MATER CHRISTI: MARIAN MOTETS

This enterprising CD from John Keys and the Choir of St Mary the Virgin, Nottingham, offers a selection of over 400 years of Marian motets, from Lassus to Tavener and Pärt. It provides a suitable showcase for the choir’s versatility, whose warm, generous and well-disciplined sound is finely moulded by Keys, though just occasionally one hankered for a fuller sound from the recording itself. Among the novelties in the programme are premiere recordings of three pieces by Keys’s former teacher, the celebrated Swiss organist Lionel Rogg, included in advance of Rogg’s 80th birthday next year. A thoroughly enjoyable and well-varied programme.

PHILIP REED Read the full review on Agora Classica