
Men’s choral music spans the centuries, and well-sung choral music brings a lush joy to the ear, whether it is sacred or secular, plainsong, vocal chamber music, chant, madrigals, folk songs or even the music of U2! Many strong composers have written for the male ensemble over the centuries, and choirs today are singing the work of talents as diverse as Rutter and Henry VIII. Men’s ensembles around the world and we carry recordings from such diverse nations as Estonia, Finland, Canada and Russia, to name just a few deliver glorious, powerful work.
| The Peacock The Watchman Of Nandor The Ruins Bandi Bungozdi The Son Of An Enslaved Country God's Mercy Evening Song The Bachelor The Filly Songs From Karad Soldiers' Song Jezus Jesus Appeared Hymn To St. Stephen To The Changes In France In A Fay's Album National Song Appeal Justum Et Tenacem La Marseillaise Song Of Faith |
Winners of twenty two prizes at both Hungarian and international choral competitions this top-notch male choir has toured extensively world-wide and have gained great acclaim as performers and interpreters of the works of Zoltan Kodaly. While only approx. 20% of Kodaly works were for male choir they are considered some of his best compositions. Seventeen of these 24 pieces are original with some based on folk songs and others on the 17th century poet Horace. Challenging but certainly worthwhile, this CD should be in everybody's collection of male choir recordings.
| 7986 CD $15.98 |
| Lux Arumique - Whitacre Non Nobis, Domine - Powell Ave Dulcissima Maria - Lauridsen Got Ist Mein Hirt - Schubert Ave Maria Biebl Steal Away/Nobody Knows - Tippitt O Vos Omnes - Casals Sing Me To Heaven - Gawthrop The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood - Crenshaw Nukapianguaq Hatfield A Celtic Triptych - Jeffers Carrikfergus - Sirett Soldier's Cry - Majeau Ramkali - Sperry Ne Sedi, Djemo - Sametz Esti Dal - Kodaly |
The debut recording of the Primus Amabile Men's Ensemble, a group of 25 senior singers, many of whom have sung with the Amabile Boys Choirs since its inception in 1990. Inner Fire portrays messages or remembrance, thanksgiving and hope, and is a personal accomplishment for each of the 25 young men who comprise the Primus Men's Ensemble. It is, in a sense, a trophy after many years of hard and dedicated work, and represents the culmination of almost two decades of singing and growing up together.
Listen to "Non Nobis, Domine" in Real Audio.
| 8923 CD $15.95 |
| The Last Words of David - Randall Thompson Behold Man - Ron Nelson Ave Maria - Franz Biebl I Sought the Lord - Michael Cox Sanctus - Charles Gounod I'm Build' Me a Home - Uzee Brown Jr. God Is My Rock - Glad Prayer of the Children - Kurt Bestor Laudamus - William Owen & Daniel Protheroe O Vos Omnes - Pablo Casals The Fear of the Lord - Michael Cox The Highwayman - Timothy Takach In Taberna from Carmina Burana - Carl Orff Reconciliation - Stephen Chatman Kang-Ting Love Song - James Marvin Dulaman - Michael McGlynn Dirait-on - Morten Lauridsen When I was 1-and-20 from Songs of a Young Man - Richard Nance Loveliest of Trees from Songs of a Young Man - Richard Nance Touching Shoulders - Michael Cox Brothers Sing On - Edvard Grieg |
The Men's Chorus, open to students from all majors at BGSU, has a motto and a well-deserved reputation as being "America's Finest Singing Machine." Founded in 1923, the BGSU Men's Glee Club began touring Ohio, sang as far away as Chicago and Niagara Falls, and was doing very well until World War II pulled most of its singers away. Reuniting again after the war, the group contained only 15 members when it disbanded in 1953. Beginning again under the baton of Prof. Richard D. Mathey in 1971, the group grew into the active, touring group it is today. After 29 great years, Mathey retired and passed off the leadership of the ensemble to Dr. William Skoog in 2000, under whose direction the group is thriving today, with a membership of over 100 talented men. There are 21 tracks on "Reconciliation," with some lovely, powerful spiritual songs like Randall Thompson's "The Last Words of David," Michael Cox' "I Sought the Lord" and "The Fear of the Lord," Charles Gounod's "Sanctus," Uzee Brown Jr.'s spiritual "I'm Building Me a Home," Glad's "God is My Rock;" popular and folk tunes like Timothy Takach's "The Highwayman," the Irish folk song "Dulaman," Richard Nance's "When I was 1-and-20" and "Loveliest of Trees" from "Songs of a Young Man;" and the title tune, a moving, trumpet-accompanied anti-war requiem. There is some light accompaniment on several of these cuts, but the voices and the effortless, soaring harmonies are the focus and beauty of this wonderful ensemble.
Listen to "God Is My Rock" in Real Audio.
| 1771 CD $15.95 |
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On the turn of the 20th century Greek Catholic sacred music held sway over much of the music scene of Sub-Carpathia, in the north-eastern part of Hungary. A great many members of the Byzantine-rite Rusyn clergy, as well as Hungarians, were well versed in music, which was put to use in maintaining high artistic standards in the daily liturgy. One significant master of this period was Joann (János) Boksay (18741940), a Greek Catholic celebrant, composer and church choirmaster. His output includes pieces for piano, dramatic incidental music and children’s operas, but his most important works are considered to be his ten Divine Liturgies of St John Chrysostom, four of which have survived. The most widely known one is the Mass in C major, composed in 1900, whose simple and pure melodies have earned it folk-hymn status among the Greek Catholics in the Munkács (Munkacevo, Ukraine), Eperjes (Presov, Slovakia), and Hajdúdorog eparchies.
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| A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Fight The Good Fight With All Thy Might Who Is He In Yonder Stall? More Holiness Give Me Awake, My Sons, Awake Thou Art God Praise Him Isaiah 44.3 The Long Day Closes Personent Hodie Praise My Soul Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah Our Father Kwmbayah Shenandoah Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho Danny Boy Polly Wolly Doodle Down In The Valley |
The BYU Men's Chorus' first two excellent releases, "Awake My Soul" and "Shout with Glory" whetted our appetite, and that of many fans, for their 3rd. For the long-awaited "Praise Him," conductor Rosalind Hall has assembled an exciting, heartfelt mix of religious texts with a nice set of folk and traditional songs to finish the program. 19 songs with some organ, horns, strings and percussion accompaniment. Favorites are the magnificent "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "Fight The Good Fight With All Thy Might," the tender "More Holiness Give Me," "Awake My Sons, Awake," the Title Tune, Arthur Sullivan's "The Long Day Closes," "Praise My Soul," the beautiful hymn "Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah," and folksongs "Kumbayah," "Shenandoah," "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jerico," "Danny Boy" and "Down in the Valley." The bright, energetic, richly melodic sound of the BYU Men's Chorus contributes to its growing reputation as one of the premiere choral programs in the United States.
| 7951 CD $15.98 |
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Lux Aurumque - Whitacre |
"While You Are Alive" is an outstanding collection of music, a worthy contribution to the library of classical male choral repertoire. The album celebrates life through a gorgeous marriage of poetry and music. Included a new commission from Steven Sametz, who sets the poetry of Walt Whitman, a choral favorite from Eric Whitacre, a new nine-part work for Cantus by Edie Hill, a world premiere recording by Timothy C. Takach, a delightful piece by Veljo Tormis featuring SPCO flutist Julia Bograd-Kogan, and "The Turning," the musical result of composer Maura Bosch’s work with Cantus, The American Composer’s Forum and the Tubman Family Alliance.
Listen to "I Am He That Aches" in RealAudio.
| 8946 CD $17.95 |
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Cantus programming at its finest represents a great mix of styles and influences. On their latest release they decided to showcase all this variety on one recording. Included is a new commission from Lee Hoiby paired with a “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)” by Billy Joel. They include early 20th century Russian sacred music next to early 21st century American sacred music. They are two show-stoppers - the Smokey Robinson tune “Who’s Loving You” and ”I Can’t Tarry” a rousing African-American spiritual An amusing faux-Finnish piece precedes a semi-theatrical setting of “Casey at the Bat” and the lively programming keeps you listening from beginning to end, just as it does in their acclaimed live concerts. Listen to "Pseudo Yoik" in RealAudio.
