L’Estrange: On Eagles’ Wings – Tenebrae / Short

   in Choir & Organ (Jul, 2016)
Alexander L’Estrange’s work always has an improvisational ease as well as dark authority, as befits a sometime jazz bassist. This mixed programme of sacred works somewhat confounds the New Age-y title. It’s a typical mix of vernacular and high sources, from the Irish blessing at the end to the magnificent Nunc Dimittis for the New College Service. Tenebrae live up to their name, even if the CD doesn’t quite, with a rich, full-bottomed sound that finds the tragic mode in various prayers for peace and the exceptional My Song Is Love Unknown. Vivid, varied and completely satisfying. …