Herbert Howells & the Organ: The 30's & 40's

On this CD:

1. Sonata for organ No 1 in C minor
Composed by Herbert Howells

2. Pieces (6) for organ
Composed by Herbert Howells

Tracks:

Of Thy Mystical Supper, Op.58, No.7
A Prayer Of The Middle Ages
O Sacrum Convivium
Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing
Salvation Is Created, Op.25, No.5
Hymn To the Creator Of Light
O Magnum Mysterium
Lux Aurumque
Ave Maria
Complete This Work
We Hymn Thee
To God 'In Memorian M.B.'
Our Father

Album Description

"The Dale Warland Singers' intonation and clarity of choral texture do nothing less than amaze." -- American Choral Catalog

"Outstanding ensemble singing, highlighted by lovely legatos and unisons and by consistently sensitive sectional and group balances." -- ClassicsToday

"The seamless blend and rich sound of what is probably America's best chorus is on display." -- Seattle Weekly

The sequel to their beloved Cathedral Classics CD. Includes Morten Lauridsen's enormously popular O Magnum Mysterium. The program is a collection of cathedral masterpieces from various countries--Germany, England, Russia, Latvia, Russia, and the US. The final Dale Warland Singers CD recording before their disbandment in 2004. Within its first month, the Dale Warland Singers' previous release on Gothic (Harvest Home) became the label's best-selling CD ever, and hit Billboard's Top 20 Classical Chart. Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the group was recognized as one of the world's foremost a cappella choral ensembles. This forty-voice professional choir recently celebrated its thirty-first, and final, season of concerts, tours, radio broadcasts, and critically acclaimed recordings following the retirement of founder and director Dale Warland.

Customer Reviews:

the "best" of the best group ever.......2007-06-15

This final recording of America's finest chorale group ever (my apolgies to Shaw and Wagner)and brings a fitting close to their impressive recording history. A follow-up to their original Catherdral Classics CD, a best seller, this CD has something for everyone. Tons of Russian work done with impecable intonation, and spectacular performances of newer 20th and 21st century composers. Highlights most certainly are John Rutter's "Hymn to the Creator of Light" and 35 year-old Eric Whitaker's "Lux Auremque". Both are performed with reverence and delicacy reminding the listener that this is singing from the heart by professionals at the top of their game. Bravo, Dr. Warland....

Average customer rating:

IMPRESSED
St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns
Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral
LACK OF DICTION?!!!
Marred by lack of diction

The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004U2KC
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Customer Reviews:

IMPRESSED.......2007-05-21

AS A FIRST TIME BUYER AT AMAZON,I AM IMPRESSED AT THE QUALITY OF CD AND TIME OF SERVICE

St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns.......2007-01-24

St. Paul's Cathdral is the second largest cathedral church in the basilican style, exceeded only by St. Peter's Rome. New York City's St. John the Divine is larger than St. Paul's, but with decidely gothic elements. All three cathedrals have fine choirs, but St. Paul's and St. John's continue the noble and unique sound of boys and men in the English tradition. St. Paul's great organ is one of the world's finest, with a decay of seven seconds. The great hymns are all here, conducted by John Scott, only recently appointed organist of St. Thomas' Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City. This is a recording will a be prized addition to your library of choral music. You will not be disappointed.

Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral .......2006-02-24

This selection of recordings by The Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral contains pieces representative of traditional Anglican musical liturgy. The technical aspects of this production on compact disk seem to be outstanding, but beware that the original recordings were in some cases less than stellar. Another reviewer points out that on some tracks the lyrics sung by the choir are overwhelmed by the superb organ playing, which no doubt occurred due to inadequate microphone placement during the recording sessions. That said, I nevertheless rate this presentation of the St. Paul's Choir highly. It provides a mixture of musical types. In addition to the choir, the CD presents the work of four organists, including a marvelous organ solo, as well as several pieces sung a cappella by the choir and its boy treble soloists. I especially recommend this choir's rendetion of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere," which features the voices of two boy trebles, a boy alto and a bass, which yeilds a mesmerizing experience. Unless one is acquiring full sets of the St. Paul's Choir's music, this compact disk should delight anyone interested in traditional cathedral organ and choral music.

