Good collections of hymns are usually scarce, and exceptional albums of them are even harder to find, so this 2006 reissue from EMI should attract considerable attention for its generous selection of sacred favorites and its genuinely uplifting performances. Philip Moore and the
York Minster Choir present a well-rounded program that many will find familiar, filled as it is with such popular hymn tunes as "Abide with Me," "Amazing Grace," "Praise, My Soul the King of Heaven," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and "Praise to the Lord," with 15 other memorable melodies that have long been a part of Christian services, regardless of denomination. The York men and boys sing with a straightforward delivery and avoid sounding too mannered, yet they retain the classic purity of tone and clear diction that English choirs are noted for; the hymns are sometimes adorned with descants that are quite stirring to hear. If there is one aspect of this disc that deserves criticism, though, it has to be the occasional use of the organ's trumpet stop, which is unpleasantly loud, reedy, and jarring, even at a medium-volume level; but this is the only feature that mars the skillful accompaniment provided by
John Scott Whiteley. EMI's sound is quite clear and focused in the highly resonant acoustics of York Minster, and the recording at floor level gives the choir and organ noise-free reproduction.