Robert Prizeman has given the words of Cecil Francis Alexander's 17th Century poem ‘Twilight is Stealing’ an atmospheric flavour by writing music that integrates textures that are either warm and full or refreshingly cool and sparse.

Twilight begins with an air of mystery, a broad field of ominous colours that follows a progression of tension, eventually fading and mellowing into a window of light to pave the way for Ben Crawley to tell the story.

The overall sound picture, with an abundance of rises and dips in the melodic line, creates a journey of forward motion - a serene flight or a slow walk over hills and sea that are touched by the colours and shadows of twilight.

Ben's voice, teamed so beautifully with Chris Robson, carries the meaning of Alexander's words with subtle expression and musical precision. A violin sings overhead, sometimes weaving in and out to complement the duet.

Libera enters like an awakening with perfect blend and balance as each part of the harmony climbs with similar intervallic movement, rising, then relaxing. The voices themselves peal out across the wind, and for a magic moment, you can hear evidence of the vesper bell they sing of.

As twilight fades we are left with Ben calling out to Thee.

Copyright © 2004 Merewyn Bramble, Benj Schatzmann, Stewart Simpson