Convivium Records continue championing the music of Dan Locklair, with this choral journey through the liturgical year with many pieces recorded for the first time.

Born in 1949, Locklair is widely performed throughout the U.S., Canada and world-wide. His prolific output includes symphonic works, ballet, opera, solo, chamber, vocal and choral compositions. The sequence is book-ended by two anthems which feature choir, brass, percussion and organ: a splendid soundscape.

From East to West, for Christmas, expresses global compass by alternating between D and A flat major. Its four stanzas are joyous and celebratory. The Texture of Creation was composed in 1983 for the inauguration of the twelfth President of Wake Forest University, North Carolina. The opening fanfare is understated and telling, introducing a new text which crescendoes powerfully to express consecration and transformation. Between these we hear mainly a cappella anthems and motets and a fine, more contrapuntal Brief Mass for double choir, including particularly atmospheric Kyrie and Agnus Dei, and a lively Gloria featuring solo voices, varied textures and irregular metres. This merits repeated listening. With organ, played by David Goode, are Thy goodness, Lord, a Joyful Theme and The Lord is my Light.

The 26 voices, all choral scholars, and instrumentalists perform this relatively little-known but engaging repertoire with unanimity and consummate skill. Rupert Gough directs with sensitivity and authority.