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Minnesota-based 11-strong all-male ensemble Cantus, since their founding at St. Olaf College in 1995 have had great fun performing around Minnesota, the country and the world, and recording excellent CDs ("There Lies The Home " is their 10th). The authentic folk songs and sea chantys in "Home" are popular choices in the group's repertoire. Some favorites are "Break, Break, Break," "Songs of the Sea," "Jonah's Song," "Shenandoah," "Lowlands," arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw," Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and Sting's "Valparaiso." Beautiful liner notes, some light accompaniment. Powerful and evocative music! Minnesota-based 11-strong all-male ensemble Cantus, since their founding at St. Olaf College in 1995 have had great fun performing around Minnesota, the country and the world, and recording excellent CDs ("There Lies The Home " is their 10th). The authentic folk songs and sea chantys in "Home" are popular choices in the group's repertoire. Some favorites are "Break, Break, Break," "Songs of the Sea," "Jonah's Song," "Shenandoah," "Lowlands," arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw," Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and Sting's "Valparaiso." Beautiful liner notes, some light accompaniment. Powerful and evocative music! Listen to "Jonah's Song" in RealAudio.
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"Cantus" is an eleven member all-male group hailing from St. Olaf's College in Minnesota. Their holiday disc includes many traditional favorites, such as "Coventry Carol," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," and "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" and an original version of "Deck the Halls" (done in 5/4, with jazzy harmonies??, a definite departure from the style on the rest of the recording). "Riu, Riu, Chiu," sung in Spanish, and accompanied by appropriate percussion, accented like a russian song (ask the group about this.) The recording, made in a church, adds atmosphere and presence to the group's own melliflous blend; the notes "float" effortlessly as if weightless. The classically-trained voices are well-suited to the sacred material, the sound of which conveys allegiance to its origin centuries ago. A calming shelter from the Christmas frenzy. Listen to "In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin'" in RealAudio.
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The 11 men who form the acclaimed Woodbury, MN-based Cantus bring us another perfectly crafted collection of sacred choral music. "Against" includes Sibelius' "Hymnus," Casals' "O Vos Omnes, Orff's Sunt Lacrimae Rerum, Tormis' Varjele, Jumala, soasta, Josquin's Absalon, fili mi, Sibelius' Sydameni Laulu," Schubert's "Grab und Mond," Jennings' "Two Laments on Dylan Thomas," Madetoja's "De Profundus," Thompson's "Alleluia," Debussy's "Invocation" and Barber's "Heaven-Haven." The CD is beautifully packaged, with a small book of all the lyrics poetically presented. One of the best male choruses in the world brings us a gift of timeless spiritual music-music that takes us to another reality, a place of benediction, praise and worship.
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Cantus is a professional male vocal chamber ensemble dedicated to exalting the human spirit through the performance of innovative and engaging musical programs. Their focus is not only on singing the finest literature of the past but also to present new music created by group members or commissioned for the group. People may experience them through concerts, recordings, clinics and new musical scores. The 19 songs on "Let Your Voice" are an exciting mix: the title tune (African Jazz, with non-vocal percussion, which is present on other tracks),"Dravidian Dithyramb" (Indian Dance Music), "El Yivneh Hagalil" (Hebrew Folk Song), and "What Shall We Do the Drunken Sailor" (English Sea Shanty), share CD space with "Mata Del Anima Sola," a Venezuelan Joropo, "Shen Khar Venakhi (Georgian Wedding Song), "K'ang-ting Love Song" (Chinese Folk Song) and "Were You There" (African-American Spiritual). All songs feature innovative arrangements and often breathtaking spirit and energy. A rousing, powerful CD from an amazing, talented ensemble.
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Cantus presents recordings from some of their recent concerts. Highlights include collaborations with the Saint Olaf Choir ("Beautiful Savior" and "Our Father"), guest conductors Dale Warland and Anton Armstrong and performances by Cantus’ tenth anniversary reunion choir (Alleluia," "Ave Maria," and "Salvation is Created"). Also included on this eclectic disc is the premiere of “Private First Class Jesse Givens,” a setting of a letter from a fallen U.S. soldier in Iraq by American composer Lee Hoiby. Cantus has rapidly developed into one of the finest male choral ensembles performing today and this recording accurately captures that talent.
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This young male ensemble from the great choral-producing regions of Minnesota, under the artistic direction of Erik Lichte, bring a fresh elegance and vitality to their repetoire. Cantus incorporates a wide variety of influences from across the globe. A contemporary setting of the Latin "Veni Creator Spiritus," is followed by three similar works, dating from Rennaissance or pre-Rennaissance. Ralph Vaughan Williams' "The Vagabond" is musically itinerant, restlessly drifting between tonalities. The melancholy "This Ol' Hammer," an African-American work song, has a solo lead on the verses, while the chorus echoes key phrases in assent; the arrangement manipulates the placement and number of voices throughout, adding and subtracting for variety and dynamic range. "One by One" is Zulu - sung in Zulu - with whoops and caterwauling, all very tuneful, of course. It's a jubilant finale.
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The young men of Cantus, an eleven-member ensemble from St. Olaf College, perform choral literature ranging from polyphony and chant to art songs and spirituals. Therefore the Latin "O Sacrum Convivium" (De Victoria) and Tallis' "If Ye Love Me" reside along a 20th century Gustafsson-composed "Kyrie" and "Gloria," the dissonant intervals heralding the epoch of modernism. "Nachtliches Standchen," a romantic lied, a form of which Schubert was master, is included, as is Finzi's "Thou Didst Delight My Eyes." "Shenandoah" and "Danny Boy" are quietly lambent; the acoustics of the church in Minnesota, where this CD was recorded, a perfect setting.
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"Cantus" is an eleven member all-male group hailing from St. Olaf's College in Minnesota. Their holiday disc includes many traditional favorites, such as "Coventry Carol," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," and "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" and an original version of "Deck the Halls" (done in 5/4, with jazzy harmonies??, a definite departure from the style on the rest of the recording). "Riu, Riu, Chiu," sung in Spanish, and accompanied by appropriate percussion, accented like a russian song (ask the group about this.) The recording, made in a church, adds atmosphere and presence to the group's own melliflous blend; the notes "float" effortlessly as if weightless. The classically-trained voices are well-suited to the sacred material, the sound of which conveys allegiance to its origin centuries ago. A calming shelter from the Christmas frenzy.
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| Up Where We Belong As Time Goes By Everybody's Talkin' Take My Breath Away Evergreen I Just Called To Say I Love You 'Round Midnight Iko Iko Over The Rainbow Gee, Officer Krupke Cavatina I Got Rhythm Sooner or Later Under The sea The Way We Were Lullaby of Broadway |
One of the UK's finest vocal groups, Bill, Paul, Mark and Michael of Cantabile, The London Quartet, have a unique and unmistakable sound and a reputation for originality and humor. Although the group was founded as a purely a cappella student group, the sixteen cuts of "A Tribute to Hollywood" are mostly accompanied, with the exception of two tunes, Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow" and the theme from the Streisand/Redford classic "The Way We Were." "As Time Goes By" and Stephen Sondheim's "Sooner or Later" are piano accompanied; and Herman Hupfeld's "Take My Breath Away" is accompanied by guitar. "Up Where We Belong," Sondheim/Bernstein's "Gee, Officer Krupke" from "West Side Story," the Gershwins' "I Got Rhythm," "Under the Sea" from "The Little Mermaid," and the classic "Lullaby of Broadway" are all orchestrally accompanied. That aside, we loved this dynamic, entertaining collection, with plenty of the sweet leads and harmonies, humor, eclecticism and big fun of Cantabile!
