Howells & Stevens: Choral Works

On this CD:

1. Mass in the Dorian Mode for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

2. Salve Regina for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

3. O Salutarius Hostia for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

4. Sweetest of Sweets for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

5. Come, My Soul for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

6. Antiphon for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

7. Nunc Dimittis for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

8. Regina Caeli for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

9. Mass for double choir
Composed by Bernard Stevens
Performed by Robert Burt, Stephen Carter, Andrew Carwood, Marianne Cotterill, Elizabeth Elliott, Finzi Singers, Nicholas Gedge, Paul Grier, Robert Hollingworth, Nicola-Jane Kemp, Suzie LeBlanc, Robert MacDonald, Mark Milhofer

Tracks:

Symphony No.25 In G Minor, K.183: 1st Movemen
Stabat Mater: Quando Corpus Morietur And Amen
Bubak and Hungaricus
Serenade For Winds, K.361: 3rd Movement
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Turkish Finale
Symphony No.29 In A Major, K.201: 1st Movement: Allegro Moderato
Concerto For Two Pianos, K.365: 3rd Movement
Mass In C Minor, K.427: Kyrie
Symphonie Concertante, K.364: 1st Movement

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In E Flat Major, K.482: 3rd Movement - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Ivan Moravec
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act III: Ecco La Marcia - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
The Marriage Of Figaro: Act IV: Ah Tutti Contenti - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Don Giovanni: Act II: Commendatore Scene - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Zaide: Aria: Ruhe Sanft - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Felicity Lott
Requiem, K.626: Introitus (Eternal Rest Give To Them, O Lord) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Dies Irae (Day Of Wrath) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Rex Tremandae Majestatis (Awe-Inspiring King) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Confutatis (When Those Cursed Enter Flames) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Requiem, K.626: Lacrymosa (Mournful Day) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Academy Chorus/Laszlo Heltay
Piano Concerto In D Minor, K.466: 2nd Movement (Romanza) - Neville Marriner/Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields/Imogen Cooper

Customer Reviews:

A Whitman sampler of Mozart.......2007-05-02

Truth be told, classical music--like most other kinds--is best heard in the program context for which it was written. Yet any time you can get Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and Mozart in the same place at the same time, you can hardly *not* go for it.

Like the famous chocolate sampler, you get a few of each flavor but not all you want of your favorite kind.

How then to decide? Well, viewing the rollicking good movie AMADEUS tips the scales towards buying and enjoying this fabulous, if disordered, compilation of the Mozart greats that went into the making of a movie that forever dissed the composer's rep but also gained him some fans among non-classical-listening movie-goers.

For the price you also receive a superb liner booklet that locates each piece within the film's narrative and says a word or two about the music on its own merits.

A winner for Mozart lovers.

shows some of Mozart's highlight pieces.......2007-04-15

This CD to me pretty much has all of my favoirite songs that he has made, Especially the reqeium. A must listen to Cd that I think any classical music fan will enjoy, I sure did.

Great Price.......2006-03-02

Great price for the product. I am so glad I logged onto Amazon.com for things like this. It arrived faster than expected. I will definitely continue to buy more in the future.

An excellent soundtrack and an excellent film!!.......2005-05-23

Eventhough many kids in school listen to rap and all, I listen to classical. After watching Amadeus, I was moved by the pieces selected to be played in the film. I especially liked Symphony No. 29 1st Movement. Also, when Salieri is at the Archbishop of Salzburg's palace and reads Mozart's piece, Serenade for Winds, is among my favorites. In Serenade for Winds, Mozart creates a very emotional and almost night music feel to it. I was surprised that the director/conductor did not put in a few more famous pieces into the album . . . ex. Symphony No. 40, The Magic Flute, etc. This is an excellent album and anyone who wants to enjoy the genius of Mozart should purchase this. Take it from me, you will enjoy this album immesensely.

