The
Choir of Norwich Cathedral offers a straightforward account of some of the most popular Anglican hymns. The choir of men and boys sings with full, pure tone and a smooth legato. The legato is so effectively executed, however, that given the resonance of the Cathedral, the words are occasionally so run together as to be difficult to understand. Director Neil Taylor takes a slow tempo for most hymns, giving them a reverential weightiness that can feel ponderous by the third or fourth verse. The choir works to alleviate the tedium that can result from the relentless four-part harmony by giving some verses to the men only, some to the boys only, some to smaller groups of soloists, and by having some unaccompanied. The choir sings most, if not all, the verses of each of the hymns.
Simon Johnson provides a self-effacing organ accompaniment. The sound conveys the natural ambience of the Cathedral, giving the performances a sense of grandeur, as well as some murkiness. This collection should be of interest to anyone seeking a simple and unadorned performance of these familiar hymns.