| 8997 CD $15.95 |
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One of the UK's most popular and respected all-male quartets, known for their humor and pure sound, pays a well-earned tribute to The Comedian Harmonists, a funny, eclectic and talented 6-man group who were popular on the radio and in German cabarets from 1927 until forced to disband by Nazi anti-Semitism. Mostly lightly accompanied by piano, "On the Tracks Of" has 14 authentic, spirited tunes, most of them originally performed by the CH, like "Meine Kleiner, Gruner Kaktus," "Sandmannchen," "The Way You Look Tonight/A Fine Romance," the silly "Voila Les Gars De La Marine," the poignant "Der Lindenbaum," Duke Ellington's "In My Solitude," the waltz parody "G'schichten Aus Dem Wienerwald," the delightful yodel and whistle-fest "Medley from Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs: Heigh-Ho/Whistle While You Work/The Dwarfs' Yodel Song (The Silly Song)" and the appropriate last cut, "Auf Wiederseh'n!". We love the droll, "Roaring 20's" sound of the Comedian Harmonists, and Cantabile's take on them is as good as any we've heard. Classic, cabaret stuff that tugs at your heartstrings, makes you laugh and makes you want to dance!
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Recorded live in - you guessed it - in Cambridge, this male quintet is a stylistic whisper away from the King's Singers, both in terms of sound and choice of material, though the influence of the Swingles can be felt as well ("The History of Western Music"). The selections on this CD encompass several centuries, beginning with William Byrd's "Deo Gratias." Embracing the British folk ballad (Morley and Henry the VIII), and the European classical form (Chopin), the group then travels forward in time to include period classics suc
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Recorded live in - you guessed it - in Cambridge, this male quintet is a stylistic whisper away from the King's Singers, both in terms of sound and choice of material, though the influence of the Swingles can be felt as well ("The History of Western Music"). The selections on this CD encompass several centuries, beginning with William Byrd's "Deo Gratias." Embracing the British folk ballad (Morley and Henry the VIII), and the European classical form (Chopin), the group then travels forward in time to include period classics suc
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"Madrigal" was recorded at Victoria Memorial Hall in Singapore in February 2001, and features 15 tunes, ranging from sacred early Christian music like Weelkes' "Hark, all ye lovely Saints above," Passereau's "Il est bel et bon," and Wm. Byrd's "Agnus Dei" to a wonderful "Tribute to the Beatles" medley of 18 Fab Four classics and "Yesterday," to Gershwin's "Summertime," Rodgers and Hart's "My Romance" and Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night." Two bonus tracks include Richard Rodney Bennett's "A Good Night," commissioned by Paul McCartney from "A Garland for Linda," and "Brahm's Lullaby." Certainly an odd repertoire mix, but Cantabile's perfectly pitched, fresh, joyous sound works well with just about anything they choose to perform.
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| Total Praise The Impossible Dream As the Deer Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' Holy, Holy, Holy Not While I'm Around Climb Every Mountain For Every Mountain Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross When You Wish Upon a Star Free at Last Just a Little Talk My Tribute Who Can I Turn To? Morning Glow Holy Ground |
Many guest artists plus a full orchestra join The CenturyMen, formed of professional musicians who are directors of music at Baptist churches all over the country on this magnificent (all accompanied) album. The Broadway Inspirational Voices, conducted by Michael McElroy, tenor Darius de Haas, Renay Peters Joubert, soprano, the Nashville Children's Choir and Walt Whitman's Soul Children of Chicago join TCM on these 16, well, anthems is a good word! Favorites are inspirational songs like "The Impossible Dream," "Climb Every Mountain," "When You Wish Upon a Star," "Not While I'm Around," and spiritually uplifting tunes like "Total Praise" "As the Deer," "Holy, Holy, Holy," "For Every Mountain," "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," "Free at Last," "Just a Little Talk," "My Tribute," and "Holy Ground." Then there's the quintessential upbeat, optimistic anthem from "Oklahoma," "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'." This is a feel good collection from one of the best men's choruses we've heard, and a stellar group of guest artists.
Listen to "Who Can I Turn To?" in Real Audio.
| 9007 CD $15.95 |
Chanticleer, which takes its name from the "clear-singing" rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, is the only full-time classical a cappella ensemble in the U.S but has garnered international acclaim with performances around North America, Europe and Asia. With its seamless blend of male voices ranging from counter-tenor to bass, Chanticleer has earned its reputation as "an orchestra of voices."
| O Que Suave! Kyrie From The Misa En Sol Gloria From The Misa En Sol Alleluia & Veni Sancte Spiritus Ya Se Heriza Credo From The Misa En Sol Para dar Luz Inmortal, Gozos Para SR. SN. Jose Agnus Dei From The Misa En Sol De Las Flores Dulce Esposo De Maria |
On "Mission Road", the GRAMMY award-winning male vocal group Chanticleer - renowned worldwide as “an orchestra of voices” - performs a selection of authentic, rich vocal repertory from the Mexican Baroque canon and other musical treasures of New Spain. The music explores what native Californians would have heard 200 years ago, both inside and outside the mission walls, and is from a series of acclaimed concerts celebrating Chanticleer's 30th anniversary that were performed at nine historic California missions in 2008. A fascinating contemporary realization of early music from “El Camino Real,” the audio CD's highlights include: Friar Juan Bautista Sancho's Misa en sol (Mass in G); premieres of selected works by Mexican Baroque master Manuel de Sumaya - “America's Handel” - only recently discovered in the archives of the Mexico City Cathedral; and various vocal compositions (introit, processional, alleluia, and recessional) by anonymous Spanish/Mexican composers of the late 18th century, including pieces that were originally part of the pageantry for feast days. The DVD presents the 34-minute film Mission Road-Our Journey Back, a behind-the-scenes chronicling of Chanticleer's mission era-inspired journey with concert footage, one-on-one interviews and a stunning collection of mission landscapes. Sonically and visually, "Mission Road" is an extraordinary way to experience the music of the mission era, with its rich sense of discovery and faith, performed in the context for which it was composed centuries ago.
Listen to O Que Suave! in Real Audio
| 8928 CD & DVD $24.95 |
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With its seamless blend of twelve male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, the San Francisco-based ensemble Chanticleer, celebrates the life of their founder Louis I. Botto on the 10th anniversary of his death. Five composers create a mass that evolves organically, as if written by one hand and the ensemble brings it to life. Using Gregorian Chant as a foundation this Mass evolves organically, as if written by one hand. These composers bring international prestige to the project as well as vastly different life paths and points of view. Israeli-born composer Shulamit Ran wrote the Credo to the Hebrew text "Ani Ma'amin." Well-known television composer Douglas Cuomo contributed the Kyrie. Turkish-American Kamran Ince composed the Gloria section in to a sufi text, while Ivan Moody, drawing from the Greek Orthodox tradition, delivered the Sanctus. The Irish folk and medieval music-influenced composer Michael McGlynn (Anuna) composed the Agnus Dei. To seamlessly travel from one composer to the next, Chanticleer offers haunting and beautiful pieces by Gesualdo, Part, Binchois, and Gabrieli. Listen to "O Salutaris Hostiam" in Real Audio.
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"Sound in Spirit" is a totally new direction for this Bay Area-based 12-man group, in that it is the first Chanticleer recording to be conceived as a total experiencethere is no silence or space between tracks. Ideally it should be listened to without pause. It is the first to add outdoor ambient sounds and to incorporate "overtone singing." The music extends from ancient sacred chants to music composed at the recording sessions themselves; all as seen through the creative eyes of composer/arranger Joseph Jennings and Chanticleer, his "Orchestra of Voices." There are 14 "cuts," beginning with Jan Gilbert's "Incantation" (from NightChants), and ending with Gilbert's "Grace to You" (from NightChants). In between are Nectarie Viahul's "Axion Estin," Jennings' title tune and "Night Spirit Song," Carlos Rivera's "Motet for 12 Singers," the Jennings-arranged "Beata" plainsong, de Victoria's "O Sacrum Convivium," Gilbert's "NightChant," Jackson Hill's "In Winter's Keeping," Giacinto Scelsi's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," Sarah Hopkins' "Past Life Memories," Patricia Van Ness' "Cor Meum Est Templum Sacrum" and others. "Sound" is a surprising, moving, eclectic piece that takes us to places of meditation, wonder and mystery. A beautiful, very special CD from Chanticleer that needs to be listened to again and again to be fully appreciated. Listen to "O Sacrum Convivium" in Real Audio.
