English composer Herbert Howells (1892-1983) certainly knew how to write compelling music for choral forces, as documented by the extensive list of his liturgical works. His Requiem is a shining example, and one of the best choral works of the 20th century. He also composed about a dozen impressive orchestral works, so when he superimposed a choir over an orchestra as in this Missa Sabrinensis from 1954, the end results are impressive to say the least. This Mass, scored for four soloists, chorus and orchestra is not your standard setting of the proper of the mass, but rather more like a symphonic statement in six movements from the Kyrie to the Agnus Dei, with a common thematic thread running through from start to finish. The text of the mass itself may, over time, have become perfunctory and void these days, but it still projects a powerful message, and Herbert Howells writes equally powerful music to support it. He explains: "Each movement builds itself in obedience not only to the text but to the logical sequence of purely musical ideas."

The booklet notes denote that: "The title Missa Sabrinensis, meaning 'Mass of the Severn', was a geographical and psychological link between the harbour-town of Lydney (Howells's birthplace in Gloucestershire), Gloucester (where he received his earliest musical training) and Worcester, where, as Howells put it, the cathedral 'stands sentinel on the banks of the same noble river'." On this recording, Helena Dix (soprano), Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano), Benjamin Hulett (tenor), Roderick Williams (baritone), the Bach Choir and the BBC Concert Orchestra all join forces under the direction of David Hill to capture not only this score's powerful soundscape, but also the expressive, timeless and profound contextual meaning that lies at its core. And as always with Hyperion this committed performance is captured in a well-balanced and impressive audio soundstage. Break away from the mundane and transitory aspects of the day by immersing yourself in this work's intensity.