LACK OF DICTION?!!!.......2003-11-12

Obviously the individual who wrote the review including the "marred by lack of diction" remark is not too familiar with the traditional boychoir sound. I am moved to sickness that they were so openly compared with the sound of the all-too-familiar MTC. THOSE WERE ADULTS!!! These are boys! Boys cannot give the kind of sound of the MTC because their voices are not developed enough. The greatest hope a boychoir has of wowing audiences is in their contrast in dynamics. They model this beautiffully in their acapella pieces. In their accompanied pieces, I feel they hold their own above the (sometimes blearing) organ.
Know the genre a little better before you slander a great performance.

Marred by lack of diction.......2003-04-22

The singing is beautiful, melodious and full of harmony. The organ would make Bach proud.

But the lyrics do not stand out. In fact, they are obliterated by the surrounding melodies.

I hate to do this, but I am comparing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. These little boys would learn from them.

Tracks:

O Come, Emmanuel
Alleluia
The First Nowell
The Carol Of The Birds
Allon, Gay Bergeres
A Hymn To The Virgin
O Magnum Mysterium
Christmas Oratorio: Rejoice And Sing
Ave Maria
What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Sing Lullaby
While By My Sheep
Christmas Oratorio: Break Forth, O Wondrous Heavenly Light
Heavenly Light
Adeste Fideles
Ceremony Of Carols: Procession - Hodie Christus Natus Est
Ceremony Of Carols: Wolcum Yole!
Ceremony Of Carols: There Is No Rose
Ceremony Of Carols: That Yonge Child
Ceremony Of Carols: Balulalow
Ceremony Of Carols: As Dew In Aprille
Ceremony Of Carols: This Little Babe
Interlude (Harp Solo)
Ceremony Of Carols: In Freezing Winter Night
Ceremony Of Carols: Spring Carol
Ceremony Of Carols: Deo Gracias
Ceremony Of Carols: Recession: Hodie Christus Natus Est

Amazon.com

In this beautifully chosen program of mostly a cappella arrangements, Robert Shaw and the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers deliver the Christmas story in tones of gentle and moving splendor. The carols and sacred settings recorded here are all of an intimate sort, and the rapturous, gently expressive realizations Shaw and his singers give them prove unfailingly appealing. Particularly moving is the newest work on the disc, a setting of "O magnum mysterium" by the American composer Morten Lauridsen. Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria" is another gem, as is the arrangement by Healy Willan of the French carol "What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" The offering includes a pair of chorales from Bach's Christmas Oratorio and two wonderful Christmas works by Benjamin Britten: "A Hymn to the Virgin" and A Ceremony of Carols, both well done, even if the sound of sopranos and altos (rather than boy trebles) in the latter takes some getting used to. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-02-16

The music is beautiful of course. The Robert Shaw Chorale is a high quality group of singers, and the arrangements they sing are really nice. Because of the age of the recording today's standards of equpment and tonal quality simply weren't available but the upgrade from analog vinyl was well-done. I shall look for more of these.

Robert Shaw Chorale.......2007-01-10

This is an excellent ablum. The music is lovely and quite varied. While there are many of the familiar favorites, there are also many new and different songs and the whole CD is a delight to listen to.

a perfect Ceremony of Carols!.......2005-12-22

This is the finest recording of Britten's A Ceremony of Carols I've ever come across, and there are plenty of versions to choose from. The King's College Choir rendition suffers from overstuffed acoustics, a constant with that choir, and their recording of Ceremony of Carols falls short in the requisite rhythmic clarity and intensity. The Christ Church, Oxford version is plodding, and lacks sparkle. Harry Christopher's The Sixteen come close, with marvelous sonics and ecstatic diction, but fall apart in the exacting 'This Little Babe' round with uneven cohesion, and strange stressed notes that ruin the waterfall effect so felicitously construed by Britten. I've not heard Britten's own conducted version, but he scrupulously insisted on boy trebles, and it's difficult if not impossible to conjure a more perfect rendering than the one given here by Shaw and his Chamber Singers. 'This Little Babe' is incomparable in each and all of its rapid fire contours, which is no mean feat. Mezzo-soprano Nanette Soles deserves special mention for incandescent singing on 'That Younge Child". The luminous pacing of 'There is no rose of such virtue' is notable, and to his credit Shaw employs the ecclesiastical pronunciation of the various Latin passages, unlike The Sixteen (and most other English choir recordings of this piece) who insist on an idiomatic British pronunciation of Latin, which offers nothing but distraction. Some will prefer boy treble singers, an attractive option, but for high musical values and the art they inevitably enshrine, it's impossible to be disappointed with this profoundly wrought version of Ceremony of Carols. Bach's 'Break Forth, O beauteous heavenly light' is just right, and I'd not heard 'Heavenly Light' by Aleksandr Kopylov; both are favorable additions to an excellent recording. Recommended.