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A departure from their usual style, How Sweet the Sound is a rare treat from Chanticleer. Featuring all new arrangements by Joseph Jennings, the group gives a deeply heartfelt performance. The opening song "Jesus Hits Like An Atom Bomb," with soloist Kevin Baum, is an explosive beginning to this recording of spirituals and traditional gospel music. Guest artist Bishop Yvette A. Flunder sings with amazing power and soul and greatly enhances this album. In addition to his leadership, Jennings also lends his voice and piano skills to several tunes. These songs are some of America's greatest music Listen to "Keep Your Hand on the Plow" in Real Audio.
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"Our American Journey" is, incredibly, legendary group Chanticleer's 25th CD, and it celebrates the music of America, from sacred motets by 17th century Mexican composers to shape-note hymns to newly-commissioned works on American themes. It is a showcase of the rich traditions and also of the creative tension between unity and diversity that are inherent in American music and in American life. Chanticleer's Music Director Joseph Jennings, who adapted and arranged a number of the works, said, "(The CD) captures the essence of what we do when we're on the road, and how we want to present ourselves." Some favorites: "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," "Wayfarin' Stranger," Stephen Foster's "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Camptown Races," "Jefferson," "David's Lamentation," "Willow Weep for Me," and the commissioned works "Whispers" and "The Un-covered Wagon." Excellent! Listen to "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" in Real Audio.
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Whatever the thematic material, Chanticleer's approach is the most erudite; indeed, their analysis of each song's history and composition meets the highest critical standard. It is this absolute musical integrity that then informs the quality of the performance. On "Wondrous Love," a cache of international folk songs, sung a cappella, is the basis for this meticulous study. Folk songs, by definition, are "for the people"; Chanticleer maintains this focus while also seizing the opportunity to enrich the original arrangements with new complexity and depth, as heard on "Arirang," a Korean song utilizing the pentatonic scale with elements of western harmony, or "La Petenera," which begins with a soloist and then gradually incorporates twelve voices into an ever-expanding confluence of countermelody. A Robert Shaw/Alice Parker arrangement graces the fifteenth-century French tune, "L'Amour De Moy."
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| Byrd: Missa In Tempore Paschali
6307 CD$15.98 |
Antoine Brumel 6321 CD$15.98 |
| Where the Sun Will Never Go Down 6309 CD$15.98 |
Out of this World 6312 CD$15.98 |
| Mysteria: Gregorian Chants
6315 CD$15.98 |
With A Poet's Eye 6314 CD$15.98 |
| The Anniversary Album 6308 CD$15.98 |
Lost In The Stars 6317 CD$15.98 |
| Josquin/Agricola 6311 CD$15.98 |
Sing We Christmas 6316 CD$15.98 |
| And Death Shall Have No Dominion (Kenneth Jennings) Beati Mortui (Felix Mendelssohn) Christmas in the Trenches (John McCutcheon) Dulce et Decorum (Larry Nickel) O Vos Omnes (Pablo Casals) Dirge from Cymbeline (Conrad Susa) Tarantella Randall Thompson) Psaume 121 (Darius Milhaud) Vechnaya Pamiat (from Panhida No. 2) (Pavel Chesnokov) Iltapilvia (Toivo Kuula) Choose Something Like a Star (from Frostiana) (Randall Thompson) Reconciliation (Stephen Chatman) Furusato (Teiichi Okano) Der 23, Psalm (Franz Schubert) Pensive on Her Dead Gazing (Stephen Smith) Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) |
Chor Leoni is well known for its Remembrance day concerts, and this latest addition to its CD catalogue is a compilation of works performed at its most recent November concerts. "Is is dedicated to the citizens of all nationalities and faiths who have experienced loss and who deserve our compassion," writes conductor Diane Loomer. The singing is sensitive and beautiful as always, and the selections range from classics such as Schubert's setting of Psalm 23 and Randall Thompson's Choose Something Like a Star to works written for Chor Leoni, including the premiere recording of Stephen Smith's moving Pensive on Her Dead Gazing. And just try to stay dry-eyed during Bring Him Home from Les Misérables!
| 8714 CD $15.95 |
| Royal Hudson (Dave Baker) RIse Again (Leon Dubinsky) The Skye Boast Song (Traditional) The Old "Mayflower" (Newfoundland Folk Song) Watching the Apples Grow (Stan Rogers) Feller from Fortune (Newfoundland Folk Song) Dondaine la ridaine (Quebec Folk Song) Indian Reels (Quebec Traditional) Trinque l'amourette (Quebec Folk Song) In the Early Morning Rain (Gordon Lightfoot) The Maple Leaf Forever (Alexander Muir) Amazing Grace (Traditional) All the Diamonds (Bruce Cockburn) The Nancy (Stan Rogers) Heather Bonn/Island Ferry (Mad Pudding) The Black Fly Song (Wade Hemsworth) April in Whitehorse (Murray Grand) The Mary Ellen Carter (Stan Rogers) Blow the Wind Southerly (Northumberland Folk Song) Springtime in Alberta (Ian Tyson) Frobisher Bay (James Gordon) The Field Behind the Plow (Stan Rogers) Kettl Valley Railroad (Dave Baker) The Williams Lake Stampede (Alan Moberg) Canadian Pacific (Ray Griff) |
Diane Loomer, founder of Chor Leoni in 1992 with the purpose of singing the best, most difficult “classical” works for male choir, is unable to explain how the lions have now recorded their 3rd CD of folk songs. One good reason seems to be that Canadian folk music is the art of the peoplesometimes rough, sometimes achingly beautiful, humorous, whimsical, warm and full of heart. Although they are using more accompaniment now and have performed with several symphony orchestras, the spirit, energy and sheer vocal power of Chor Leoni is as infectious as ever. “Safari 2” is a generous 2-CD collection of 25 tunes. Many favorites, but in particular “Royal Hudson,” the foot-stomping “Watching the Apples Grow,” “Feller from Fortune,” “Trinque l’amourette,” Gordon Lightfoot’s classic “In the Early Morning Rain,” the rousing “The Nancy,” “The Black Fly Song,” “The Mary Ellen Carter,” “The Field Behind The Plow,” “The Williams Lake Stampede” and “Canadian Pacific.” A powerful, big fun 6th CD from the lions of the North country!
| 7276 2CDs $18.95 |
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Chor Greek for choir, Leoni, (Italian for Lions) was formed in 1992 by director Diane Loomer to give skilled male singers an opportunity to gather and sing challenging repertoire. Quality a cappella singing, strong arrangements and a willingness to "try anything once" have led these 46 men to the upper echelons of the Canadian choral world. This CD is a treat for us fans of folk music, 20 better- and lesser-known Canadian folk songs, from "Fogarty's Cove" ("She cries when I'm away to sea, nags me when I'm with her, She'd rather I'd a government job or maybe go on the dole"), "Vive L'Amour," and "Away From The Roll of the Sea" to the Nova Scotia folk song "The Carrion Crow," "Northwest Passage," "Wood River," the British Columbia tune "Grand Hotel" and "Make and Break Harbor," this is all great stuff. Some light accompaniment here and there by piano, clarinet, bass, harmonica, guitar and spoons, but make no mistake?the focus is one of the best male choruses we've heard, and folk music is their meat. From the deep bass harmonies to sweet, soaring tenor solos, "Safari" is cut after cut of achingly lovely, heartstrings-tugging stuff!
