David Starkey's introduction underlines the patriotic efforts invested by the 23 composers represented in Morley's madrigal anthology The Triumphs Of Oriana. They set out to prove the international worth of Elizabethan England. Thanks to a performing style ruled by its devotion to words and immaculate ensemble and intonation, the King's Singers deliver the 25 Triumphs with compelling energy and wit. The combination of male altos, tenors and basses adds light and shade to the texture, while reserving irresistible power for the settings of Long live fair Oriana. Superb stuff.

Andrew Stewart