SAMUEL ADLER: A PROPHECY OF PEACE

The important thing to note about Samuel Adler is that he composes within the Judaeo-Christian tradition, and not just the more familiar church line. This is most obvious on L’chah Dodi and Mah Tovu, but also in the ecumenical Mass Transfiguration which is the centrepiece of the set, magnificently sung by the Gloriae Dei Cantores and by soloists Srs Amanda Dawn Ortolani (who entirely merits her name) and Estelle Cole. Wonderful, too, to hear bells used as they should be used, to communicate joy. Adler’s intense spirituality comes out in every single performance and the acoustics of the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Maine – all that pale limestone! – are perfect for this music.

BRIAN MORTON Read the full review on Agora Classica