Kuhlau

The fact that you stipulate this is your personal opinion clarifies things for me. And while I agree that a lot of better-known English music does have a root or two in our country's folk heritage, that's not the case across the board. But then, I'm sure you know this. ;) FK

You mean this as a joke, surely? I can't believe that anyone who actually knows anything about British music could ever make such an ignorant remark. :O FK

If you liked the finale of the St. Paul's Suite, try Frank Bridge's Sir Roger de Coverley. It's a series of variations originally composed for a string quartet then orchestrated by Bridge - although it's most often heard in its strings-only form. It starts with Bridge teasingly hinting at the tune, then becomes more animated and dance-like towards the end. At the last, the piece's melody is masterfully blended with Auld Lang Syne. It's really quite brilliant. FK

Has mention been made yet of Faure's Requiem? Or of Brahms' A German Requiem? Equally superb, and neither as conspicuously pious or as respectfully reverential as one would normally expect in a mass. Refreshing works, both. FK

Two excellent Portuguese masses can be found on this inexpensive recording: FK