Brilliant compilation.......2005-03-16

This is an absolutely outstanding collection of carols - some of them well-known, some of them obscure. As a choral singer, I've had the pleasure of singing many of these pieces, and I was delighted when I found them all in one place, and done by an ensemble so accomplished as the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers! It just isn't Christmas for me without this recording.

Didn't care for it that much.......2004-12-27

I prefer to hear the voices and the words of the carols, and this one has too much other sound (maybe even the use of massed voices); I have a hard time hearing what they are singing.

Average customer rating:

Pure Christmas
Christmas magic
a voice teacher and early music fan
Simply beautiful
It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!

Sing We Christmas
Chanticleer
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000SNL
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
O magnum mysterium
In dulci iubilo
O virgo virginum
O Jesulein s Jesulein mild
Hodie Christus natus est
Marabile mysterium
Verbum caro factum est: Y la Virgen le dezia
A un nilorando
Here Is The Little Door
Noel canon
Quelle est cette odeur agrle
El Noi de la Mare
A Christmas Carol
A virgin unspotted
In the bleak mid-winter
Glory to the newborn King
Stille nacht - Douce nuit - Silent night

Amazon.com

Christmas is the season for whipping out those holiday-specific standard recordings. This splendid gift by Chanticleer should top the list, for one will never tire of this a cappella choir's interpretations. With selections spanning the last five centuries of Latin, German, English, Spanish, and French festive fare, this recording exemplifies the sacrifice of the ego to the higher form of choral sound. Jacob Handl's "Mirabile Mysterium" takes you on a trip into the chromatic wonderlands, where you temporarily lose tonal balance. Victoria's eerie and dissonant "O Magnum Mysterium" treats us to rich voices swelling out of one organic whole. The phenomenal blend and perfect intonation elevate this recording above others in its category. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Pure Christmas.......2007-01-16

If you are looking for traditional madrigal sounding holiday music, this CD is for you. I have purchased this CD several times because I just keep giving them away. Everyone I've ever introduced it to has loved it. This finely polished group has a pure sound matched by no other. If you weren't looking at the CD notes you would never know this is only a group of 12 men.

Christmas magic.......2007-01-10

A CD evocative of Christmas past and present. Beautiful harmonies both wistful and ringing with joy. Buy it for next Christmas!

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-12-02

Chanticleer, the U.S. equivalent of the British King's Singers, is a full-time classical vocal ensemble named for the rooster in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'. It was founded in 1978 by Louis Botto, a tenor, and for a while was its artistic director. They have achieved critical acclaim all over the world and their repertoire is very extensive and varied. Just commenting on a few of the selections on this disc:
'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen' is a hymn that originated in western Germany around 1500, and is best known in the harmonization by Michael Praetorious published around 1609. The poem used biblical imagery that pictures the newborn Christ growing forth from the "stem of Jesse'(the father of King David), as foretold in Isiah 11. The metaphorical writings of the Middle Ages depict the patriarchal figure of Jesse as a rose bush.
'O Magnum mysterium',Victoria's most famous motet, uses a subline text from the Christmas Vespers. This is incredibly beautiful with its interweaving polyphony which leads to a hushed choral declamation at the words "O beata Virgo"(O Blessed Virgin) ending with a Alleulia Section.
'Here is the Little Door' is from a set of three "carol anthems", dating from 1918-1920. Herbert Howells was revered as one of the 20th century's most distinguished Choral composers, and I recently discovered him thru the album " by the Corydon Singers conducted by Matthew Best. It includes Howells Requiem in addition to the Vaughan Williams Mass in G Minor. It is the most heavenly somewhat exotic choral music I think I have heard in many years of listening; I highly recommend it.
'Glory to the newborn King'. Joseph Jennings, Georgia native and present musical director of Chanticleer, has often drawn upon his roots to create special gospel and spiritual arrangements of familiar songs. 'Glory to the newborn King' features four traditional songs combined to showcase Chanticleer's unique choral virtuosity!
This is an excellent group of carols,and it is always refreshing to hear 'new' melodies, arrangements; a joy for the ear!!!!

