these are some of the most spirited and individual performances of this repertory available...the standard of solo singing is very good. The ad hoc instrumentalists provide sensitive, stylish support thoughout.

the members of The Sixteen prove to be more insightfully dramatic and precise with their delivery of words than some acclaimed continental consorts...this first instalment shows Christophers and his musicians at their very finest, communicating an evangelising zeal for the music married to an obvious keeness [sic] to express words

Among the strengths in these performances are the thrilling instrumental playing by the violinists, Walter Reiter and Simon Jones, whose ornamentation is both stylish and inventive. Also deserving the highest praise is the harp playing of Frances Kelly..[and] the singing of the three tenors, Joseph Cornwell, Mark Dobell and Julian Stocker, which is airy, agile and highly expressive.

There's a nice immediacy to the choral sound here, without too much churchy resonance obscuring the clarity of the diction and articulation of the Sixteen's performances, one to a part up to a maximum of eight singers.