This anthology of great melodies (of songs both sacred and secular) that have stood the test of time would please most people with its ability to raise the spirits of the listener.
The ABC has dug deep into its archive and that of a number of other recording companies to produce this disc which features some of the great singers, such as Yvonne Kenny, Frederica Von Stade, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Sara Macliver, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Cheryl Studer, Bryn Terfel, along with choirs from the Mormon Tablenacle, Winchester Cathedral, Cantillation, Gondwana Voices and Birralee Voices.
Stylish solo renditions of Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ from Oklahoma! (Yvonne Kenny) and Somewhere from West Side Story (Frederica Von Stade) give this disc immediate appeal. Other highlights are Cheryl Studer’s Jubilate, Amen Op 3 (Bruch), Sara Macliver’s Perfect Day, Kenneth McKellar’s The Lord’s My Shepherd and Roy Best’s the Holy City.
Choral moments which stir the soul must include the ever-rousing Jerusalem (Parry) sung by the Choir of Winchester Cathedral with the Bournemouth Symphony. Less boisterous, but no less moving is the Birralee Voices’ Deep Peace with the Queensland Pops Orchestra whilst the standout is Gondwana’s Ave Maria by Caccini, with a glorious oboe solo.
There are some secular selections which deserve mention too: Bryn Terfel singing John Denver’s Perhaps Love, Teddy Tahu Rhodes singing a haunting Pokarekare Ana.
Whilst vocal music gets the lion’s share of space on this disc, there are some notable instrumental inclusions. Truly stirring are the performances by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra of Irish Tune from County Derry (Danny Boy), as well as Highland Cathedral played by the Australian Army Band (Reserve Pipes and Drums, Perth), and finally the title track, Amazing Grace played by violinist Andre Rieu with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and the Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums.