Thanks to the instrumental incisiveness of Clare Baroque, a splendid quartet of soloists, and Ross’s well-chosen tempos, the Bach has plenty of bite. All in all, an astutely conceived, rewarding addition to Luther year.

This is primarily joyful music and the buoyant performances by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, and Clare Baroque, conducted by Graham Ross, lift the spirits.

The choir bring all their customary precision and purity to the Bach, but it's once they arrive at the later repertoire...that they really come into their own...The darker-hued Brahms glows with love and care, its extended opening movement shaped with an eye to sonic drama, and the Vaughan Williams balances its solo and choral forces to striking effect.

a rampant performance of Martin Luther’s Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, followed by Bach’s Reformation Day Cantata BWV 80 of the same name. A luxurious lineup of soloists - Neal Davies, Mary Bevan, Robin Blaze and Nicholas Mulroy – and top instrumentalists (led by violinist Margaret Faultless) ensure highest quality.

The choir sometimes sounds a little too youthful: neat and tuneful, but falling short on rich timbre. However, there is much exciting instrumental work from an ensemble packed with distinguished names, and seasoned solo singing from Neal Davies, Nicholas Mulroy and the like.