
Nicholas White is a multi-gifted musician of
estimable creative abilities. The program opens with a fresh, invigorating
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis [that exudes] youthful joy...White's music is in no
way derivative [of Rutter's] and to some ears, may even surpass that of Rutter
in its subtlety of expression, melodic and harmonic invention, and overall
effect. In all of his music, White demonstrates a sure command of an extensive
harmonic vocabulary that is always effective in conveying texts. His melodies
are wistful, soaring, haunting. The Tiffany Consort...form an ensemble of
ravishing beauty. Their sound is vibrant, translucent, demonstrating a
limitless array of dynamic nuance and vocal timbre. An ensemble of five string
players contribute fresh, clear, vigorous, colorful support. This music as
performed here offers quiet consolation, deep joy, and balm for the soul.
It
speaks to the heart."
The American Organist ~ December 2008
"Unashamedly beautiful, Nicholas White’s choral
music makes you think about the function of music and how a composer decides on
the rightness of its design. Unlike Rutter’s, White’s music never cloys ...
It’s beautifully crafted, the manner of word-setting stemming very much from
the English choral tradition... I think this disc will have enormous
attractions for an audience looking for music that soothes more often than it
challenges, while still stimulating the imagination as it nourishes the spirit.
That the performances are so wonderful is a bonus...Throughout most of this new
disc, the Consort is accompanied by an ensemble comprising a string
quartet with double bass. The corporate sound from the small one-to-apart choir
and accompanying strings is surprisingly lush and refulgent..."
International Record Review ~ June 2007
"White's Anglican roots are readily apparent
here, in gentle music of surpassing beauty and sacred sincerity...this composer
certainly understands the appeal of soaring melody, lush harmony, and tender
sentiment...White singers are consistently superb...they can perform anything
with skill, assurance, gorgeous tone...The string ensemble also impresses.
They're all very nicely recorded, and the booklet is useful and complete."
American Record Guide ~ July/August 2007
"...a rich and varied program...[In Sure and
Certain Hope is] throughout rewarding to hear...[Nicholas White's] writing is
consistently fresh and imaginative...The tone, blend, intonation and
diction" of the Consort are exemplary...The strings play with style and,
when used, always integrate sympathetically with the voices. The production by
Richard Price is truly admirable."
Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians ~ May / June 2007
"...White is a talented and tuneful
composer...There are many moments of great beauty and spinal chills on this
recording."
Audiophile Audition ~ April 2007
"Your entire CD is spectacular and your
recording of my work is superb. Bravo..."
Morten Lauridsen - December 2005
"... O Magnum Mysterium
is sweet music for any classical music aficionado, particularly for those who
crave the gorgeous stylings of a well-mannered group like the Tiffany
Consort...
Listening to this album created a blissful out-of-body experience; I spent the
evening very well, floating on the heavenly sound for more than an hour. No
popular carols here--just masterfully crafted choral music of the O Magnum Mysterium
variety. The Tiffany Consort presents eight stellar voices, just one voice per
part, and these eight soloists mix like the most magical alchemy. Some choral
groups are thick with singers, and the overall impact is a bit soggy and
indistinct. That's not the case here. The Tiffany Consort is crisp, clean, and
in command. This album ... has first-rate production values
thoughout...Everything is well-crafted, and I cannot in good conscience
recommend one track as superior to another...The Tiffany Consort will be
keeping me company all season long! "
www.ChristmasReviews.com, August 2006
"This is a lovely collection ... The
eight-voice Tiffany Consort sings beautifully and is wonderfully
recorded."
CD HotList, April 2006
"...pure tone [and] textural
transparency...This disc makes for an impressive introduction [to The Tiffany
Consort]. The choral sound is bright, well blended and finely tuned...there's a
sense of rhythmic unity to the singing...the singing is intimate, rapt and
wondefully alive...A promising debut...the recording is flattering."
Gramophone - September 2005
"...a handsome anthology...[Nicholas White's
'Magnum Mysterium'] is delightful as is the concluding 'Alleluia' and
'Hodie'...The eight voices [of Tiffany] are youthful, bright and clear, and the
conductor has them modifying vocal color, arching phrases and milking
suspensions with the best of them..."
American Record Guide - July/August 2005
"The purity of tone, clarity of diction, and
blended ensemble are worthy of established groups that have sung together much
longer. This is more than just a Christmas disc, an impressive debut"
Fanfare - May/June 2005
"The Tiffany Consort ...give splendid
performances... memorable... accessible...this is a lovely offering...The
members of the Tiffany Consort...exhibit well-supported voices, beautiful
breath control, and a well-nigh ideal blend. The recordings have appropriate
spaciousness..."
Atlanta Audio Society, December 2004