Simply beautiful.......2006-02-20

The title and artist' name says it all - Christmas with clear (pure) singing. Glorious in all respects.

It's that time of year...for Chanticleer!.......2005-12-20

Walking the busy malls to the multichannel Muzak of every old Christmas song interpreted in hiphop, jazz, idiosyncratic 'rethinkings' by famous soloists as well as replays of Gene Autry, Bing Crosby etc., it is a relief to return home (or if fortunate, to the concert hall) and hear the more uplifting music of the season through the ages. And despite reliance on some old favorite Messiah recordings, and carols by Kings College Choir, the one CD that seems to reign supreme is this Chanticleer release SING WE CHRISTMAS from 1995!

These twelve male voices create an ambience that can only be labeled 'spiritual', so resonant and exquisitely performed are each of the generous works on this recording. The moods pass through Praetorius, Victoria, Bach and traditional carols of unknown authorship to works by Ives, Billings, Holst, Guerrero, Howells and Sametz. The repertoire is both familiar and rarely heard and the result of combining all these forms is the truest form of Christmas spirit on record: this is music to cleanse the Muzak blitz! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

Music from the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Average customer rating:

By Appointment of Her Majesty
Music from the Queens Coronation
Magnificent!!
One of the Greatest Ceremonies the World's Seen
Grand and Glorious

Music from the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Samuel Sebastian Wesley , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Charles Villiers Stanford , William Walton , Martin Neary , Martin Baker , Andrew Crowley , Roger Cleverdon , Andrew Giles , Leigh Nixon , London Brass , Mark Bennett , Thomas Sneddon , Christopher Tipping , and Lawrence Wallington
Manufacturer: Griffin (Qualiton)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004U0S8
Release Date: 2000-06-28

Customer Reviews:

By Appointment of Her Majesty.......2007-05-12

I heartily recommend the purchase of this exalted collection of music from the Elizabethan coronation ceremonies of 1953. The music represents an outstanding selection of the music of English christendom at the mid-20th Century. The performance quality of a variety of ensembles are commensurate with the quality of the selections themselves.

Music from the Queens Coronation.......2005-08-21

If one word was allowed it would be MAGNIFICANT.
I have listened to the whole disc several times now and am still thrilled by the music

Magnificent!!.......2002-04-01

I purchased this CD at the Tower of London gift shop while on a trip to England a few years ago. This album is superb, with beautiful digital re-recordings of the music from Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. I have listened to it countless times. This wonderful music reminds me of the great heritage we in America share with Great Britain. Breathtaking, inspiring and uplifting, this album will not disappoint.

One of the Greatest Ceremonies the World's Seen.......2002-01-14

The Coronation of HM Elizabeth II in June 1953 was one of the most spectacular public events the world has seen before or since. At the Queen's request, the Coronation was televised live on the BBC, the first coronation to receive such treatment. This is not a recording of the actual Coronation Service itself, but rather a recording, made in Westminster Abbey, of the actual music (with much of the same arrangements) that was used at the Coronation.

You will not be disappointed with this album!

Grand and Glorious.......2001-08-15

This CD contains some of the most beautiful music ever written. The music performed at Queen Elizabeth's 1953 coronation was recorded in 1993 and released on CD. If you like high church music and you have an appreciation for what was probably one of the most spectacular public pageants of the 20th Century, you will love this CD.

