A Choral Feast

On this CD:

1. God is gone up, anthem
Composed by Gerald Finzi
Performed by Douglas Major

2. Mass for soloists & chorus in G minor Kyrie
Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Performed by Douglas Major

3. Like As the Hart Desireth the Waterbrooks (Psalm 42), anthem for chorus
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Douglas Major

4. Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for St Paul's Cathedral for chorus Magnificat
Composed by Herbert Howells
Performed by Douglas Major

5. Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace for chorus & organ
Composed by Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Performed by Douglas Major

6. Mass for 4 Voices (SATB) Kyrie
Composed by William Byrd
Performed by Douglas Major

7. O sacrum convivium (also set as "I call and cry to thee" and "O sacred and holy banquet"), motet for 5 voices, P. 210
Composed by Thomas Tallis
Performed by Douglas Major

8. See, See, the Word Is Incarnate, anthem
Composed by Orlando Gibbons
Performed by Douglas Major

9. Second Service Magnificat
Composed by Orlando Gibbons
Performed by Douglas Major

10. Master Tallis' Testament
Composed by Herbert Howells

11. At the Round Earth's Imagined Corners
Composed by Lee Hoiby
Performed by Douglas Major

12. Missa Brevis Gloria
Composed by Craig Phillips
Performed by Douglas Major

13. Sing to the Lord a New Song, for chorus
Composed by Douglas Major
Performed by Douglas Major

14. Steal Away
Composed by American Traditional
Performed by Douglas Major

Tracks:

Introitus: Ecce advenit
Graduale: Onmes de Saba
Communio: Omnes qui in Christo
Halleluja: Dies sanctificatus
Ofertorium: Tui sunt caeli
Hymnus: Creator alme siderum
Introitus: Gaudens gaudebo
Halleluja: Leatatus sum
Communio: Dicite Pusillanimes
Tractus Deus: Deus meus
Introitus: Misereris
Antiphon: Pueri Hebraeorum
Hymnus: Gloria
Graduale: Christus factus est
Halleluja: Hallelujah
Introitus: Resurrexi
Sequenz: Victimae paschalis laudes
Hymnus: Veni creator

Customer Reviews:

Great music, great price.......2007-05-07

I ordered this cd for a book club I was hosting on the book "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It was perfect "mood" music for the discussion and the price was unbeatable!

Definitely Meditative.......2007-03-09

The gift that these men are able to share is worth listening to. To be quiet in yourself and allow space for this soulful chanting is an experience in itself.

Gregorian Meditation.......2007-01-13

Great CD. My wife and I listen to it almost daily. We even use it for prayer sessions. Also the product was in perfect condition and and was as advertised. We're totaly satified.

Beautiful.......2007-01-13

I have bought Volumes I and II and am very pleased with the quality, the sound, and the style of the chanting. The lyrics are amazing, many of which come straight from the Bible, especially from the Book of Psalms. Let me know of other great Chant CD's, be they Gregorian, Amabrosian, or even Greek/Byzantine.

Gregorian Chant Gems.......2005-08-27

It is wonderful to hear again the chants that are familiar to all Catholics who grew up with the Latin Mass and who remember the plain chants from the Liber Usualis. Victimae paschali laudes (the Sequence from the Easter Mass), Gaudens gaudebo in Domino (Rejoicing, I shall rejoice in the Lord), Pueri hebraeorum (the beautiful entrance song to the Palm Sunday Mass), and all the other chants. They are performed by a choir that understands the beauty and simplicity of Gregorian Chant.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Average customer rating:

Bach and Handel Treats
Fine recording, but doesn't work for me.
rock on!!!!!
This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Johann Sebastian Bach , George Frideric Handel , Dr. Jerold D. Ottley , Eugene Ormandy , Richard P. Condie , Columbia Symphony Orchestra , Philadelphia Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000027YR
Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

Cantata No. 80: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Cantata No. 140: Zion Hears The Watchmen's Voices
Magnificant In D Major, BWV 243: My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord
Cantata No.147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Cantata No. 4: Now Keep We All This Holy Feast
Cantata No. 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: Et Resurrexit
Cantata No. 79: Now Thank We All Our God
Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
Samson: Awake The Trumpet's Lofty Sound
Samson: Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
Judas Maccabaeus: Sing Unto God
Judas Maccabaeus: Hallelujah, Amen
Saul: Welcome, Welcome Mighty King
Saul: David, His Ten Thousands Slew
Israel In Egypt: But As For His People
Israel In Egypt: Sing Ye To The Lord
Coronation Anthem: Zadok The Priest
Messiah: Hallelujah

Customer Reviews:

Bach and Handel Treats.......2000-08-04

The unfortunate thingÑif anything can be said to the contrary about this collectionÑis that is an older recording. As far as authenticity, what was available in the days of Bach and Handel to perform their music, and what they may have had in mind as the formidable way of presenting it to the publicÑas well as to the heavensÑmay be quite different things. Viewed in this way, authenticity may be an abstraction we are not here priviledged to comment on.

I have marveled for years, even when these were two separate LP's, of the power and dimensionality conveyed by the way these works are performed. I still switch from one to another piece as which is my favorite. In this respect, the experience is a hermenutic delight. Any lover or respecter of Bach or Handel would not go wrong by including this collection in their musical library.

When I use the word "treats" in the title, I mean just that: it is a collection of works that one would be hard pressed to find performed together on any available recording. And so I use the metaphor "treat," as if I were given a morsel and then devoured it; and another, and devoured that one, each with a fullness of pleasure and delight, and with soul filling satisfaction.

