Although Arthur has written for most combinations of choral voices, this CD is a testament to the liturgical choral tradition and features a thoughtfully designed programme of music highlighting the role of the boy choristers.

The Choristers of Ely Cathedral, conducted by Paul Trepte, current Director of Music at Ely Cathedral, leaves us in no doubt that they are 'real' boys and in this CD there are many magical moments that remind us of their well deserved reputation for sounds of great strength, purity and beauty.

Works include "Te Deum Laudamus",, "Missa Brevis", "Ave Verum", "The Carol of King Canute", "Ely"," There is no rose", "Sing a new song" "Evening Canticles" and Caedmon". Organist and pianist, Jonathan Lilley, accompanies with his usual phenomenal dexterity and flair providing a magnificent pivotal organ interlude in the programme with his performance of the grand "Organ March" from "City of Ely" from the Symphonic Suite "The Fenlands".

Highlights of this CD are "The Lord's Prayers" in Missa Brevis, "Ely", a part song for treble voices and piano, "There is no rose" and the final "Caedmon".

The spine-chilling effect of the pure focussed tone of the boy sopranos and the prayerful soft smooth sustained lines of "The Lord's Prayer" are enhanced further by Arthur's undoubted empathy with the words. Similar contemplation and beauty permeate "There is no rose".

One of the most evocative contributions is Arthur's "Ely". With Debussy-like fluidity, Arthur and the accomplished musicians evoke moving and mystical reflections of the beauty of Ely and its surroundings. With sounds reminiscent of Debussy's "Submerged Cathedral" it is easy to recall the unique splendour of Ely Cathedral standing tall on the Isle of Ely rising above the surrounding flat countryside, once no more than water-logged marshes. Visions of a wide open skies and golden sun rises are readily created. Arthur's ability to reinforce the wording colours the texture exquisitely.

The final composition, "Caedmon" a children's cantata which tells the story of Caedmon who was miraculously given the gift of singing, is a testament to boyhood and well suited to these young singers. The text by James Tilly, a former Housemaster of the choristers, revels in boyish delights ranging from expressing childhood fears of exclusion to uninhibited fun of feasting on "crisps and buns". Arthur's music matches the wording of the texts phenomenally well, incorporating a strong recurring theme that is readily adopted by these fine choristers.

Pianist fortitude and magical turns admirably performed by Jonathan Lilley, raise the level of excitement or despair. The supplementary notes to the CD are remarkably comprehensive with the texts to all the works provided along with fascinating notes about the compositions written by the composer himself. This is definitely a CD worth adding to your collection.