If You've Seen The Movie...........2004-06-13

Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart's nervy youthfullness went far beyond his personal life.His choice of music very much reflects
his own spirit.He chose to set to music Le Nozze Di Figaro (a
play largely blamed for starting the French Revolution) put him
somewhat at odds with Emperor Joseph.His tendency (very much in
attendance here) to compose opera's in German at a time when
Italian opera was at it's post popular also made him a bit of a musical rebel of his day.I don't listen to alot of classical music (but certainly I have favorites,notably by Eric Satie) but Mozart's many concereto's,acts of his opera's and so
on demonstrate the youthful composers gift for melody and yes,
even hints at improvisation that set 18'th century Vienna (and
later the world) on fire!And Peter Shaffer was sure to include
acts from Mozarts errie unfinished reqeuim mass towards the end
of this CD.So to fans of the movie with more then a passing interest in classical music will enjoy this!And I think Mozart's
spirit will always be alive in those who choose to challange themselfs to innovate within music and get the public's ear to
stretch!

Average customer rating:

the "best" of the best group ever

Lux Aurumque

Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Harvest Home
J.S. Bach: Motetten
Cathedral Classics
Blue Wheat
December Stillness

ASIN: B000NVIXNW
Release Date: 2007-05-08

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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Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Treasures of English Church Music
The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
A Vaughan Williams Hymnal
Music of the Westminster Cathedral Choir

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:

Subway - Thermal
Tomas Barfot - Light Shine (Original Mix)
An-2 - Road Through The Rain (Steve Bug Mix)
Ame - Shiro
Sneaker Pimps - Post Modern Sleaze (Salt City Mix)
Adam Kroll Break 3000 - Discotronic
Tantra - Hills of Kathmandu
Dj Nique - Mission Tf017
Olaf Pozsgay - Like A Virgin
Silicone Soul - Les Nocturnes
Mimosa - End of Me (Original Mix)
Atomphunk - Boogie Down (Kneedeep Mix)
Voigt & Voigt - Mittendrin
Oxtongue - Delight (Original Mix)
Bent - Exercise 5

Tracks:

Dennis Desantis - Thin Air
Codebase - Seek And Destroy
Dennis Desantis - Hiatus
Sid Lerock - Bulldozer (Original)
Steve Barnes - Cosmic Sandwich
Wighnomy Bros - Wurze & Blusse
Mateo Murphy - Latin Lover
Boogie Drama - Stalkers Groove
Drama Society - Crying Hero (Tiga Mix)
Bobby Peru - Blood Money
Unit 4 - Bodydub (Tiefschwarz Mix)
Solid Gold Playaz - Le Soul Afrique
Ashtrax - Freeload (Free Love)
Upfade - Friday Loops
Copy Shop - Mystery Guest
Throbbing Gristle - Hot On The Heels Of Love (Simon Radcliffe Remix)

Album Description

The world's most revered DJ mix series returns with an absolute stunner! This time around, in Global Underground's continued effort to bring the world's most exciting electronic music and party cities to you at home, Danny Howells took a trip with the GU crew to Miami. On a thrilling Halloween night, thousands of fans packed into the world's most popular nightclub, downtown Miami's Club Space to hear Mr. Howells drop a legendary main floor set of Disco classics, Detroit techno and thumping up-front House before exiting to the club's terrace to play a jaw-dropping sunrise set full of atmospheric experimental music reminiscent of disc one of his last Global Underground release, last year's acclaimed 24:7. That night became the inspiration for Danny's first release for our signature series, Global Underground #027 Miami. The album is a sublime mix of genres featurning the likes of Bent, Silicone Soul, Ashtrax, Throbbing Gristle and Danny's favourite record of all time, the breathtaking disco stunt "Hills of Katmandu" by Tantra.

A ten-year veteran DJ, with an unearthly ability to connect with his audience, Danny has consistently ranked high on every official and unofficial best DJ list there is. First making his appearance on the Global Underground imprint with his 2000 mix, Nubreed #2, Danny has gone on to gain notoriety as a ground breaking producer and remixer. His credits include a 2004 British Top 40 single ("Dusk `Til Dawn"), production collaborations with Deep Dish and remix commissions from Robbie Williams, David Morales and BT.

With the long standing tradition of Global Underground to tap the absolute crème talent to helm the GU series, Miami is sure to emerge as the essential dance music compilation of 2005 and Danny Howells will continue to rise as a star of today and tomorrow's electronic music hierarchy.