These indivdual recordings are for the most part masterpieces in and of themselves, and to be able to listen to them as they are performed flawlessly, and in a manner that invites the Spirit of GodÑby saying they are a "treat"Ñis to merely to treat them minimally.

Fine recording, but doesn't work for me........1999-05-07

I love several of J.S. Bach's cantatas, and enjoy hearing them in a variety of ways--period performances, orchestral arrangements, etc. Therefore I'm not one to insist on authenticity. Nevertheless, the chorus here sounds too big for the Bach. Also, the program needs more variety for straight through listening. Chorus after (massive) chorus doesn't work for me.

rock on!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

Average customer rating:

5 Stars Discounting Recording Problems
Perfect for homeschooling.
In Words & Music
Don't blink

The Story Of Handel

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001KCX
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Water Music
Israel In Egupt: 'He Gave Them Hailstones'
Organ Concerto No. 16 In F Major: Larghetto affetuoso
Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
The Faithful Shepherd: Overture
Terpsichore: Overture
Julius Caesar: Aria Of Ptolemy
Sonata No. 1 In B Flat Major For Recorder And Harpsichord: Finale
Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 6: Fugue
Messiah: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted
Rodelinda: Overure
Ezio: Overture
Organ Concerto No. 13 In Major: Larghetto
Water Music: Hornpipe
Fantasia In C Major
Harmonious Blacksmith
Water Music: Andante
Julius Caesar: Finale
Organ Concerto No. 5 In F Major: Allegro
Alexander's Feast: Oveture
Serse: Largo
Isreal In Egypt: He Spake The Word
Larghetto e staccato
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Israel In Egypt: The Horse And His Rider
Messiah: Why Do The Nations
Judas Maccabeus: Hallelujah Amen
Israel In Egypt: And The Children If Israel Sighed
Messiah: Hallelujah
Water Music: Ouverture
Water Music: III. Allegro
Water Music: IV. Allegro
Water Music: VII. Bourree Hornpipe
Water Music: X.
Water Music: XI
Water Music: XVI
Water Music: XVII
Water Music: XVIII
Water Music: XIX

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars Discounting Recording Problems.......2007-05-14

The content is terrific. This CD is one of a series of classical music masters. The only problem is that tracks 38 and later have a lot of distortion/static. I returned thinking it was a problem with the disc, but the replacement disc had the same problem. If not for that, I would have rated 5 stars.

Perfect for homeschooling........2007-01-29

The narratives are short enough to keep your children's attention, the music may be short in some instances but if you're playing it in the background for exposure- it doesn't matter. The price is great and the cheapest you'll find in addition to the 4 for 3 deal. We have all 18 of these cds and don't regret it!

In Words & Music.......2000-07-24

I have found this recording series to be a very helpful introductory teaching device for my young children. It gives a brief history of the composer and samples of the musical style.

Don't blink.......2000-05-03

The music on this CD is all wonderful, and it's a perfect CD toget - if you have the attention span of a soap bubble! Thisis a "sampler" with narrative and very few of thepieces listed are actually played in their entirety. Even pieces which are short to begin with are excerpted. We are given a whole minute of the Hallelujah Chorus and a rousing 45 seconds from the overture from "Ezio". This is a teaching CD which gives some fine examples to support the narration - but they are very short examples. A few bars here and there is all you get.

Women in Chant: Gregorian Chants for the Festal Celebrations of the Virgin Martyrs and Our Lady of Sorrows

Average customer rating:

A CRUCIAL COLLECTION OF HYMNS FROM VARIOUS VIRGIN FEASTS LIKE OUR LADY OF SORROWS; CROWNED BY THE ABBESS'S CHANT OF PATER NOSTER
Beautiful Benedictine Chant
Perfect for Meditation

Women in Chant: Gregorian Chants for the Festal Celebrations of the Virgin Martyrs and Our Lady of Sorrows
The Choir of Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis
Manufacturer: Sounds True Direct
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chant II

ASIN: B00000379Y
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

Bells of Jesu Fili Mariae
Orante Sancta Lucia
Jesu Corona Virginum
Columna Es Immobilis
Regem Virginum Dominum
Dilexisti
Annulo Suo
Matins Lesson
Amo Christum
Ecce Quod Concupivi
Me Exspectaverunt
Quinque Prudentes
Valerianus
Adjuvabit Eam
Virgo Gloriosa
Confundantur
Benedico Te
Virginis Proles
Paganorum
Gaudeamus
Stabat Mater
Nolite Me Considerare
Kyrie, Pater Noster, Collect, Blessing by the Abbess
Regina Caeli

Customer Reviews:

A CRUCIAL COLLECTION OF HYMNS FROM VARIOUS VIRGIN FEASTS LIKE OUR LADY OF SORROWS; CROWNED BY THE ABBESS'S CHANT OF PATER NOSTER.......2007-03-09

Opening with a rousing tolling from the new Abbatial bell tower, this exquisite collection of hymns and chant from the Feasts of Saint Lucy, Saint Agnes, Saint Cecilia, Saint Agatha, and Our Lady of Sorrows (including the well-known Stabat Mater) is crowned with a deeply moving solo chant by the Founder of this Abbey of Regina Laudis, the so recently deceased Lady Abbess Reverend Mother Benedict Duss, OSB, whose new biography we now expect soon in May of 2007 from Ignatian Press. To hear her once again in advanced age intone the Kyrie and chant completely and with great inner strength the Pater Noster as so often throughout the life of this monastic choir, as well as the Collect of Our Lady of Sorrows, is to unite heart and mind, body and soul, in a sacred moment within an eternal and a sacramental dimension, full of God's loving grace, and challenge, and a prophetic calling to continual conversion in Christ.