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Goin' Home is Chor Leoni's sixth CD - each one we rave about, and each one is better than the last! Internationally acclaimed conductor Diane Loomer's flawless direction and song selection keep the Vancouver, BC-based all-male choir going in the right direction. As Canada is composed of citizens from every corner of the world, the object of "Goin'" was to collect and present folk songs from many of these countries, in the hope that CL's audience would experience "the bittersweet tightness in the throat and tear in the eye that only comes when you are goin' home." 18 richly textured a cappella songs, beginning with 3 dramatic Ainu folk tunes, "Bear Festival," "Piraka" and "Whale Festival," and continuing with "Fenyang Ge" and "Minoi, Minoi," Anhui and Samoan folk songs, respectively. Following are the Lapp folk song, "Dalvi duoddar luohti," and one of the best covers of the Zulu tune "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" we've heard. German, English, Irish, Estonian, and Welsh folk songs delight the crowd (this is a live performance, although the audience is almost edited out). A couple of nice American songs, the Appalachian folk song "Bright Morning Star" and "Shenandoah," precede the title tune by Antonin Dvorak, the Scottish tune "Loch Lomond" and "Christmas Angel." Sweet harmonies and what we can only call "personality" pour forth from CL like water from a Canadian stream. Recommended! Listen to "Fengyang Ge" in Real Audio.
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This fifth release from Vancouver's pride of lions features a mostly sacred and deeply moving program of works ranging from the 12th to the 20th centuries. Canadian baritone Bret Polegato guests on one of the few non-sacred pieces, Schubert's beautiful Stnchen for soloist and men's choir. Other highlights include 12th century organum by Pérotin, Beata Viscera, excerpts from Caplet's Messe û trois voix, a beautiful and seamless performance of Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine transcribed for men's voices, and Michael Head's stunning How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps.
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| Lamentatio Prima Lamentatio Secunda Lamtatio Tertia Motet: In Monte Oliveti Tract: Absolve, Domine Introitus: Requiem Aeternam Kyrie Eleison Gradule: Si Ambulem Offertoriu: Domine Jesu Christe Sanctus Agnus Dei Communio: Lux Aeterna Motet: Vide Homo |
During the last thirty years of his life, Orlande De Lassus was the most celebrated composer in Europe. From the time that he took up the duties of maestro di cappella in the court of the Dukes of Bavaria at Munich, he began to be called ‘prince of musicians’ and ‘the divine Orlande’. The pieces selected for this recording represent Lassus’s treatment of them of death during the mature period. The first group considers the death of Christ; the second, the death of a Christian. Stephen Cleobury is associated with two of the most famous choirs; as Director of Music at King’s College, Cambridge and Chief Conductor of the BBC Singers.
| 8325 CD $15.98 |
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The Flemish-born Giaches de Wert was one of many foreigners to dominate the Italian music scene in the mid to late sixteenth century, therefore to this day his music is largely unknown to many. It is the second of three books of Motets which appears on this disc, written when his skill as a madrigalist had reached its height. As part of the Kings College Choir, the choral scholars of Collegium Regale perform independently of the choir, singing a repertoire that encompasses 15th Century sacred music, jazz, folksongs and pop. Directed by Kings College's and the BBC Singer‚s renowned director Stephen Cleobury.
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Carry me home is an assortment of folk songs arranged for male voices including "Londonderry Air" and "O Waly Waly". Collegium Regale, which is composed of the choral scholars from the King's College Choir, explores the traditional songs of Britain, America, France and Hungary. Many of these familiar tunes, such as "Molly Malone" and "Shenandoah" were arranged by Keith Roberts who serves as the group's artistic consultant. The spirituals arranged by Robert Rice stray from the traditional style. His versions lean toward the lighter sounds of doo-wop and barbershop, particularly in "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child." Though, all pieces and especially the solos are sung beautifully.
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The incomparable sound of the men of King¹s College is unleashed on everything from chant to Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer. Close harmonies, impeccable tuning, and perfect programming make this a "must-have" CD for connoisseurs of the very best in choral singing. 22 songs: Handl¹s "Ante luciferum gentus," Byrd¹s "O magnum mysterium," "Puer natus est," "Ecce advenit," "The Coventry Carol," "Es ist ein Ros¹ entsprungen," "There is no rose of such virtue," "Beata es, Virgo Maria," "Quem vidistis, pastores?," "Hodie Christus natus est"... the Scholars make each song a lovely gem.
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Founded as the Copenhagen Boys' Choir in 1924, the Choir was permanently connected with the Christiansborg Slotskirke (Chapel of Christiansborg Castle) in 1959. With a repertoire ranging from commissioned works by the leading composers of our time to the earliest polyphony, the choir has earned a reputation over the years of being one of the finest of its type, giving concerts all over the world. Here are 14 sacred songs and hymns, favorites are Carl Nielsen's "Benedictus," Lewkowitch's "Salve Regina" and "Alma redemptoris," Norgard's "Agnus Dei II," and Ruders' "I sne star urt." Sublime, soaring, magnificent music from one of Denmark's oldest and most respected men's choirs.
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The Cwmbach Male Choir was formed in 1921, and has survived to the present day even though it was severely tested by periods of hardship, depression and World War 2. During its 83 years it has flourished and built up an enviable record of success in competitions and concert performances. The musical repertoire of the Choir is wide and varied. It includes music for all tastes, ranging from operatic choruses, spirituals, hymns, folk music and popular ballads. The Choir, from the Cynon Valley, maintains the great Welsh tradition of male singing and this recording of holiday favourites is a treat.
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| The Anthem Of Don Cossacks And Along The St. Petersburg Rd. Snow Covered Russia Near The river Don Song Of Prince Oleg Song Of The River Kama Selections From Tchaikovsky's Opera A Live For The Czar Old Waltz Uncle Pakhom And My Shawn Borodino A Gypsy Camp Fire The Wind Is Blowing And I Go Down The River By Jordan River Kalinushka The Golden Bee Midnight In Russia Stenka Russia Don't Dance Gregory The Legend Of The 12 Robbers I Love A Girl The Hoop Has Broken Black Eyes You Lazy Gregory Oh, My Little Soul Lara's Song Mother Let Me Dig A Well My Belliflowers My Steppe Flowers Carpathian Song Have Mercy Don't Ask Me Again Narrow Path Hey Troika |
The famous Don Cossack Choir under Serge Jaroff was one of Russia's best and on the first CD of this set these male singers perform a series of Russian traditional songs and arrangements of music by composers such as Tchaikovsky and Glinka. The second CD features bass-baritone Michael Minsky whose classic authentic Russian sound is bound to stir the hearts of lovers of mother Russia.
Listen to "Borodino" in Real Audio.
| 8489 2CDs $9.95 |
| Giacchino Rossini (1792-1868): Preghiera Chant funebre La Notte di Santa Natale Toast pour le nouvel an (arr. A. Brandl) Choeur de chasseus democrates Overture - Il barbiere di Siviglia (arr. B. Taurus) Franz Schubert (1797-1828): La Pastorella Der Gondelfahrer Giacchino Rossini: I Gondolieri (arr. Ch. M. Schmidt) Overture - La gazza ladra (arr. Ch. M. Schmidt) L'invito (arr. Ch. M. Schmidt) La Danza (arr. G. Muhling) Un Sou (arr. A. Brandl) Overture - Guillaume Tell (arr. B. Taurus) |
Focussing on little-known and rarely performed Romantic European vocal chamber music of the 19th century, the 6 men of Singphoniker bring us 12 difficult works by Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868), and two by Franz Schubert, "La Pastorella" and "Der Gondelfahrer." Some favorites are "Chant funebre" (which includes some drums), "La Notte di Santo Natale," (with piano), "Choeur de chasseurs democrates," "L'invito," "La Danza," "Un Sou," and "Overture Guillaume Tell" (with piano). It's very clear, especially in this last cut, with the addition of silly sound effects, that the group is having big fun on stage and not taking themselves or the material too seriously. Good stuff!
| 7112 CD $15.98 |
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The six German men who call themselves Die Singphoniker are virtuosos who specialize in very difficult pieces, from Gregorian chant to the Avantgarde, in this case bringing us some rarely-heard works of Romantic European music, partsongs by Richard Strauss and Max Reger. New interpreters of vocal chamber music of the 19th century, the group's success is measured in many awards and rave reviews: its last five CDs have received prizes. Included are 20 pieces, favorites are "Frohlich im Maien," "Hut du dich!," "Liebe op. 42,1," and Der Brauttanz op. 45,3" by Strauss; and "Liebchens Bote," Frohsinn op. 38,5," "Hochsommernacht op. 83,5" and "Minnelied op. 83,7" by Reger. Difficult, eclectic choral music, effortlessly and beautifully performed.
