As a whole collection, these pieces provide a wonderful contrast, capture exquisitely the mood of Raine's words and display a superb command of vocal writing. I have no doubt that, for a choir which sets itself high standards and wants something to mould and craft into performance, there is a very worthwhile cycle of pieces here. * Music Teacher, March 2003 *
Chilcott has astutely chosen some fine texts here . . . Chilcott's vocal parts serve the texts well within the restricted range of upper voices. Here is no straining after exotic textures for their own sakes. But there isn't a dull moment either. The generic title Spells leads into charms and incantations, lullabies and hypnotic lilting. There is a beautfully understated runic feel to some of the melodic ideas and something occasionally Celtic too . . . Given really expressive singing (and good conducting, and a good pianist) these songs would spell-bind an audience in the way that only children's voices, singing good music, can. * Peter Dale, Choir & Organ Sept 02 *