There is also a not quite so long tradition of English songwriting that combines elements of classical and folk, from the Renaissance compositions of John Dowland and Henry Purcell through to the 20th century songs of Vaughan Williams and of the eccentric Peter Warlock.

On , lyricist and instrumentalist Christian Forshaw (assorted saxophones, clarinets, and keyboards) and noted soprano Grace Davidson (, Lord of the Rings Live) draw on both traditions to create a thoughtful and highly engaging contemporary look at Britain's folk song heritage.

Inspired by an invitation Forshaw originally received to write some music for the 2013 Holy Island Festival, the new compositions here include a remarkable setting of "The Leiden Riddle", one of our oldest poems, told from the perspective of a knight's coat of chainmail.

Originally written in Latin in the seventh century, it was later translated into the Northumbrian dialect and, with "Tale of the Leiden Riddle", has now been set to music for the first known time. Sung here in modern English, Davidson conveys both the beauty and the mystery of the poem with acute sensitivity, guided gently by Forshaw’s appropriately restrained accompaniment.

Davidson's soprano brings the same serenity and delicacy that were such features of her work in Max Richter’s eight-hour recording and subsequent live performances. The spectral spirituality of “Ritual” is a good example, while “A Heart Speaks” has the gorgeous interplay of alto saxophone and gently assertive voice that makes the song quite captivating. Forshaw’s keening saxophones at times call to mind Jan Garbarek and his late '90s recordings with the Hilliard Ensemble, a classical vocal quartet.

The rest of the album is similarly well thought through, and it's clear that both writer and singer have spent time to good effect carefully considering the presentation of these songs. The balance between them is excellent and the recording quality by Decca is first rate – though, despite Davidson having extremely fine diction, it would have been helpful if the label had included the songs’ texts within the booklet.

Some might wish to classify as high-class ethereal ambient, but its musical intelligence, its range of feeling conveyed with outstanding vocal and instrumental expertise, make it considerably more than that.