“Canty” is an old Scots word meaning “small, lively and well-formed”, and it’s an apt name for this all female four-part vocal ensemble, the members of which come from the superb Scottish choir Cappella Nova. For this recording Canty are joined by William Taylor on wire-strung clarsach (the medieval Scottish harp).

Flame of Ireland gives us a shortened version of the Office of Matins for the Feast of St. Brigit (Brigit of Kildare, c453-c524). All but one of the psalms has been left out, while the nine lections together with their responsories remain. Three groups of three antiphons come near the beginning, middle and end of the Office; the hymn Adest dies leticie from First Vespers serves as an introit, while an additional three antiphons and a final hymn from other offices bring the disc to a close.

The unison singing, or more properly chanting, is exceptional, with a lightness and grace that effortlessly illuminate the texts of the antiphons and responsories. By contrast, Rebecca Tavener’s recitations of the lections are full of delicate colour and drama. She is very conscious of the story-telling aspect; consequently the legends and miracles surrounding St Brigit’s conception, birth, infancy and adulthood are brought vividly to life.

Throughout, Taylor provides evocative improvised accompaniments and interludes, both of which serve to centre the prevailing mode and amplify the meaning of the texts. Readers will have already seen in this issue that Canty have also recorded an ideal companion disc, Felix Femina, which contains Scottish medieval polyphony sung with the same superb artistry and again accompanied by William Taylor. WILLIAM YEOMAN