The third CD from local chamber choir Commotio features the choral music of former Magdalen scholar James Whitbourn, whose extraordinary clarity of expression and imaginative instrumentation is showcased in this moving and uplifting selection. The title piece, Luminosity, was written in 2008 for choir and dancers, and explores light, love and profound truths through a set of seven texts from great writers through the ages, from the New Testament to the 18th century. Whitbourn’s use of Western and Eastern instruments, from the organ and viola to the tam-tam and tanpura, combined with the voices of the choir, results in a fusion of styles and traditions that radiates warmth and sensitivity. Conducted by Matthew Berry with his customary precision, this is a compelling and inspirational performance.

A selection of Whitbourn’s other choral works, written between 2002 and 2009, proves to be equally stirring. The heartfelt Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, based on the words of St Luke, combine Latin and English to highlight both the reflective and personal nature of the text, and again make use of the tam-tam. A solo voice, sung with a movingly plaintive quality by tenor Christopher Gillet, rises every so often above the choir, reinforcing the poignancy of the words.

Another highlight of the CD is A Prayer of Desmond Tutu, which was written for the BBC in 2003, and features Tutu himself as the reader. This short but eloquent piece is a celebration of the power of goodness, love, light and life over evil, hate, darkness and death, and a strong beat emphasises its heartening message.

Some of the tracks from the CD can be heard at Commotio’s forthcoming concert at St Barnabas Church on Saturday, March 13, along with a selection of other choral pieces, including the newly-published edition of Howell’s God be in my head. Tickets available from www.commotio.org/BuyTickets1.htm.

The CD was released on the Naxos label in February, catalogue no. 8.572103.