The recording of the chant by this living Gregorian Choir of sacred women is perfect in every way, although on my small player I found some overtones in the upper registers. Certainly this was the fault of my inadequate player, and I shall try it again. The cassette tape copy which kept me company for thousands of my miles in my small truck finally separated, and its sound was full and deep until then, very present, in fact so much so I felt I must arise to bow while driving whenever the Gloria Patri et Filii came on.

As subtle and precise as is the chant itself, the extensive booklet informs and educates not only the initiate but all of us already familiar with these sacred tones. The full text of the hymns are presented in the 45 page well-illuminated booklet, along with English translation. The translation of scriptural verses is drawn "from the Confraternity Version of The Holy Bible: The Book of Psalms and the Canticles of the Roman Breviary, published by the St. Anthony Guild Press. This edition was chosen because of its reliability and because its numbering of the Psalms corresponds to that used in the Graduale Romanum, Antiphonale Monasticum, and Breviarium Monasticum. (p.39)" Therefore the anglophile yet Catholic listener should feel all confidence in the English translation employed in the accompanying text. Please note nevertheless the Nolite's English was drawn from the very well-regarded Jerusalem Bible.

What you might find most extraordinary about the English translations is that non-SCriptural yet very traditional hymns and sequence such as the Stabat Mater comes not only with a brief description of author. but also new English translations done at the Abbey in order to provide a fresh and simplified understanding of the profound meaning of these chants. As one who in my youth wished nothing more than to do precisely such sacred translations, I must restrain myself from contesting the words used, as any translation is treason, as they say. Rather I resolve to find what remains within my heart and mind to do as an exercise of prayerful contemplation the translation I might once have done, knowing full well this is now impossible. By this disk I may now view from a distance the Promised Land which might once have been attained.

Please purchase this disk and you will be greatly and overwhelmingly rewarded in so many dimensions. I find a profound homecoming in the stunning centerfold photo of the new Abbatial nave, a true and sturdy ship of our Faith. I weep once agian to view the beautiful bas-relief of the Holy Virgins here presented, and of Mother Placid's excellent Via Crucis. The photos of te two Abbesses are a strengthening and truly Ikonic joy (in the true sense of the word IKON, not the meaningless cliche it has now popularly and commercially become). The introduction includes brief biographies of Dr. Marier and of Tom P., the producer, but what follows is truly blessed, a one page biography of the Reverend Mother Benedict Duss, followed by an extensive interview with her regarding the essence of the Chant, concluding:

"When I hear the chant, I hear people at peace together (p. 9)"

A fine colleciton of hagiography follows, etc. Please give yourself the gift of this recording and its warmly embracing theological commentary.

Beautiful Benedictine Chant.......2002-11-16

Benedictine chant from the nuns of abbey of Regina Laudis. Really gives you the feeling of attending a beautiful service. The accompanying booklet gives the Latin text and English translation of each piece, the interesting history of the Abbey, and has some very nice photographs of the nuns. The album's production is very natural and has an ambient quality. The producer Tom Pomposello was interestingly enough a blues guitarist and Grammy award winning professor. Well worth having!

Perfect for Meditation.......2000-08-14

I was looking for music to use in my meditation and, since my path is women-spirituality based, I was pleased to come upon Women in Chant. What beautiful music. Although I am not Catholic, it hardly matters in terms of recognizing and appreciating the sacredness of these chants. I wonder at the dedication of the nuns of the Choir to perfect the intricacies of the songs. The accompanying informational booklet that describes the circumstances of the Virgin Martyrs and Our Lady of Sorrows was both interesting and poignant. If you love Gregorian Chant -- or if you would like to experience it ... if you have listened to choirs of women before -- or if you have never heard women's voices raised in chant ... whatever your past experience, I think you will enjoy and grow from this compilation.

Average customer rating:

Spirited performance of charming work
Alexander's Feast - English version
One of Handel's great works
Handel's Great "Feast" in an Impeccable Rendition

Handel: Alexander's Feast
G. F. Handel , The Sixteen , Harry Christophers , and Symphony Of Harmony And Invention
Manufacturer: Coro
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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George Frideric Handel: Esther

ASIN: B0007DBXJC
Release Date: 2005-03-15

Tracks:

Alexander's Feast: Overture
Alexander's Feast: 'Twas at the Royal Feast
Alexander's Feast: Happy, Happy, Happy Pair
Alexander's Feast: Timotheus plac'd on high
Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Allegro
Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Larghetto
Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Allegro moderato
Alexander's Feast: The song began from Jove
Alexander's Feast: The list'ning Crowd
Alexander's Feast: With ravish'd Ears
Alexander's Feast: The praise of Bacchus
Alexander's Feast: Bacchus, ever fair and young
Alexander's Feast: Sooth'd with the sound
Alexander's Feast: He chose a Mournful Muse
Alexander's Feast: He sung Darus Great and Good
Alexander's Feast: With downcast Looks
Alexander's Feast: Behold Darius Great and Good
Alexander's Feast: The Mighty Master smil'd to see
Alexander's Feast: Softly sweet
Alexander's Feast: War, he sung, is Toil and Trouble
Alexander's Feast: The Many rend the Skies
Alexander's Feast: The Prince, unable to conceal
Alexander's Feast: The Many rend the Skies

Tracks:

