When the two works were available separately at full price, I thought several times about buying them, but there was always something else that I 'needed' more urgently. I have long loved the Hymnus Paradisi and the Reguiem among other works by Howells, and when I finally bought this double set, I was not disappointed. I have to say that although the Missa Sabrinensis is a wonderful and glowing work, and, of the two, is closer to Hyymnus Paradisi, I listen to the Statabt Mater more often. There is a chill to much of the music that aptly and movingly reflects the times in which it was written. To my mind, it runs the Requiem very close as Howells' masterpiece.
Someone commented elsewhere that if you like Hymnus Paradisi, you will enjoy these disks. I absolutely agree. This double set is a must.