''A Garland For The Queen'' was an inspired and charming idea, providing for 1953 a counterpart to ''The Triumphs Of Oriana'' which celebrated the reign of the first Elizabeth. Performed at a concert in London's Royal Festival Hall on the eve of Coronation Day, it comprised new works by ten British composers setting to music words by living poets for unaccompanied choir. Britten and Walton were not among the ten because of their prominent part in the festivities elsewhere, but when their names are added it makes one realize how well-off we were in those days, and it is no use trying to prevent another obvious thought from forming, for it follows as the night the day.
Mention of the ''Garland'' occurred in these columns not long ago apropos a disc by the Finzi Singers (Chandos, 9/91) which included Finzi's contribution here, White-flowering days. Comparing their performance with the present one, I find it better in ways that make one wish they would record the whole collection. It is true that they make free with the time by introducing a slower section where it is not marked (in the Stainer & Bell score at least); but they do observe the sense of the direction Allegro at the start, and their speed and feeling for rhythm give a lift that is somewhat lacking on the new issue. They also make clearer sense of the part-writing, and on the whole have better voices. Still, the Cambridge choir are a highly assured, well-practised body of singers, and make light work of the difficult pieces by Bliss and Tippett, where their predecessors on record, the Exsultate Singers (RCA, 6/77—nla) were still to some extent feeling their way.
Britten's two sets of part-songs provide an even stiffer test of professionalism, and here we get some genuine virtuoso choral singing. There is some extraordinary writing here, often beautiful, always compelling in the strength of its ideas; but Britten certainly does not spare his singers, and the challenges are met here wonderfully well. Good recorded sound, and a well-produced booklet with admirable notes by Clifford Bartlett are added attractions.'