Water & Spirit

At first glance, the acclaimed Windsbach Boys Choir and percussionist Simone Rubino’s alliance may raise eyebrows. However, the partnership bears beautiful, often comforting fruit on an album that traverses musical history. A bass drum gently and subtly oscillates Schütz’s contemplative motet “Selig sind die Toten”, for instance, while Bach’s motet “Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf” is underpinned by the joyful sound of the marimba. Many of the choral pieces are unadorned, including Poulenc’s haunting “Tenebrae facte sunt”, faultlessly performed with attractive blend. Percussion (and water) takes centre stage in Tan Dun’s mesmerising Percussion Concerto, its three movements split throughout the programme. A wonderfully original concept, gorgeously realised.