THE ARMOUR OF LIGHT

Reviews

Steeped in the rich Anglican choral tradition, American composer, Gary Davison, is one of the US’s leading composers of sacred choral music. He brings a deep love of this heritage to all of his writing. Through the lens of the post-modern era, he embraces many of the modal and tonal techniques of Western music to inform his own artistry. Performers and audiences alike admire his compositional style for its idiomatic expression and freshness of voice. Critical acclaim supports this esteem with such descriptions of his work as “persuasive … imaginative and polished … sumptuous and engaging” (The Washington Post); “seductive and spirited … smooth, flexible and clear, allowing the music to shine from within” (Hamburger Abendblatt, Germany); as well as “breathtaking and exquisite … exactly the kind of rewarding challenge singers love best.” The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians.

‘the pieces are very accessible and I’m sure will appeal to choirs and congregations alike, which is surely what Gary Davison intended: this is music written for practical use in the liturgy. His music is given splendid advocacy by Matthew Owens and his fine choir – one would expect nothing less – and Jonathan Vaughn makes an expert contribution at the organ’ MusicWeb October 2015

‘Matthew Owens is second to none in his championing of living composers. Here with the girl choristers and Vicars Choral of Wells Cathedral, he introduces us to the music of American composer Gary Davison…Davison’s greatest strength is a deep understanding of a sacred text, which informs his writing…There is an uncluttered, harmonic appeal to his writing…This distinguished cathedral choir is in excellent voice, enhanced by the creative playing of Jonathan Vaughn.’  Choir and Organ November/December 2015