Welsh Choir of Choirs

The Welsh are noted for their love of song, embodied in the rich tradition of male voice choirs, which are particularly lauded for their open-throated purity of tone and vocal projection. In this filmed concert, the fifty-member Welsh Choir of Choirs offers a broad variety of selections, presented in the medieval splendor of Manchester Cathedral. And, apparently, you had to be there, because the acoustics on the video recording are problematic. Whether it's the vast space of the cathedral or a case of inadequate miking, the sound seems diffused (at times, this large choir is overwhelmed by the piano accompaniment). Also rather off-putting is the uniformity of arrangement: rousing spirituals, patriotic songs and Welsh folk tunes are all delivered with an identical presentation by folks that look like they are gathered for a mass execution. An optional choice for larger music collections. Aud: P. (J. Reed)