Howells: Hymnus paradisi; Sir Patrick Spens

Average customer rating:

Howells: Hymnus paradisi; Sir Patrick Spens

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000Q6ZUW6
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Sir Patrick Spens Op.23
I Preludio: Lento, Molto Espressivo
II Requiem Aeternam: Lento, Teneramente
III The Lord Is MY Shepherd (Psalm23): Quasi Lento: Non Troppo Rubato
IV Sanctus-I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes: Allegro Volante
V I Heard a Voice From Heaven: Lento, Assai Tranquillo
VI Holy Is the True Light: Con moto, Ma Assai Sostenuto

Average customer rating:

Heavenly
Definitely worth buying!!!
remarkable transposition
A Classic
Nothing else available like it.

Cathedral Classics
Patricia Thompson , Brian Newhouse , Gregorio Allegri , Samuel Barber , Herbert Howells , Frank Martin , Dale Warland Singers , Jerry Rubino , Angela Malek , Julie Ann Olson , Marie Spar Dymit , Dean Palermo , and Dean Palmero
Manufacturer: American Choral
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003M4Q
Release Date: 1995-07-14

Tracks:

Mass: I Kyrie
Mass: II Gloria
Mass: III Credo
Mass: IV Sanctus
Mass: V Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei
Miserere Mei, Deus
Requiem: I Salvtor mundi
Requiem: II Psalm 23
Requiem: III Requiem aternam
Requiem: IV Paslm 121
Requiem: V Requiem aternam
Requiem: VI I Heard A Voice From Heaven

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly.......2006-12-29

WHOA!!! I bought this CD after singing the Barber with my college group. I never expected such great music! The Martin piece starts out the disc and in my opinion is very average. The Agnus Dei is absolutly gorgeous, the only downer being a sour soprano solo note, but the piece redeems itself at the climax, sending chills down your spine. The Howells Requiem is in a class by itself. You can honestly feel the pain and loss that the composer felt after losing his son, and I have never been so moved by any other piece of music. The singers are like liquid gold, especially in the third movement (Requiem I). All in all, a fantastic disc that belongs in every music lovers home. A MUST!!!

Definitely worth buying!!!.......2006-07-09

I initially heard Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei on our local Public Broadcasting radio station and immediately acquired my own copy afterwards. That piece alone is worth the entire CD.
I have listened to all the other tracks and the Requiem is also very moving.

remarkable transposition.......2006-03-11

The transposition of Barber's Adagio for Strings into a choral piece is by itself worth the price of this CD. This is ethereal music.

A Classic.......2006-02-22

This is a truly fantastic cd! The choir is very tight and seem to follow Dale Warland's every move. The Agnus Dei will give you chills as it reaches the climax of the piece. The Howell's Requiem will leave you at piece. The soloists are top notch, and the choir is as well, and I promise you won't be dissapointed.

Nothing else available like it........2005-09-26

Without question, this recording is on the "not optional" list for any choral director. The acoustics of the space in which it was recording, the amazing technical mastery of the performance, and the music itself are all what make this a very important choral CD.

There are, unfortunately, some real disappointments there too:

1. The fabled Allegri Miserere is certainly the low point of the CD, primarily because the greatness of the work (in my humble opinion) pales with those on the rest of the disc and because it is not performed with an idealy authentic style. Still, it is admittedly somewhat satisfying and very beautifully sung.

2. This CD contains what is perhaps the most perfect recording of Barber's Agnus Dei available anywhere, except for a single, heartbreakingly unfortunate blemish: the vital but 3-second-long soprano solo is very mediocre. Helas!

3. The Martin Mass is amazing music, and most of it's performance here is absolutely captivating and wonderful. The concluding Agnus Dei is perhaps the most personal and goosebump-raising movement, but it is sadly performed FAR too fast and dryly on this recording.

These criticisms notwithstanding, I still have given this a 5-star rating simply because the music selection is unlike anything available on one CD anywhere, and the vast majority of it is still first-rate. All the works included here have a unique and very interesting story behind them, and are very personal, powerfully touching works. The Howells Requiem is particularly amazing. Extraordinarily heart-wrenching, but in a very different, quiet, hazily dissonant, unbelievably lonely way.

