“Song of Songs” Walton: Set me a seal upon thine heart Solomon’s Song of Songs can lay claim to constitute the greatest love poems in the world, and as such have proved a magnet for composers throughout the ages. This anthology spans a period from the fifteenth century to the present in a surprisingly homogenous sounding mix. Rapturous beauty is probably the phrase that best sums up the over all effect, with splendid, warm voiced singing from the choir. Each listener will find their own favourites. Mine would be Howard Skempton’s cycle of four songs, and in particular How fair is my love with its velvety deep sounds. All in all it adds up to a very pleasurable hour’s listening. Serena Fenwick |