Alexander's Feast: Now strike the Golden Lyre
Alexander's Feast: Revenge, Revenge, Timotheus cries
Alexander's Feast: Give the Vengeance due
Alexander's Feast: The Princes applaud with a furious joy
Alexander's Feast: Thais led the way
Alexander's Feast: Thus long ago
Alexander's Feast: At last Divine Cecilia came
Alexander's Feast: Let old Timotheus yield the Prize
Alexander's Feast: Let old Timotheus yield the Prize
Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Larghetto e staccato
Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Allegro
Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Adagio
Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Andante
Alexander's Feast (conclusion): Your Voices tune

Album Description

"A remarkable recording." - REPERTOIRE

The nature of Alexander's Feast is perhaps better summed up by its other title, The Power of Music. It is a celebratory ode for St. Cecilia's Day, written by Dryden in 1697 for the traditional celebration of the patron saint of music and set in celebratory style by Handel in 1736. At its first performance that year, he incorporated two delightful concertos, one for harp and one for organ, and these are included on this recording. Winner of the Deutschen Schallplattenkritic prize.

Customer Reviews:

Spirited performance of charming work.......2007-03-10

This performance of Alexander's Feast is, in my opinion, exactly right for the work; beautiful, clear voices singing the solos with good diction, a lovely balance in the small chorus, and superb playing of appropriate instruments for the piece and for the period. The notes on the flyer are also excellent, presenting the background and intention of the work.

Alexander's Feast - English version.......2006-02-26

This recording is a very complete version of Alexander's Feast, following the composer's practice of inserting other pieces to create a performance of appropriate length. Excellent soloists, orchestra, and chorus. A high quality recording.

One of Handel's great works.......2005-11-19

I just attended a live performance of Alexander's Feast and I saw many people who probably never heard anything else than Messiah, suddenly finding out that there is more to Handel than Hallelujah chorus. This music is exciting and original, you may know several arias like "War he said is toil and trouble" or "Revenge!" but it is great as a complete work. It was written for St. Cecilia's Day celebration, then re-written several times, but it remains as a beautiful example of Handel's mastery in choral composition and writing showcase arias. The soloists are great, especially Ian Partridge, and the chorus is outstanding. This is a wonderful performance of one of Handel's great works.

Handel's Great "Feast" in an Impeccable Rendition.......2005-08-22

"Alexander's Feast," Handel's 1736 setting of Dryden's ode in honor of St. Cecilia's Day (patron saint of music) is a masterpiece and a delight, but its odd length - too long for a mixed program, too short for a full evening - gave Handel trouble and apparently still presents a problem: this is at present the only recording of this inspired work in the catalogue, though some good ones have come and gone. Fortunately, this reissue of the Sixteen's 1990 version is first-rate, in fact the best I ever recall hearing, with chorus, orchestra, soloists and conductor all in top form. Furthermore, music director Harry Christophers has wisely chosen to include the two concerti - one for harp, the other for organ - that Handel inserted in his original performances. Not only do they lengthen the piece to a satisfactory 115', they serve a satisfactory dramatic purpose by representing respectively the power of music in its pagan form - the bard Timotheus's lyre represented by the harp - and Christian - Cecilia's (apocryphal) organ. Both receive sparkling interpretations here.
If you enjoy such Handel works as "L'Allegro..." and "Acis and Galatea," you will certainly enjoy "Alexander's Feast," which finds the composer in peak form, responding with eagerness to the high quality of the English verse before him. And it's hard to imagine a better way to get to know it than this wonderful performance.

11,000 Virgins: Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Average customer rating:

Great Medieval Plainsong. Not all from Hildegard
Approaching perfection...
beautiful, meditative music
Glorious Music
There's something about this one.

11,000 Virgins: Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula
Anonymous , Hildegard of Bingen , Gregorian Chant , Italian Anonymous , and Anonymous 4
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000007FU
Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - Auctori vite psalmis - Invitatory - Venite exsultemus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Symphonia virginum - O dulcissime amator
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Jesu corona virginum
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Responsory - Spiritui sancto
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Versicle - Specie tua
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Responsory -Favus distillans
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benedicamus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - Studium divinitatis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Psalm 92 - Dominus regnavit - Studium divinitatis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Sequence - O Ecclesia
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benedicamus domino
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Chapter - Domine deus meus
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Brief responsory - Mirabilis deus
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Cum vox sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Antiphon - O rubor sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Canticle - Magnificat anima mea - O rubor sanguinis
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Hymn - Te lucis ante terminum
11,000 Virgins - Chants For The Feast Of St. Ursula: Benidicamus domino

Amazon.com essential recording

All the world loves Hildegard--and the four women of Anonymous 4 may be the best interpreters of her music since the 12th century. St. Ursula was the legendary daughter of a British king who, with her army of virgin companions, was martyred in Cologne, perhaps in the fifth century; Hildegard wrote these Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula for use in a highly solemn celebration along with other liturgical chants. It is in this context that Anonymous 4 presents this program, interspersing chants and psalmody with Hildegard's compositions, sometimes employing drones and polyphonic embellishment. The musical effect is a mixture of awesome reverence and earthly sensuousness. The combination of four different women's voices in perfect unison creates a richly colored sound that can lull or console or uplift. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Great Medieval Plainsong. Not all from Hildegard.......2005-11-04

'11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula' performed by the vocal quartet, Anonymous 4' is 72 minutes of music at least as good as any of their other albums. But, over half of the pieces on this record are by medieval composers OTHER than Fraulein Hildegard. So, the emphasis of the album is much more on 'Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula' than on Hildegard.

This does not disappoint, as the performances are superb, regardless of the composer. My only regret is that the notes did not tell more of the story of the 11,000 virgins. When I was visiting the Rhineland, this was a big local story, even though it happened over a 1,000 years ago, even before Hildegard's time.

