This CD of sacred music dedicated to the Virgin Mary was appropriately recorded in the unique acoustic of the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral(built in 1350) in 1991 by the 28-strong mixed Cambridge Singers. Mary was the object of particularly intense devotion in the early Christian church from 1291 to the 20th century, as these 21 beautiful motets and songs will attest. The liner notes are fine, detailed and extensive. They are divided into 4 parts, "Advent to Candlemas," "Candlemas to Holy Week," "Easter to the Sunday after Pentecost" and Trinity to Advent." The amazing sound of the Singers soars up into the timeless acoustic of the Lady Chapel, and we can only close our eyes and be amazed. |