“The Mass is on a lavish scale and offers a different slant on Ešenvalds' compositional style. A virtuosic organ part is executed with panache by Daryl Robinson...Vocal writing is lyrical at all times...The choir really comes into its own in the unaccompanied motets, which allow singers to shine without competition from brass or organ. The Cathedral's Treble Choir...is compelling... Robison performs with supreme skill, highlighting yet another Laurin work that deserves to enter the mainstream repertoire. This is a rewarding and multi-faceted recording that deserves repeated listening: highly recommended.

–David Pipe, Organists' Review

"For all his ubiquity, Eriks Esenvalds has never composed a mass setting - until now... The new Mass is vintage Ešenvalds: tonal, triumphal, its sweeping melodies almost incantatory in their repetition...'Stars' is a worthy spotlight for the Treble Choir of Houston, who sound colorful and transparent as stained glass."

"If there was justice in the world, Laurin's anachronistic eloquence would be heard iust as widelv as Ešenvalds' heart-melting schmaltz...The 12-minute workout gives dedicatee Daryl Robinson a chance to showcase his expressive and technical breadth - and in this roving work, broad it is."

Hannah Edgar, Choir & Organ

“…warrants recommendation…a recording featuring material by esteemed Latvian composer Eriks Ešenvalds (b.1977) is always cause for celebration, and…a world premiere recording increases the release's appeal…Adding extra value, two works by the late Canadian composer Rachel Laurin (1961-2023) are included, one a choral piece and the other a two-part organ work also receiving its world premiere recording.”

“reflects magnificently on the performers involved and is a genuine feather-in-the-cap for the Simpsons, their respectively conducted choirs, and the instrumentalists. The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral impresses on this release, but so too does the Treble Choir of Houston.”

—Ron Schepper, textura.org

“…Ešenvalds’ canvas is cinematic…This is not a mass written for Cambridge, England. The scale is large, the horizons wide, and key phrases have epic proportions…his choral writing is, as usual, superb…Laurin’s Diptych…is a satisfying outlet for [Daryl] Robinson’s virtuosity.”

“Worthy of repeated listening and welcome additions to the choral and organ repertory. This recording is highly recommended.”

—Matthew Hoch, The American Organist

“Mass of the Eternal Flame is large in its sonic scope and impact. Organ, brass, and chorus combine with great effect, producing a sense of hopeful, positive faith and energy…This is an album well worth recommending for the sheer excellence of the works… The other-worldly sound of The Treble Choir with their voices augmented by the ringing of water-tuned glasses [is] a celestial combination indeed!”

—Karl Nehring, Classical Candor

“Excellent, attractive music and the two highly accomplished choirs acquit themselves very well indeed, as do the various instrumentalists. The recorded sound is excellent…The music is unfailingly attractive and suits the words very well. I should imagine it’s a pleasure to sing [the mass]; that’s how it comes across here…The Cathedral Choir sings with skill and evident commitment … two [treble] soloists, Joanna Wilson and Lilliana Baker sing their challenging parts with assurance and purity of tone. … [organist] Daryl Robinson played a key role in the commissioning of this work; he makes a very important contribution, as do the members of Paragon Brass.

“The valuable booklet notes … include a full specification of the organ built by Orgues Létourneau of Quebec…a mighty instrument…
It certainly sounds very handsome on this album, especially in the Laurin.”

–John Quinn, MusicWeb International

"Daryl Robinson's playing is so right throughout the mass; he can come to the fore and then return to a supporting role so masterfully that it sounds effortless...Robert Simpson's ensemble providing a real model of a cappella singing.”

“[Laurin's] Con fuoco is also well-named and is a real showpiece for the incredible talents of Robinson."

–Marjorie Johnston, Association of Anglican Musicians