Three Northern Europeans—Pärt (from Estonia), Vasks (from Latvia), and MacMillan (from Scotland)—each write in a musical language that goes straight to the heart. These predominantly sacred settings draw singing of breathtaking virtuosity from the magnificent Cambridge choir, directed with passion by Graham Ross. The music climbs in intensity, via Pärt’s wonderfully controlled writing, the “Nunc dimittis” beautifully set, and Vasks’ serene “Plainscapes,” toward James MacMillan’s poised setting of the “Miserere” (with exquisite instrumental accompaniment). This is music that sounds simple, yet it plumbs the depths and conveys its message with amazing power. Beautifully recorded sound too.