Clare master Vaughan Williams

Timothy Brown draws out the best in the Choir of Clare College on this rich recording of Vaughan Williams Choral Music

Composer: Vaughan Williams
Repertoire: Sacred Choral Music
Artists: Choir of Clare College, Cambridge/Timothy Brown
Rating:  4.5/5
Genre: Vocal
Label: Naxos 8.572465

Although Vaughan Williams studied at Trinity College, there’s no doubt he would have doffed his boater to the latest recording from nearby Clare College. Listen to the composer’s Mass in G minor, for example, a testing work delivered here with noble conviction by Clare’s choristers. The sweeping energy and rich detail of Tim Brown’s interpretation draw out the best from his young singers, in matters musical and mystical. Brown, who retires later this year after more than three decades at Clare, will be a hard act to follow. But his successor is set to inherit a tremendous choral legacy.