This particular work needs no introduction; indeed, some fine recordings already exist of this set, which has become a particular favourite of modern choirs. The atmosphere one associates with this combination of ‘artist and repertoire’ is present in abundance: warmth and intimacy combined with a certain reserve. At times the latter quality is perhaps too marked, or could have been leavened with a hint of extroversion: I am thinking in particular of the opening track, O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth. On the other hand the final selection, Sing joyfully (which, like the opening track, is sung a cappella) does indeed sound joyful.

In The Great Service itself, the character of the interpretations is entirely appropriate, and the choir may be heard at its best there. The warmth of tone I mentioned at the start is due to the admixture throughout The Great Service of a chamber organ, sensitively handled by Robert Quinney. In the anthem Christ rising again the two treble soloists (accompanied by the organ) alternate with the full choir, a strategy that seems to me unconvincing because the music doesn’t always lend itself to so strongly sectional an approach. Otherwise it’s very polished and confident performance. Quinney gives equally fluent renditions of the Voluntary and ‘Fancie for My Ladye Nevell’, completing a disc that fulfils its brief with distinction.