Customer Reviews:

THIS COMPILATION IS SICK!.......2007-02-13

This is one of Danny's best! He definitely knows how to keep his mixing fresh and current.

YOUR SMOKING CRACK IF YOU THINK THIS CD IS BAD-----BUY THIS ITS AWESOME.......2006-08-23

I was going to buy a Danny Howells CD after seeing him in San Diego. He was so much fun and so good live, but I was split between Choices and this GU CD. I am so glad I bought this one! IF any dumb sh*# would read the CD book the 1st CD was made at 8 am on the balcony, and the 2nd CD is made in the main room at 2am on sunday morning. When you listen it makes sense. 1st CD is happy and nice like it should be when you have been dancing since yesterday...solid beats and good vocals on a couple of tracks....just what I would listen to when the sun is rising. 2nd has a slight electro feel and gets much harder as it should be in the Wee hours of the morning in the main room. Another great CD from our friends from Global Underground and Danny Howells! This isn't the best CD that I have but I will be listening for the next couple weeks because its so good!!! If your on the fence you won't be disappionted!

Danny Howells Continues to Mix Quality Compilations.......2006-08-02

This is the third Global Underground album featuring Danny Howells. Each from a different subseries. The first being his GU premier on the Nubreed series, the second on the 24:7 series and now he hits GU's mainstem, the city series with Global Underground 027:Miami.

Howells continues to fuel his ever increasing reputation to mix up quality sets. Live or studio. In fact, I can't really think of any commericial compilations that he has mixed where I would not rate as well above average.

There is no real mood or tempo dintinctions between the two discs (unlike the majority of GU's city series). It could be argued that the first disc has a little more fluff. An overall house set that incorporates tracks from a mulitude of house subgenres while the second disc is a tad darker and more experimental.

On that note, disc 2 (as with disc 2 of 24:7) once again demonstrates Danny Howells' mastery over choosing tracks that mix so well together and sequencing them into a set that is flawless in its flow from start to finish. When he deviates from the overall established groove of the set by including a more harsh sounding track (hence the experimentation) it is never overly done or for a prolong period of the mix. This helps to preserve the enjoyment of the set while at the same time giving it a more a unique flare.

Disc 1 gets 4/5 stars and disc 2, 4.5/5 stars.

Dissapointing.......2006-05-11

After all the hype.. I had a listen and one word says it all "boring"
lacklustre tunes absolutely no energy or edge it seems like one spat out to keep the record bosses happy.
Having said that I went to see him last night 10/5/06 in Christchurch NZ.
He turned up 3 and a half hours late to play a tech/dirty house set that was inconsistant,messy and patchy very disappointed to say the least with none of even remotely like this cd.
To say this guy is one of the top DJ's is a joke, I've heard better from local DJ's
If you want good house check out house of OM.. kaskade or fred everything .. DJ Fluid.

It's not bad.....honestly.......2006-03-19

Although it took me more than several listening sessions to like this release, I honestly have to say that it grew on me. I like it....nothing more, nothing less....I just like it.

There are some fine moments in this GU Miami release and there are not so fine moments (track wise). I know this is of no help to anyone who is looking for more info on this compilation, but for some reason I can't say anything more.

A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
Robert Shaw Chorale
a perfect Ceremony of Carols!
Brilliant compilation
Didn't care for it that much

A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

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4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols
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O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge

ASIN: B000003D2M
Release Date: 1997-09-23

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.

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury

Average customer rating:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan
Pure delight
Delicious G&S samplings abound here.
Fine Intro to G&S

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000003D1Y
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

A Wandering Minstrel I
Behold The Lord High Executioner!
Three Little Maids From School Are We
Braid The Raven Hair
The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
We Sail The Ocean Blue
I'm Called Little Buttercup
My Gallant Crew
When I Was A Lad
Things Are Seldom What They Seem
Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
Poor Wand'ring One
How Beautifully Blue The Sky
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
With Cat-Like Tread
Is Life A Boon?
I Have A Song To Sing, O!
Were I Thy Bride
Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas with Chanticleer (Featuring Dawn Upshaw)
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols
How Sweet the Sound: Spirituals & Traditional Gospel Music
Chanticleer: A Portrait

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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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | 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.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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