recording is The Testament of Dr. Cranmer, a description of the scene leading up to Thomas Cranmer's execution, using both his words and Latin liturgical texts. The work has moments of focus and power, but at more than 20 minutes, it tends to be episodic and lacks a unifying, undergirding musical logic. Two of the choral works that stand out are the serene, ethereal Salve Regina for unaccompanied chorus, and the catchy, melodic Nunc Dimittis. Tenor Christopher Watson sings the solo works with robust, true tone and full conviction. Vocal ensemble eight:fifteen is completely secure, even in the passages that are the least tonally anchored, but given its small size -- eight members -- it misses the full choral sound that some of these pieces call out for. Paul Brough leads the soloists, chorus, organist
Paul Ayres, and the strings of the Chameleon chamber orchestra in disciplined performances.