Average customer rating:

Abide with Me and other favourite hymns

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Abide With Me
Hymns Through the Centuries
100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration
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Best Loved Hymns

ASIN: B000B6N69A
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
King Of Glory, King Of Peace
Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
All My Hope On God Is Founded
The Lord's My Shepherd
Tell Out, My Soul
Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation
Come Down, O Love Divine
Praise To The Lord, The Almighty, The King Of Creation
And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time (Jerusalem)
Abide With Me
Alleluya, Sing To Jesus!
Ye Holy Angels Bright
My Song Is Love Unknown
Holy, Holy, Holy!
Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
O Praise Ye Lord

Average customer rating:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest.
The grand tradition of English music
music of great beauty
Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance
Best all-in-one English music CD ever

Treasures of English Church Music

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000031I6
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave Maria
Music Of The Latin Rite: Loquebantur variis linguis
Music Of The Latin Rite: Miserere mei
Haec dies
Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave verum corpus
Music Of The Reformation: If Ye Love Me
Music Of The Reformation: Hide Not Thou Thy Face
Music Of The Reformation: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
Music Of The Reformation: O Clap Your Hands
Music Of The Reformation: Bow Thine Ear
Music Of The Reformation: Hosanna To The Son Of David
Music Of The Restoration: Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
Music Of The Restoration: Thou Knowest, Lord
Music Of The Restoration: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Beati quorum via
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: This Joyful Eastertide
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Sing Lullaby
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Spotless Rose
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: What Cheer?
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: O Taste And See
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Hymn To The Virgin
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Faire Is The Heaven
Anthems And Introits: Rejoice In The Lord
Anthems And Introits: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Anthems And Introits: Come, Let's Rejoice
Anthems And Introits: When David Heard
Anthems And Introits: I Sat Down Under His Shadow
Anthems And Introits: These Are They That Follow The Lamb
Latin Motets: Christe Jesu, pastor bone
Latin Motets: O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
Latin Motets: Nunc dimittis
Latin Motets: O vos omnes
Latin Motets: Factum est silentium
Latin Motets: Justorum animae
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hail, Gladdening Light
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Hymn To The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: They Are At Rest
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Litany
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Nolo mortem peccatoris
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: O nata lux
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Loving Shepherd Of Thy Sheep
Prayer Settings: The Lord's Prayer
Prayer Settings: In manus tuas
Prayer Settings: Bring Us, O Lord God

Customer Reviews:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest........2005-10-06

Whether you have a couple dozen albums of English choral music or whether you're looking for an introduction to English choral music, this two CD collection is a must. Here you will find a wide selection of sacred favorites, from Gregorian chant to Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's a misnomer to call it "Anglican," since this would exclude (in addition to, of course, the pre-Reformation Latin hymns) the likes of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd -- both Catholics that kept to the ancient faith despite Elizabeth's (albeit relatively mild) persecutions. Tallis and Byrd set the standard in the 16th century for the distinctive "Englishness" (as opposed to Continental European) style of English choral music, with its soaring majesty yet somehow coupled with a subtle and sustained beauty (as opposed to the Continental ups and downs and often tiresome exaggerations). For those of us in the English-speaking world, this is our heritage. Let's treasure it. As for the recording itself, the mixing is superb. While listening, it's quite easy to imagine yourself in the beautiful King's College Chapel or perhaps heaven itself.

The grand tradition of English music.......2005-09-23

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a duo of discs dedicated to Music of the English Church previously issued as two separate discs, 'Hail, Gladdening Light', and its companion piece, 'Faire is the Heaven'. The discs here are straight copies of those discs; hence, if you have those already, there is no need to purchase this - on the other hand, if you do not have the other discs, this is a bargain.

--Music--
This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. The first disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

On the second disc, there are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church.

The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

music of great beauty.......2005-04-24

Pop one of these CDs into your car stero, turn up the volume and feel yourself drift into a sublime peace. Can music manifest the existence of God?

Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance.......2004-07-28

This two-CD compilation by the Cambridge Singers is truly very good. The repertoire is very diverse and only the best representations of composers and time periods are performed. ALthough most of the pieces were not written with a mixed choir in mind, the Cambridge Singers sing it so well you would not have had any idea. Their performances are careful and exquisite.