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Their repertoire ranges from Gregorian chant to contemporary music all the way to easy listening. After 25 years in the limelight, the six-voice vocal ensemble can look back on over 1000 concerts throughout the world. For the first time, however, the Singphoniker are releasing a CD with German folksongs. Their program consists of works by Silcher, Brahms and Reger, each of whom had a completely different approach to handling old tunes. Their common goal, however, was a desire to reacquaint their contemporar-ies with the vast treasures in the folk repertoire. The Singphoniker’s CD will contribute to making known as well as unknown folksongs which are not very at-home in the concert hall resound again in the private environment: singing or humming along is expressly desired!
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| If Ye Love Me - Tallis Quatre Petites Prieres De Saint Francois d'Assise - Poulenc Herr, Lehre Doch Mich - Mauersberger Magnus es Tu Domine - Des Prez Psaume 121 - Milhaud Ave Verum Corpus - Byrd Sunt Lacrimae Rerum - La Rue Ach Wie Nichtig Ach Wie Fluchtig - Cornelius De Profundis - Mauersberger Hear The Voice And Prayer - Tallis Tenebrae - Ludwig |
"Hear the Voices" is not just the line of a prayer appearing several times on this CD, but also an appeal to the listeners to listen between the lines, to hear the centuries between the lives of the various composers, between them and us, to hear the links between their styles of composition, the subtle nuances with which certain words are interpreted by sounds. This all calls for more careful attention than simple “listening”. The musical journey starts in France, before taking us back half a millennium to the Flemish region with Luther as our guide. Then there’s a little detour to the Iberian Peninsula, a trip to the British Isles, before we finally return to amarcord’s native skies in present-day Germany.
| 8551 CD $15.95 |
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Former choristers from Bach's own church make up this German version of The King's Singers. This contemporary a cappella program ranges from Billy Joel to Supertramp to a Cuban love song, and a superb cover of Sinéad O'Connor's "In This Heart". These are great male choral interpretations of popular songs that are sure to delight.
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A musical journey to sixteenth-century Europe with secular vocal music of the Renaissance! The vocal ensemble amarcord brilliantly interprets the music of this epoch in its newest production “The Book of Madrigals” (RK ap 10106). With this CD, the young ensemble presents Renaissance music and madrigals by European composers such as John Dowland, Thomas Morley, Ludwig Senfl, Adriano Banchieri, Orlando de Lasso, and Josquin des Prez. Cipriano de Rore’s “Anchor che col partire” one of the most popular madrigals of its time, and in arrangements and adaptations still an “evergreen” over a century later is also masterfully sung here. With the release of “The Book of Madrigals,” amarcord has added another impressive CD to its discography.
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| The Singer Songs Of The Ancient Sea Plague Memory Bridge Song Going To War Dialectical Aphorisms Song About Level Land We Are Given An Aboriginal Song The Estonians Political Parties Game Song About Keeping Together Martinmas Songs Christmas Is Coming Shrovetide Song Three I Had Those Words Of Beauty |
The third collection under the title "Vision of Estonia" continues recording the work of Estonian composer Veljo Tormis by the veteran Estonian National Male Choir. All song titles and lyrics of the piece are in Estonian. These lyrics, their meanings, and the history of the composer, the choir, and this dramatic, powerful piece are included in the extensive liner notes. The deeply emotional composition, written under the thumb of the Soviet occupation of Estonia, is divided into 32 movements--from the eight parts of "Dialektilisi aforisme," all less than a minute in length, and the 9-minute "Muistse mere laulud" to the intense 2 -minute "Sottaminck." "Vision III" a difficult, eclectic work that explodes into non-vocal percussion and vocal outbursts of protest and pride. Luckily, it is being sung by one of the best all-male choirs in the world, who perform it with tremendous spirit and feeling. Some accompaniment.
Listen to Shrovetide Song in Real Audio
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Estonian composer Veljo Tormis (1930-) emphasizes the role of verbal text and its message in his compositions, directed at the present, past and future of Estonian life. Written for men's chorus, "Visions of Estonia II" records in music the anxiety that was suppressed through the decades of Soviet repression. With "The Ballad of Mary's Land," composed in 1969, Tormis began a series of powerful large-scale choral compositions containing also his most famous work, "The Curse Upon Iron" for mixed chorus, written in 1972. "Reflections with Hando Runnel" (1981), is one of a series of short, sarcastic songs of protest he wrote during that period. "Days of Outlawry," with the subject of resistance fighting, was written for the banned film "The Outlaws;" "Journey of the War Messenger" and "Let The Sun Shine" take their texts from the Estonian National epic "Kalevipoeg." "Forget-me-not" is a national lament dedicated to former chief conductor Gustav Ernesada. Although none of these 23 songs is in English, we can feel the power and Tormis' deep feeling within this music through the performance of the Estonian National Male Choir.
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Veljo Tormis is best known for his preservation of folk songs and folklore in his music. On Vision of Estonia, his concern for the oppression of the Estonian people is mixed with this aspect. These pieces for male choir are fantastic. The title piece "Vision of Estonia" was written during the fall of the Soviet Union and finished when Estonian independence was declared. Tormis is also known for his orchestral choral sounds. In "Incantation for the Sea" and "Litany to Thunder" he translates the dramatic images depicted in the poetry into massive choral sounds. "Incantation for the Sea" comes from the epic poem Kalevala. Due to international interest in his music, Tormis uses a Latin translation to make his piece widely accessible to non-Estonian speaking choirs. The Estonian National Male Choir, led by Ants Soots, is dynamic in this music which honors their country.
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| Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening The Pasture A Walt Whitman Sampler Nunc Dimittis Almighty Father Dulcis Amor Shall I Compare Thee? Psaume 121 Ave Dulcissima Maria The Oxen- To The Meads The Sea Is Awash With Roses Quis Multa Gracilis The Little Horses Little Man Cantates Eamus McCord's Menagerie - Four Vivariations For Male Voices - II. Jerboa McCord's Menagerie - Four Vivariations For Male Voices - IV. Clam (or Whose Ooze) Lowlands Gentle Annie All Through The Night |
"American Choral Music" celebrates the 150th anniversary of the 60-strong Harvard Glee Club, the oldest college chorus in America. These 20 songs are a sampler of the wonderfully varied repertoire of this great male chorus. Our favorites include a pair by Randall Thompson, "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" and "The Pasture," both lightly accompanied; Charles Fussell's dissonant "A Walt Whitman Sampler," Steven Sametz' "Shall I Compare Thee," Morten Lauridsen's "Ave Dulcissima Maria," Rodney Lister's "The OxenTo the Meads," Aaron Copeland's exuberant "The Little Horses," Chris Tapani's mysterious, a cappella "The Sea is Awash With Roses," Irving Fine's eclectic "McCord's Menagerie, Four Variations for Male Voices, II. Jerboa and IV. Clam (or Whose Ooze)." Other favorites are the American Sea Shanty "Lowlands," Stephen Foster's lovely, lightly-accompanied "Gentle Annie" and the Welsh folksong "All Through the Night." "American Choral Music" shows off the varied but consistently excellent vocal talents of one of America's oldest and best Collegiate choral groups, the Harvard Glee Club!