But that's minor grousing. This is great music. Buy it if you like Medieval liturgical music!

Approaching perfection..........2005-10-13

The music on this CD comes from the great Hildegard of Bingen, one of the towering female figures from the Middle Ages. Hildegard is not only one of the few women whose name has come down to us from the Middle Ages, but one of the few composers of any sort whose name survives together with his or her compositions. Hildegard was a sort of Renaissance woman before the Renaissance, whose fame spread in her lifetime such that she was advisor of monarchs and popes, as well as a significant creative and mystical figure.

Between 1150 and 1160, she composed and collected poetry and musical works under the title 'Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations'. Much of her music was monophonic in nature, and tied to the liturgy. The Anonymous 4 in their performance sometimes add polyphonic embellishments and vocal drones to chants and psalmody.

Hildegard's abbey possessed relics of St. Ursula, and Hildegard wrote many pieces in honour of the saint to be performed by the women of her abbey. This particular recording of women's voices doing these pieces is therefore quite natural and back to the original intent of Hildegard's compositions.

Hildegard's style is unique, as are the vocal talents of the Anonymous 4 - the combination here is something that approaches perfection.

-- Liner Notes --
This text accompaniment to this disc is very full, so much so that the booklet is not contained within the jewel case, but rather within a slipcover in which both the CD/jewel case and the booklet reside. The liner notes include a description of the work, a brief piece about the quartet, and the lyrics of the songs both in original language and in translation - all repeated in English, German, and French sections.

-- Anonymous 4 --
Contrary to the implication of their name, the Anonymous 4 are not anonymous. This is a vocal quartet made up of Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer, and Johanna Rose at the time of this recording (Ruth Cunningham will later go on to a solo career early, and another member will join - Jacqueline Horner). They came together as a formal group in 1986, and have been ensemble-in-residence at St. Michael's Church in New York City, giving concert series in New York as well as throughout North America. They have been featured a number of times on national media in North America as well as Germany. They then went on to yet more success, eventually performing more that 1000 concerts worldwide.

Their specialty is working with chant, monophonic and polyphonic music, and working with medieval texts. According to one source, 'The group takes its name from an anonymous music theorist of the late 13th century, Anonymous IV, who is the principal source on the two famous composers of the Notre Dame school, Léonin and Pérotin.'

The group ended a touring career of nearly two decades in 2004.

beautiful, meditative music.......2001-10-28

This is beautiful music. The four women's voices are so soothing. This is an ideal CD to listen to if for relaxation, meditation, or prayer. I listen to it while I practice yoga. The music is also very important historically, as Hildegard von Bingen is one of the few women composers in the history of Western music. Many of these insipiring tracks were written by her.

Glorious Music.......2000-11-30

Another superb CD by "Annonymous 4", these women are some of the best at creating music for the soul. Quite meditative in nature it is truly amazing that this music was written so long ago and continues to inspire. The accompanying booklet gives you plenty of background information on Hildegard von Bingen and why these songs were written. The included artwork is an additional bonus if you're inclined to like the works of Hildegard von Bingen. The music is just sheer beauty, angelic voices in a world of chaos. The music is relaxing and perfect for creative and contemplative moods. The perfect reading music or for that matter anytime the pace needs to be slowed down . It is best listened to to free one's mind of all earthly concerns and to focus on more spiritual matters. An excellent choice for those moments of connecting to the meaning and purpose of our existences.

There's something about this one........2000-03-31

Meditative, haunting, stirring- an archetypical mastery of the female voice in Christian chant. 73 minutes.

Emma Kirkby sings Handel, Arne, Haydn & Mozart

Average customer rating:

All hail the Queen of Early Music!
An uplifting experience
Mysterious Beauty
The divine voice of Emma Kirkby

Emma Kirkby sings Handel, Arne, Haydn & Mozart

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Emma Kirkby Collection
Emma Kirkby - Handel Opera Arias / Goodman, Brandenburg Consort
Vivaldi - Gloria · Nulla in mundo pax sincera · Nisi Dominus · Cantatas / Kirkby · Bott · Nelson · Watkinson · Bowman · Preston · AAM · Hogwood
A Purcell Songbook [Australia]
The Glories of Handel Opera ~ Kirkby · Sutherland · Tebaldi · Berganza · Horne · Bowman · Pavarotti

ASIN: B000009DG1
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Alessandro Severo: Ouverture HWV A13 - George Frideric Handel
Britannia: Welcome Mars - George Frideric Handel
Dione: Pretty Warblers - George Frideric Handel
Hornpipe - George Frideric Handel
Rosamond: Rise, Glory, rise - George Frideric Handel
Ariodante: Ingrato Polinesso...Neghittosi or voi che fate?, HWV 33:41b - George Frideric Handel
Alcina: Credete al mio dolore, HWV 34:40 - George Frideric Handel
Alcina: Tornami a vagheggiar, HWV 34:15 - George Frideric Handel
March In D, HWV 345 - George Frideric Handel
Alexander's Feast: War, He Sung, Is Toil And Trouble, HWV 75:11 - George Frideric Handel
L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato: Sweet Bird, HWV 55:11-12 - George Frideric Handel
Saul: Capricious Man, HWV 53:37 - George Frideric Handel
Comus: By The Rushy-Fringed Bank - George Frideric Handel
Comus: Brightest Lady - Thrice Upon Thy Finger's Tip - George Frideric Handel
The Tempest: Where The Bee Sucks There Lurk I - George Frideric Handel

Tracks:

