Here are two major works by Richard Blackford: Mirror of Perfection, settings of poetry by St Francis of Assisi which span a wide emotional compass; and Vision of a Garden, a timely Bach Choir commission using Peter Johnstone's account of his time in ICU during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under David Hill's authoritative direction both works are immediate and engaging, with first-class soloists enhancing their impact. Both vocal ensembles give of their best, though clearer diction in the Italian of Mirror of Perfection would have been welcome – the resonant recording doesn't perhaps help in this respect. The CD's playing time is ungenerous at less than an hour: was there not something else by Blackford that could have been included to give better value?