Listen to Almighty Father in RealAudio.
| 8982 CD $15.95 |
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G. Wallace Woodworth (1902-1969) is renowned as a choral and orchestral conductor, organist and music educator. At Harvard he studied history and music from 1924-26, and accompanied the Harvard Glee Club. This collection of recordings from his tenure as conductor of the Harvard Glee Club (from 1933) is performed by the HGC with the Radcliffe Choral Society. Included here are 22 Classical works, mostly a cappella pieces performed by both groups, but a handful performed by the groups individually. Favorites are three songs by Claude Debussy, "Dieu! Qu'il la Fait Bon Regarder," "Quant J'ai Ouy le Tabourin" and "Yver, Vous N'estes qu'un Villian;" several tunes by Palestrina, "Benedictus," "Confitemini Domini," "Stabat Mater Dolorosa," "Adoramus Te," "Sanctus and Osanna" and "Benedictus and Osanna." Jacob Regnart's "Petite Nymfe Folatre," Orlandus Lassus' "Mon Coeur se Recommande a Vous" and "Bonjour Mon Couer," Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus" and Leo Preger's "Four Motets" are also some of our favorites. This material is difficult, powerful and not something that your average college glee clubs would consider learning and adding to their repertoire. A remarkable, beautiful collection from a pair of America's best women's and men's choral groups!
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| O Sing Ye to the Lord - Giuseppe Pitoni / Norman Greyson What Wondrous Love - J. Harold Moyer Gott ist die Liebe August Rische / Thuringer Melody - James Bixel There is a Balm in Gilead - William L. Dawson Ye Sons and Daughters - Wayne Hooper Salvation Belongeth to Our God - Pavel Grigorevich Tchesnokov- Prayer of the Children - Andrea S. Klause Rise Up, O Men of God - Kenneth Jennings Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - Tim Fisher We've Got Good News to Tell - Don Besig The Snow Lay on the Ground - Tim Fisher Rise Up Shepherd - Frank Almond Done Made My Vow - Wendell Whalum Judgment Day - Wayne Hooper Homeward Bound - David Seitz The Peace of the Lord - N. Grant Pfeifer |
The Heart and Voice weekend for men, who hail from Ohio, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia and West Virginia, seeks to encourage choral excellence and true worship. The men learn the music prior to coming for a weekend of workshops and rehearsal, after which the programs, directed by Brandon Mullet, a music teacher and choral director at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, PA. The group has met and sung together since 1999. 16 lovely, inspirational songs: "O Sing Ye to the Lord," "What Wondrous Love," the spirituals "There is a Balm in Gilead," "Rise Up Shepherd," "Done Made My Vow" and "Homeward bound Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children," the powerful "Rise Up, O Men of God," and N. Grant Pfeifer's lovely "The Peace of the Lord." This is as beautiful and powerful a collection of spiritual songs as we have heard, don't miss this one!
| 8837 CD $15.95 |
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The Quest Unending |
HMC's most ambitious and most hauntingly beautiful CD is here! Quest Unending includes unforgettable selections from the concerts Global Destinations and Exile: The Journey Home. Recorded at Bales Recital Hall and Visitation Church, this recording truly captures the sound of HMC at its very best. Music possesses the unique ability to communicate and connect people despite physical, cultural and language barriers. Quest Unending, the ninth recording by Heartland Men's Chorus, looks at our diverse world through music with a sense of "home." Stephen Paulus reminds us in The Road Home that no matter how far we travel or how difficult our journeys may be, "there is no such beauty as where you belong." As you share this quest unending, may you find the true beauty of belonging.
Listen to "Dulaman" in Real Audio.
| 9043 CD $15.95 |
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Favorite HMC selections from our spring 2002 concert and pieces from past years, not previously released on CD. The recording includes a diverse variety of men’s repertoire, some a cappella, some with piano accompaniment, and some with full orchestra. Listen to "Sing Me To Heaven" in Real Audio.
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Directed by Jonathan Brown the acclaimed English a cappella octet sing the motets of Clemens non Papa, Josquin, Ockeghem, Willaert and with a special focus on the works of Pierre de La Rue (c.1452-1518). La Rue wrote masses, motets, Magnificats, settings of the Lamentations, and chansons, and overall showed more diversity than almost any of the other composers of his generation, except perhaps for Josquin. La Rue's motets are mostly for four voices; they use pervasive imitation, though not usually at the outset (unlike the style of Josquin).
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| Italian Madrigals by Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi Antonio Caprioli Philippe Verdelot Jacques Arcaldet Francesco PatavinoMaddalena Casulana Luca Marenzio Cipriano da Rore Giovan Domenico da Nola Adrian Willaert Vincenzo Bell'Haver Orlando di Lasso |
This is a two CD set, CD #1 has 71 minutes of Italian madrigals,
CD #2 has 55 minutes of English madrigals. Perhaps the most important secular
musical development of the 16th century, the madrigal had its fullest flowering
in Italy, where Franco-Flemish composers Phillippe Verdelot, Adrian Willaert
and Jacques Arcadelt, born in northern Europe, spent their working lives. In
England Thomas Morley, John Wilbye and Thomas Weelkes succeeded in producing
some real masterpieces. There are 26 cuts on disc #1, all in Italian, "Cantiam
lieti cantiamo," "Una leggiadra nimpha," "Con l'angelica riso," "Donne, venete
al ballo"‹all flow like sweet water from this talented, precise British sextet.
Disc 2 has 22 cuts, all in English: Morley's "April is in my mistress' face,"
Wilbye's "Sweet honey sucking bees," Weelkes' "O care thou wilt dispatch me,"
Orlando Gibbons' "The Silver Swan"‹and they are equally fine. Recommended.
| 7011 2 CD SET$12.98 |
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Towards the end of the 14th century, England saw the rise of a pleasingly consonant musical style that was admired abroad as the "English manner." Paul Hillier and the Hilliard Ensemble are heard in a selection of the most beautiful polyphonic songs and carols from this rich period. "The performances? match the beauty of the music? a sound of remarkable purity. Their ensemble singing is perfection itself, and each part is exquisitely phrased." - Stereo Review
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Of all the north European composers who made their careers writing beautiful secular madrigals in sixteenth-century Italy, Josquin Desprez is regarded as the greatest. Fusing learned polyphony with rhythmic gaity, the madrigal was hugely popular in Italy and England. The brilliant British male octet The Hilliard Ensemble, sounding very much like angels, are one of few groups who can do justice to this difficult, soaring material. From the sacred "Ave Maria? Virgo serena," "Veni Sancti Spiritus," and "De profundis clamavi" to the secular "Petite camusette," "Je me complains" and "Je ne me puis tenir d'aimer," this is wonderful music. 13 songs. Extensive liner notes give lyrics and translations.
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The talented Hungarian choral group Honved Ensemble Male Choir" brings us a rare treat, choral works written for male voices by Ferenc Liszt (1811-1886). First of the 7 movements are the dramatic "Les Quatre Elemens," written for the poems by Joseph Autran, and first performed in 1844 with piano accompaniment by Liszt, "Titan," written in Berlin in 1842 and based on the Franz von Schober poem, the politically controversial "Arbeitercho/A Munka Himnusza," and the heroic "Le Forgeron," (the Blacksmith) based on the Lamennais's poem. This is moving, all accompanied, passionately-sung music that stirs and touches us still, across the centuries!