The Creation: With Verdure Clad - Emma Kirkby
The Creation: On Mighty Pens - Emma Kirkby
Il re pastore, K208: Aer tranquillo e di sereni - Emma Kirkby
Il re pastore, K208: L'amero, saro costante - Emma Kirkby
Voi avete un cor fedele, K217 - Emma Kirkby
Ah, lo prvidi!, K272 - Emma Kirkby
Zaide, K344: Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben - Emma Kirkby
Zaide, K344: Trostlos schluchzet Philomele - Emma Kirkby
Nehmt meinen Dank, ihr holden Gonner!, K383 - Emma Kirkby
Ch'io mi scordi di te?, K505 - Emma Kirkby

Customer Reviews:

All hail the Queen of Early Music!.......2004-10-27

I had the pleasure recently of attending a recital with Miss Kirkby and Fretwork, here in Houston. I had heard of her, but wasn't all too familiar with her voice. Then, I decided a couple of days before the performance that I would buy one of her discs, for her to autograph. Honestly, I chose this two-disc recital because it had a nice picture of her, with space for her to autograph!

I am happy to say that I chose what is surely one of the most pleasant soprano recitals on the market. Her voice is essentially "white," as opposed to a full operatic voice with vibrato, etc. Nonetheless, what she does with this ample selection of music, esp. Mozart, is truly incredible.

Rise, Glory, Rise, as mentioned by at least one other reviewer, is nothing short of stunning. I like the way she sings, "Bid the drum, bid the drum," with much enthusiasm. The orchestration is spectacular baroque, with the expert conducting of Hogwood, who conducts on the entire recital. (I had the pleasure to hear him conduct Ariodante here in Houston a couple of seasons back, at HGO).

Speaking of Ariodante, there is an aria from that opera, as well as other Handel arias on the first disc. Now, those of us who cut our operatic teeth on Joan Sutherland or Beverly Sills may not appreciate Emma Kirkby at first. Being used to Joan's upward transpositions, interpolated high notes, and intricate cadenzas, it took a couple of listens to appreciate Kirby's rendition of Tornami a Vagheggar. We must remember that the Sutherland and Sills interpretations took lots of liberties that Handel didn't necessarily intend!

While I do enjoy the first disc, I relish the second disc from start to end. First, there are two arias from Haydn's Creation. The orchestration is sublime, and Emma calms us with her "cooing" in the second selection. Then comes Mozart, which fills the rest of the second disc. Kirby's L'amero, Saro Costante is a miracle. To give you an example, I have heard Leontyne Price's interpretation, and had previously dismissed hte aria as a bore. Kirkby, however, sounds so sweet and virginal, so much so that you can really picture a young lady singing about fidelity. The purity and exquisiteness of Kirby's singing will melt you.

Another joy is Voi Avete Un Cor Fedele. Kirkby isn't a coloratura fanatic like our beloved Sutherland,but when she does coloratura, it is enthralling. Here, she uses rapid coloratura, a la Cecilia Bartoli, to stunning effect.

It would have been easy to choose a lot of Mozart standard arias, like Matern aller Arten. However, Emma steers clear of those chestnuts on this recital, instead treating us to lesser-known works. Just when you start to settle in the second disc, she melts you again with arias in German, from one of Mozart's lesser-known operas. The first of these three arias moved me to tears. Words simply can't express the purity of her tone, and the tender care she lavishes on the text! Beguiling, to say the least.

Finally, there is Non Temerte, Amato Bene. I first heard this aria on a recently-issued two-disc recital of Teresa Berganza. While Berganza charms us with her warm tone and vibrato, Emma Kirkby's interpretation is no less valid.

Even if you don't particularly care for the current early-music revival, any lover of the human voice and operatic arias should buy this treasurable recital.

An uplifting experience.......2002-06-05

This is not a muscial review. That would be beyond my talents. No, this is a "spiritual" review and here is the reason. I had experienced a personal tragedy and turned often to music to revive my spirits and maintain my hope that things would right themselves in my life. Works such as Hayden's "Creation," Beethoven's "Fidelio," many of Bach's cantatas, Vivaldi's "Glorias," etc. Then I bought this CD. Immediately, I couldn't get enough of it. I felt uplifted everytime I listened, and it wasn't the same track each time that gave me that small feeling of joy that only music can provide. All is well again in my life and I continue to adore listening to this CD. For me, it was, and continues to be, magical.

Mysterious Beauty.......2001-11-19

Classical music is one of the greatest joys in life. Opera on the other hand, is often too melodramatic to stomach. But there is nothing more enchanting than an Aria. On this 2 CD set, Emma Kirkby sings in sweet exultation. Her voice expresses power and agility yet a limpid tranquility. Clarity is the greatest achievement of any musician. With the aid of precision accompaniment on period instruments, shameless perfection is delivered. She soothes the soul longing for beauty. Her marvelous Soprano is rendered on 25 tracks in this eclectic ensemble. If you are a champion of Handel or a devotee of Mozart, you should not hesitate to purchase this CD. Emma Kirkby will have you beaming with delight and pining for more. Surely it will be one of the brightest of your collection.

The divine voice of Emma Kirkby.......2000-06-07

An outstanding collection of Italian, German and English arias, beautifully sung by my favourite soprano voice Emma Kirkby - the diva of renaissance and baroque music. All the arias are enchanting, especially "Rise, Glory, rise" an aria from Arne's opera "Rosamond". The conducting and playing of Christopher Hogwood and his team of period-performance specialist The Academy of Ancient Music are as always superb.These are all arias to have one wanting to go back to the complete operas. Strongly recommended.

