This CD is a valuable addition to the John Rutter discography and shows that the composer is more than simply ‘Mr Christmas’. Only three of the 15 compositions are carols; the remainder use a wide variety of biblical texts and other sacred words. Rutter’s musical language ranges far beyond his familiar Christmas sparkle. There’s a profound depth and beauty in works such as Carol of the Magi, with its dark-hued cello obbligato evoking the sound world of Vaughan Williams. In contrast, the trumpet solo in Lord, thou hast been our refuge has a Brittenesque flavour, while Hymn to the Creator of Light is a tour de force of imaginative choral textures and adventurous harmonies, worthy of Herbert Howells (in whose memory the piece was composed).

I can imagine the composer being well satisfied with the highly accomplished performances of the Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum. The trebles have a rich, uninhibited tone and the whole choir are masters of sustained, seamless legato singing. Director Benjamin Nicholas favours flowing tempi and he achieves an excellent balance between all voices. He’s complemented by the warm, sensitive accompaniments of Carleton Etherington and the instrumental obbligatos are beautifully played by cellist Juliet Tomlinson, oboist Alexandra Lowden and trumpeter Gavin Wells. There’s also a welcome opportunity to hear once more the splendid singing of treble Laurence Kilsby, the 2009 BBC Chorister of the Year. As always, Delphian’s recording and booklet are first-rate. A revelatory and rewarding CD.