East meets West on this new recording as two great singing traditions are brought together, to thrilling effect. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union the three Baltic states have emerged as powerhouses of choral innovation and imagination. Mike Brewer and the NYCGB bring all their customary fervour and virtuosity to bear on this programme of masterworks from three of Europe's smallest, yet musically richest, countries.

The British choral music featured on this CD is dynamic. The opening Requiem by Priaulx Rainier is for tenor solo and unaccompanied choir. This very demanding piece was first performed by Peter Pears and the Purcell Singers. Based on the poem by David Gascoyne, the piece was written for the future victims of World War II. On A Deserted Shore, by Francis Routh, for soprano solo, double choir, semi-chorus, two pianos and percussion is a lament on the death of a loved one. The Three Partsongs by Alan Rawsthorne are also incredibly gorgeous. These incredibly difficult pieces are superbly performed by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, conducted by Michael Brewer. The featured soloists are Eileen Hulse, soprano and Mark Wilde, tenor

The music of Robert L. de Pearsall and Charles Wood is not very well known today, but definitely deserves a listen. Pearsall was a former lawyer who gave up the law after a stroke. He became interested in early music, particularly 16th century counterpoint. Wood is mainly known for his church music, but was very interested in secular music as well. The madrigals and part songs featured are quite nice and would be of interest to any choir looking for something different. They are wonderfully performed here by the very talented National Youth Choir of Great Britain.