Best all-in-one English music CD ever.......2004-04-20

This is a re-release, as one set, of two of my favorite CDs ever: "Faire is the Heaven" and "Hail Gladdening Light" by the Cambridge singers. This is a fabulous compilation of everyone's favorite works from the English Cathedral tradition, all the way from Taverner (16th century) to Tavener (21st century). The selection of works is great and touches all the most important genres. The performance is exquisite, elegant, faultless. The Cambridge Singers have a softer, less edgy sound than the Tallis Scholars, and are more expressive, which may make them easier for some people to listen to, especially for the more recent works. They are no less musical. The Parsons Ave Maria alone brings one to tears. If you want an introduction to English church music, this is the CD to start with. Also makes a great gift, if you already love this music and want to introduce someone else to it.

Helen Callus performs Walton, Vaughan Williams, Howells & Bowen

Average customer rating:

violaman
Finally, some variety!
A great recording! Absolutely essential.

Helen Callus performs Walton, Vaughan Williams, Howells & Bowen

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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A Portrait of the Viola
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ASIN: B000FA55SW
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

No.1: Prelude-Allegro Moderato
No.2: Carol-Andante Con Moto
No.3: Christmas Dance-Allegro
Elegy For Viola, String Quartet And String Orchestra
I: Andante Comodo
II: Vivo, Con Molto Preciso
III: Allegro Moderato
I: Allegro Assai
II: Andante Cantabile
III: Allegro Scherzando

Customer Reviews:

violaman.......2007-04-29

Ms. Callus' performances are superb. I have two other recordings of the Walton concerto, and hers is the best. Vaughan Williams piece is beautiful. Howells is especially poignant and sounds more Vaughan Williams than V-W himself. Bowen is stellar and it is truly a virtuoso performance. I purchased this recording after buying Ms. Callus' Portrait of the Viola. Both are in a class of their own. I can't wait for her to come out with another recording. Helen Callus, you are a viola goddess!

Finally, some variety!.......2007-01-30

Helen Callus does a magnificent job on this CD, which caught my eye when I noticed that it included the York Bowen Concerto, not commonly heard or studied. The Concerto is a fabulous example of how romantic composers SHOULD have used the viola, and Callus did a wonderful job resurrecting the piece. I have a feeling that this recording will spark more interest in performing the piece.

Callus' intonation is flawless and her phrasing is modern yet sophisticated. I thought the Vaughn Williams was particularly poignant and I only wished she had performed the whole suite for this CD. Judging from the Bowen, she would have a pretty impressive Perpetuoso Movement.

The Walton is a staple, its the viola's Beethoven Violin Concerto, its a monster, and she did a very nice job. Some of the parts can sound awkward when performed without delicacy, but I thought even William Primrose would be happy with this recording.

A great recording! Absolutely essential........2006-07-26

I first became acquainted with Helen Callus's gorgeous viola playing from her previous ASV release of the Clarke viola works. In that wonderful recording, she featured all British women and now she takes on the British men. By far the most recorded work on the album is the Walton Viola Concerto. Always a winner in my book, there are several other competing versions and Callus easily holds her own against them mainly because she has a quality that is rare today in classical recordings, her own unique sound and personality. Her luscious turn of phrase, dark rich sound and indulgent (in the best sense) musicality serve the score to produce a moving performance.

After the Walton, everything else on the disc is new to me and seems to be very rarely recorded. And that seems a great shame, because the rest of the music is fantastic and so wonderfully easy to listen to, I can't imagine why these works haven't found a place in the catalog. I would say that after this recording, they will certainly grow in popularity.

The Vaughan Williams Suite which opens the disc is delightful. Rich in the opening, intimate in the middle and fun at the end. For me, the big winner, however, is the Howells. The Howells is simply drop-dead stunning. Callus is so passionate as are all the strings of the New Zealand Symphony. This work alone will surely win accolades.
Finally the York Bowen Concerto rounds out the disc. More in the mold of a bravura 19th-century violin concerto, this is a work of scale that violists never seem to get. Callus brings a highly dramatic flair to this work. I especially enjoyed her virtuosic cadenza (the notes say she wrote it!) at the end of the 3rd movement.

Alone, any one of these works is worth purchasing, together they make an outstanding combination, a full 78 minutes worth of music that is an absolute must have.

Music Review:

Music Review

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