The Virgin's Lament (Caoineadhi Na Maighdine)

Average customer rating:

Gaelic Treasure!
Least liked of three
A Cool Waterfall Melting the Knots of the Mind
Exquisite Gaelic plainsong
Wonderful

The Virgin's Lament (Caoineadhi Na Maighdine)

Manufacturer: Sounds True Direct
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vox de Nube
Stor Amhran (A Wealth of Songs)
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The Darkest Midnight
Rosa Mystica

ASIN: B00000BIB4
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Caoineadh Mhuire (Mary's Keen)
Gol Na DTri Muire (The Weeping Of The Three Marys)
The Darkest Midnight
Seacht NDolas Na Maighdine Muire Uibh Rathach (The Seven Sarrows Of The Virgin Mary I)
An Bhainis Phosta A Bhi I GCana (The Wedding Feast At Cana)
Seacht NDolas Na Maighdine Muire (The Seven Sorrows Of The Virgin Mary II)
An Caoineadh (The Keen)
Caoineadh Na HAoine (Friday Lament)
Posadh Naofa Cana (The Holy Wedding At Cana)
Destera Domini (The Lord's Right Hand)
Caoneadhi Na Maighdine (The Blessed Virgin's Keening)

Amazon.com

The union between the well-respected Irish singer Nóirín Ní Riain and the monks of Glenstal is a perfect one. Ní Riain's lovely soprano tenderly chimes over the monks' deeper vocal blanket as they sing medieval Celtic religious songs in the sean nos or "old style" tradition--subtly varying enunciation and tempo. Singing in Gaelic and Latin Gregorian plainchant, Ní Riain delicately wavers and flies throughout Limerick's Glenstal Abbey, creating an angelic and purely holy atmosphere. On closer listen, it's actually the Glenstal monks who occasionally have trouble keeping up with Ní Riain's vocal mastery--though their lower, male voices provide a refreshing, grounding counterpart to her delicate, high tone. The last track, "The Blessed Virgin's Keening," offers a particular highlight of the extraordinary call-and-response littered throughout this album. One of the Glenstal monks takes the solo male vocal and the result is a lovely, repetitive, masslike conclusion to the CD. Ní Riain has also authored books on Celtic culture and Gregorian chant. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Gaelic Treasure!.......2004-09-15

A wonderful work: a unique blend of traditional spiritual Gaelic songs against a backdrop of Gregorian chant(also in Gaelic!)....a truly unique work. It is a feast for the ears as well as the mind. Close your eyes and you will see the beauty and mystery of the Emerald isle.Pity that its only 41 minutes.........

Least liked of three.......2001-10-27

I bought this cd after listening and loving Noirin's other music. Enya eat your heart out.... Noirin's voice and her ability to portray her emotions thru the Gaelic is sheer heaven.

A Cool Waterfall Melting the Knots of the Mind.......2001-05-20

This exqusite CD is a threshold into a finer level of existance. As a yoga teacher I have found it to be a lovely adjunct to practice as the melodies pour through the brain and liquify any tensions as they soak and gracefully melt through the spine, through the whole nervous system. With even a shred of attention on this profound music your whole awareness will settle into that sacred space of your own being, Being Itself. This CD is a masterpiece.

Exquisite Gaelic plainsong.......2000-06-08

The 11 1/2 minute final track - "The Blessed Virgin's Keening" - is sufficient justification for this album. The monks of Glenstal are superb in this antiphonal (call & response) plainsong sung in Gaelic. It is repetitive but never boring as there are constantly subtle changes keeping the listener's interest. "Mary's Keening" which begins the album is a perfect counterpoint to the final piece. "The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary" is probably the most recognized piece on the album - and again an excellent rendition. There are no poor tracks - give this a listen and I'm sure you'll want an encore.

Wonderful.......1999-07-31

The music is beautiful and lulling, and her voice is pure and feminine in a hauntingly lovely way. I found this music to be spiritually inspirational and utterly peaceful. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Celtic music, Gregogorian chants, spiritual music, or a pure soprano voice.

Lo the Full Final Sacrifice & Other Choral Works

Average customer rating:

Ravishing Music, Ravishingly Sung

Lo the Full Final Sacrifice & Other Choral Works
Finzi , Robinson , Whitton , and Choir St John's Collg
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Elgar: Sacred Choral Music
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Howells: Requiem; Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing

ASIN: B00006RHPP
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Tracks:

God Is Gon Up, Op.27, No.2
Magnificat, Op.36
My Lovely One, Op.27, No.1
Welcome Sweet And Sacred Feast, Op.27, No.3
Thou Didst Delight My Eyes, Op.32
Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, Op.35
I Praise The Tender Flower
I Have Loved The Flowers That Fade
My Spirit Sang All Day
Clear And Gentle Stream
Nightingales
Haste On, My Joys!
Wherefore Tonight So Full Of Care
Lo, The Full, Final Sacrifice, Op.26

Customer Reviews:

Ravishing Music, Ravishingly Sung.......2003-04-09

As a choral singer myself, I was particularly drawn to this new Naxos release of sacred and secular choral music, some of it familiar but much of it quite unfamiliar (at least on this side of the Atlantic).

The disc leads off with what is probably Finzi's most popular sacred choral work, 'God is gone up with a triumphal shout,' set to a text by Edward Taylor. The opening organ fanfare is followed by sung fanfares with men's voices echoing those of the trebles. [The choir in this recording is that of St. John's College, Cambridge, and as such follows the Anglican tradition choirs consisting of boy sopranos, male altos, tenors and basses. There are some who dislike this sound but I find it very attractive, and of course it is the sound that Finzi surely heard in his mind's ear as he was writing these pieces.] The piece has colorful choral and organ writing that mirrors such words as 'Methinks I see Heaven's sparkling couriers fly.'

