Stephen Farr

The largest motet, Decantabat populus a 20 is a text about singing praises. Despite grand forces and wide vocal ranges, the textures avoid heaviness through use of word-rhythms and sprightly... — Gramophone Magazine, August 2019 More…

Farr's unswerving authority, scrupulous phrasing and rhythmic playing make this a revelation. — BBC Music Magazine, April 2017, 5 out of 5 stars More…

For non-completists, Farr ’s snapshot is adroitly chosen. Played with trenchant ebullience, to close there’s Byrd’s own arrangement (probably) of his Marian motet O quam gloriosum est regnum...Characteristic... — BBC Music Magazine, December 2023, 4 out of 5 stars (Performance) / 5 out of 5 stars (Recording) More…

Farr has plotted a course through it all that makes for an alluringly cogent recital...[He] makes light work of [the Toccata's] formidable challenges, powering purposefully through with dauntless... — BBC Music Magazine, December 2020, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Hill and the Winchester Choir are superb. The choral tone is luscious, the discipline outstanding, the recording captures the sumptuous acoustics of the cathedral without blurring the musical... — American Record Guide More…

Tired of the same old seasonal chestnuts? Here's your solution - a wonderful collection of carols from the last half-century, mainly by British composers...Stephen Farr directs delectably sensitive... — BBC Music Magazine, Christmas 2012, 5 out of 5 stars More…

There’s plenty of drama in these works by Philip Moore, performed by his Guildford Cathedral successor, Stephen Farr. It’s St Albans Cathedral’s instrument that’s on display here, though, handled... — BBC Music Magazine, December 2021, 3 out of 5 stars More…