Herbert Howells (1892–1983) 5/5. Final Responses Despite lying unheard and unseen for over a decade, Hymnus Paradisi came to define Howells's achievements as an artist. Donald Macleod explores the tortuous gestation of the work and we also hear the composer's own thoughts on the inspiration behind it. King David Sarah Walker (mezzo-soprano) Roger Vignoles (piano) Hymnus Paradisi Joan Rodgers (soprano) Anthony Rolfe Johnson (tenor) BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra Richard Hickox (conductor).