Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem; Sancta Civitas

It would be fascinating to know how Vaughan Williams conducted the first London performance of his Sancta Civitas with what was then his Bach Choir. Was his interpretation so well-mannered, so thoroughly Anglican, or was it more muscular, more dangerous? Whatever, he would have appreciated these fine soloists, chief among them Matthew Brook, who turns anything he sings to gold. There are some beautiful moments in the Dona Nobis Pacem , with the choir and orchestra in serene form, and even if it is all rather too polite, VW devotees will find much to enjoy here.