By Michael Allen
Classicalsource.com
02-Apr-2004

"Just occasionally, very occasionally, one comes across music that makes one ask the question: Where has this composer been all my life? In the case of Bo Holten it is a question relatively easy to answer since he is already well known in England as a choral conductor, particularly of the BBC Singers... if you love music that is gratefully written for the voice, harmonically rich, and accessible without being derivative - then this CD should have a big appeal... As might be expected, the BBC Singers are on fine form for their guest conductor, the composer himself. The recording is warm and spacious, and I can do nothing but give this CD of wonderful music the most enthusiastic recommendation. The booklet notes describe Bo Holten as "...the man with many hats..." - let's hope that he wears his composing hat on a much more regular basis."

By David Vernier
ClassicsToday.com
05-Mar-2004

"Among the most profoundly gorgeous 20th-century choral works and is the most likely of the six Blake works to find easy audience approval...rich in imagery...You'll be amazed not only by the colors and moods Holten describes in his score, but also by the phenomenal soprano solo by Catherine Bott (you have to hear it to appreciate what I'm talking about). BBC Singers are expectedly flawless in their technical mastery of these difficult works, and whether the score calls for huge dynamic outbursts, sustained periods of discord and unrest, or moments of tender lyricism the ensemble proves assured and solidly focused. Micaela Haslam's solo in A Cradle Song is one of the disc's highlights...you'll be missing something really special if you love choral music and you don't find a way to hear this exceptional disc."