Bob Chilcott's Songs and Cries of London Town is described tongue-in-cheekily in the frontispiece as a 'capital' choral cantata. With London as its subject matter it is that, most certainly. It is also 'capital' in the old fogeyish sense of the word - good, very good . . . This is a work that would amply reward the attentions of any good choral society or strong school choir searching for a show-stopping 15-minute work with which to finish a concert. * Christopher Field, Music Teacher, August 02 *
The music for the upper-voice choir, in the third and fifth movements, simple and in unison for the most part, gives a good opportunity for youngsters to join adults in a concerted work - an increasingly popular format. For the SATB singers the challenges of tricky rhythm and occasional sly modulation would soon be surmounted, given the expertly grateful and encouraging part writing . . . Throughout, the music is unfailingly attractive, with lively ostinatos and cross-rhythms in the fast movements and, equally characteristic of Bob Chilcott's work, a delicate lyricism in the slow ones. This would be a happy, light-hearted and not too demanding item for a celebratory programme. * Howard Layfied, Mastersinger Spring 2002 *
