The chiming of the college clock makes an atmospheric introduction to this disc inspired by Magdalen College Choir's tradition of saluting the spring from the top of their tower early each 1 May morning. Their comprehensive programme of 26 short a cappella pieces – sacred and secular, ancient and modern, folk, classical and popular in style – was recorded in the warm acoustics of St John the Evangelist Church, Iffley Road, rather than borne away on the wind. The boy choristers have a lovely fresh sound, the lower voices feature some particularly resonant basses, and Informator Choristarum Mark Williams keeps firm control of detail. This charming album arrived too late for a review before this year's May Morning celebrations, but it is well worth ordering for springtime listening in 2023.

Opus Arte ★★★★