Spem in alium. Vidi aquam

Imaginatively fusing ancient and modern, the ORA Singers bookend their programme with two works for 40 voices, each written for eight groups of five singers. Thomas Tallis’ magnificent “Spem in alium”, rapturously sung, throws down the gauntlet, which James MacMillan has picked up about 450 years later with his “Vidi aquam”. Clearly drawing on a different musical language—and with some gorgeous smudging of harmonies—it makes a huge impact. In between come five composers commissioned by Tudor monarchs, each with a powerful and distinctive voice. Arrestingly vivid sound, recorded at All Hallows’ Gospel Oak in London, adds another dimension to this album’s magic.