The Welsh forces here give us a majestic, highly charged account of Stanford’s celebratory score which, over its span of three-quarters of an hour, encapsulates the self-confidence of the Victorian age and its long-reigning monarch...Lyrita’s recording captures the sense of scale and presence in both these works, showcasing Stanford’s ability to write dramatic and engaging music for large forces.

Like Stanford’s large-scale Requiem (which was recently so eloquently revived by Martyn Brabbins), this is a work of arresting dramatic, emotional and architectural scope, and is splendidly served here by Adrian Partington and his expertly drilled forces.

Partington draws playing and singing of great skill and ardour from is BBC Welsh forces – the choral work is extensive and demanding but the Welsh chorus here rise fully to the occasion. The four soloists are likewise well matched and balanced.