“It is hard to imagine the turmoil surrounding conflict and persecution between the Communist state and the Church in this period, and even more so on hearing this tender devotional music floating from your speakers. Steinberg’s melodic material is of course based on traditional chant, but his harmonisations are at times delectably juicy. He doesn’t go in much for dissonance, but a rich spread of voice parts and added notes create moments which might lead you to think of all kinds of associations, from Herbert Howells to Arvo Pärt or even Eric Whitacre. As for the performance, right from the opening solo for the Alleluia, which has a quality of overtone singing which instantly conjures a spell of ancient ritual, you know you are in for a special experience. The recording itself has a special atmosphere, but it is of course the impeccable sound and musicianship of Cappella Romana that carries us on Steinberg’s carpet of spiritual beauty from beginning to end. The power of this stunning performance is that it simultaneously brings to life a masterpiece in whose sounds you can bathe with eternal opulence, and also restores a liturgical and spiritual monument that deserves a permanent place and wide use in its intended context and beyond.…”