This is followed by 'Magnificat,' Op. 36 (Finzi's only American commission, written for the choirs of Smith and Amherst Colleges), a moving setting without the usual concluding 'Gloria', that begins with an exulting 'My soul doth magnify the Lord' and ends on the words 'for ever and ever' gradually dying away to the final 'Amen.'

'God is gone up' is the second of three sacred pieces in Opus 27. The other two are included (although not in consecutive order). They are 'My lovely one,' and 'Welcome sweet and sacred feast.' The latter is a setting of Henry Vaughan's poem celebrating the poet's redemption through religious conversion ('Dead was I, and deep in trouble'). It contains a meltingly beautiful passage on the words 'O rose of Sharon! O the Lily of the Valley!'

There are two part-songs for male voices, the a cappella 'Thou didst delight my eyes,' Op. 32, and one set to the famous passage from Ecclesiastes, 'Let us now praise famous men,' Op. 35. The latter, in two-part harmony, is notable for its Elgarian treading bass in the organ.

'Seven Unaccompanied Partsongs,' Op. 17, are set to texts by Robert Bridges. They are lyrical and tender and the part-writing is especially grateful to sing. The joyous 'My Spirit Sang All Day' is a particular favorite of small choirs. (For American readers/singers I will add that these songs remind me harmonically and in tone of those in Randall Thompson's 'Frostiana.')

The final and longest piece here is 'Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice,' Op. 26, a 14-minute festival anthem set to Crashaw's elegant translation of Aquinas's 'Adoro te' and 'Lauda Sion.' It starts with a longish organ introduction and features a cappella and accompanied passages and short solos following the poetry's verse structure. There are some ecstatically lovely melodies, particularly at the words 'Jesu, Master, just and true' and at the final 'Amen.'

The singing here is impeccable and stylish. The recorded sound is all one could ask. Another triumph for St. John's, Cambridge, its conductor, Christopher Robinson, and for Naxos.

Tracks:

T'andernaken - Laet Ons Mit Hartzen - Hoboekentanz - Laet Ons Mit Hartzen - Ihesus Is Een Kyndekyn Cleyn - Laet Ons Mit HYartzen
Ave Regina Caelorum
Porquoy Non: Pourquoy Non
Passe Et Medio & Reprise
Gaillarde - Gaillarde - Gaillarde
La Morisque
J'ay Pris Amours
J'ay pris amours
Crions Noel
T'andernaken
Laet U Ghenoughen, Liever Johan
Entre Du Fol
Mon Desir
Je Loe Amours
T'andernaken
Untitled Duo
De Tous Biens Playne
Pavane & Gaillarde
Wij Sheyt Edel Vrouwe
Allemaigne
4 Bransles
Bergerette
O Crux Benedicta
Ave Mundi Spes Maria
T'andernaken Al Op Den Rijn
Les Larmes
Fortis Cum Quevis Actio
Die Winter Is Verganghen

Customer Reviews:

Piffaro offers a wild romp through Flemish popular music!.......2002-11-25

"Instrumental music sounded in every corner of Flanders during the Renaissance," writes American scholar Keith Polk in the program notes. "... in any Flemish celebration or ritual, instruments and instrumental music were an indispensable element." If the period musicians were anything like the enthusiastic members of Piffaro, one can see why. The selections on this CD are a bit livelier than those on the group's earlier releases, evoking images of warm and boisterous feasts amongst revelers both high and low. Accompanied by hurdy gurdy, lutes, guitar and percussion, Piffaro's families of matched reed and brass instruments produce a distinctive and strident sound, mellowed by the continuity of breath pressure that is needed to play them, and tempered by the considerable skill of the performers. All in all, a feast for the ears! Other good, rousing feasting music can be found on the CD "A La Via: Street Music from the 13th to the 16th Centuries" by Ensemble Anonymous and Strada, and the Toronto Consort's "The Little Barley-Corne: Winter Revels from the Renaissance".

Shawms, Crumhorns, Sackbuts, Bagpipes, Lutes, & More!.......2002-07-15

You do NOT, repeat, do NOT need to be an expert on renaissance music to thoroughly enjoy this disk. The musicians show off the beauty of this music and have selected a very nice program.

I remember when I first heard wind music from this period performed and the reedy sound of the shawms and crumhorns and bagpipes and wonderful sound of the sackbuts. It became clear to me why old pipe organs sound like they do - this was the sound in the ears of the culture. Of course, this band performs this band shows off this music exceptionally well with their wonderful playing.

Also, there is an exceptionally nice booklet that accompanies this disk with photographs of the instrument families used in this disk as well as great notes about the group and the music recorded here.

The group has several other disks that you can obtain to extend your enjoyment of this music.

Piffaro Delivers Again.......2000-03-25

Like their other CDs, Piffaro's "Flemish Feast" is well-programmed, whimsical, and exquisitely performed. I personally find the first part of this CD a little heavy on the bagpipe, although others enjoy this a great deal. The lute and harp selections with and without recorder stand out as being particularly well-done. Having performed a concert of Flemish music in the not-so-distant past, I can address one possible comment: "Why are there FOUR tracks called 'T'andernaken'?" These are actually only three of a possible hundred or two. T'andernaken was a very popular ground or cantus firmus to use in Flanders at this time, and everyone had a go at it, including King Henry VIII. The recorder selections are organ-like, as usual, and the shawm/sackbut/dulcian (or "loud band") numbers are festive. Another wonderful selection from a great group.

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