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| O Magnum Mysterium - Jakob Handl Confirma hoc, Deus - Jakob Handl Zion Hears the Watchmen Singing - Dietich Buxtehude The Lord is My Shepherd - Thomas Matthews Heaven Somewhere Stephen Hatfield The Pasture - Z. Randall Stroope Vinum Bonum - David Conte The Quest Unending - Joseph Martin Ra-ta-plan - Gaetano Donizetti Loch Lomond - Jonatahan Quick El Yivneh Hagalil - Peter Sozio Dies Irae - Z. Randall Stroope Crossing the Bar - Gwenyth Walker Noel - Brad Holmes Ol' Man River - Russel Robinson Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit - Moses Hogan Johnny Schmoker (live) - James Rodde Cindy - Mack Wilberg ISU School Songs - Traditional |
We have just listened to a great 3-part series by Dr. Rodde's talented mixed-voice ensemble, the Iowa State Singers, and now we are treated to the Iowa Statesmen, Iowa State's popular men's over 100-voice choir. The two groups share a love of a cappella classical Christian music, such as Jakob Handl's "O Magnum Mysterium" and "Confirma hoc, Deus;" and spirituals such as Stephen Hatfield's joyous "Heaven Somewhere," and the Moses Hogan-arranged "Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit." The Statesmen also love folk music, such as "Loch Lomond," Gwenyth Walker's piano-accompanied "Crossing the Bar," the silly, live "Johnny Schmoker," "Cindy," the powerful, rhythmic African song "Noel," and the Russell Robinson-arranged "Ol' Man River." Finally, to remind us that the Statesmen are a collegiate group, there is a rousing collection of ISU School Songs. Dr. Rodde's groups share a rich, spirited sound, soaring leads, and top-drawer song selection, arrangements and direction. It adds up to a beautiful, entertaining collection!
Listen to "Heaven Somewhere" in RealAudio.
| 9034 CD $15.95 |
Since their inception at King's College, Cambridge, in 1968, the King's Singers have developed the broadest and most diverse repertoire of any international singing group. With more than 60 recordings and a Grammy nomination to their credit, the King's Singers' repertoire reflects their eclecticism, ranging from a collection of previously unrecorded chansons of Renaissance composer Josquin Desprez to the quintessential Britishness of Gilbert & Sullivan.
| She's Leaving Home The Game I Love You Samantha Windmills Of Your Mind After The Goldrush Life On Mars Watch Me Michelle Penny Lane Eleanor Rigby I'm A Train Morning Has Broken Building A Wall My Colouring Book Orange Yellow Ochre A Taste Of Honey Strawberry Fields Forever |
The King's Singers were the first to apply choral technique to popular material and Colouring Book concentrates on their unforgettable arrangements of international pop hits of the sixties and early seventies. Some of the selections are drawn from their sessions with Beatle's producer George Martin including the remarkable 'She's Leaving Home'. Several of their Lennon and MmcCartney recordings are well represented here alongside songs written by the other giants of contemporary pop; Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, David Bowie and Neil Young. To these diverse writers, the King's Singers bring their beautiful tone, balance and synchronisation with equally marvellous effect. Import reissue.
Listen to "Michelle" in RealAudio.
| 8323 CD $15.98 |
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If you like The King's Singers, you'll love this CD! Gesualdo: Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday offers a small slice from the liturgy used for Holy Week. All tracks are superbly performed. The voices weave together to form a solid fabric of stunning polyphony. The responsories, here, are divided into three sets beginning with lessons from the Lamentations of Jeremiah. Gesualdo, an eccentric Italian prince and one of the Renaissance's more innovative composers, is best remembered for killing his wife and her lover while they were in bed together. His guilt over this shocking and passionate act is said to be mirrored in his music with its chromatic and often indulgent lines. The music is liturgical in nature, but this recording can be appreciated inside and out of the sanctuary.
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| Miserere (Gregorio Allegrei) Stabat Mater (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina) Spem in alium - Sancte Deus (Sancte Deus) Ave verum corpus (William Byrd) Gloria in D major, RV 589 (Antonio Vivaldi) This is the record of John (Orlando Gibbons) Jesu, priceless treasure (Johann Sebastian Bach) Coronation Anthems (George Frideric Handel) Zadok the Priest My heart is inditing Let thy hand be strengthened The King shall rejoice |
Directed by Sir David Willcocks, The Choir of King's College, Cambridge was founded in 1441 by Henry VI, who wanted the daily services in his chapel to be provided with music, and stipulated that the college should be responsible for the education of the choristers. This is a 2-CD set featuring a selection of the Choir's most renowned recordings. CD 1 includes Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere," Palestrina's "Stabet Mater," Tallis' "Spem in allium," Wm. Byrd's "Ave Verum Corpus" and the 12 movements of Vivaldi's "Gloria in D Major, RV 589." CD 2 has Orlando Gibbons' "This is the record of John," the 11 movements of Bach's "Jesu, priceless treasure," and 12 Coronation Anthems by Handel, "Zadok the Priest," "My heart is inditing," "Let thy hand be strengthened" and "The King shall rejoice." This collection is a triumph, as soaring and angelically beautiful as you can imagine, performed by a choir whose excellence has remained focused and constant through the changing centuries. Some accompaniment.
| 7723 2CDs $16.98 |
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If you enjoy this kind of music - that is, hymns rooted in the Anglican church tradition - you will find much pleasure here, whether it be meditative or openly exuberant. The Choir of King's College has been singing congregational music for centuries, and the tradition, impeccably articulated and warmly expressed by the choir, remains truly and firmly preserved to this day. John Rutter had more than a casual hand in this program. He offers new arrangements/harmonizations for verses of some hymns and the choir sings his oft-performed setting of “Morning has broken”. And for those who think all hymns recordings are basically the same, virtually all of the best-known tunes among these 18 selections are given fresh settings, several with descants and a few with brass accompaniments. Among the not-so-common hymns are some of the most beautiful-“Dear Lord” and “Father of mankind” (Repton), “My song is love unknown” and a hymn-anthem by William Harris, “O what their joy and their glory must be”. One of the highlights of the program is a relatively new work, a hymn-anthem by British conductor/composer Stephen Jackson based on the familiar text and tune “Let all mortal flesh keep silence”. Jackson ingeniously uses choir and organ and music full of rich colors, lush dissonances, and bold strokes and clashes of melody to capture the magic and mystery of the ancient text.
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Voices of Praise is a spiritually uplifting collection drawing from the rich catalog of King's College Choir. Programmed to the church calendar it is an album for all seasons. Known world over for their recordings of church music the Choir of King's College, Cambridge has a rich catalog of recordings on EMI Classics dating back more than 30 years. This new collection Voices of Praise offers the most popular church music from that catalog. Among the great church works included on this recording are the hymns " A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", " Morning Has Broken" and " All People That On Earth Do Dwell" (The Old Hundredth). This is a double CD release. Listen to "If Ye Love Me" in Real Audio.
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The Konevets Quartet was founded by graduates and students of the St. Petersburg Music Conservatoire in July 1992. The Quartet takes its name from the Konevets Island and Monastery, some 160 kilometers northeast of St. Petersburg, on Lake Ladoga. It was there, over 600 years ago, that St. Arseny Konevsky founded a cloister in the honour of the birth of Mary, Mother of God. The repertoire on this, their sixth recording is comprised of Russian folk songs based on ballads, dances and regimental songs and marches of the Tsarist armies, and from the old military academies, forbidden during Communist times. If you have ever been moved by the glorious, robust singing of the Russian peoples, this is a chance to experience the same music polished to perfection by a concert trained quartet. Wonderful! Songlist
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Lionheart is one of Americas leading ensembles in vocal chamber music. Acclaimed for its smoothly blended and impeccably balanced sound. They are best known for thei interpretation of medieval and renaissance a cappella music, with Georgian Charnt as the keystone ofits repertoire. The ensemble also collaborates with instrumental ensembles, dance companies, and contemporary composers, and was recently selected for inclusion on the Star Spangled Touring Roster, the first year of an initiative by Early Music America.
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This musical homage to the fairer sex is performed by the all male sextet "Lionheart," whose member's impeccable credentials include past association with Anonymous 4. The group's foundation, and the cornerstone of it's sound, is Gregorian Chant, a style that is epitomized here. In medieval times, the church was the locus of existence, and expressions of devotion were central in music and art. Therefore, it is understandable that the role of woman in culture would be regarded similarly, and that songs of praise to her would take on a religious connotation, as to the Virgin Mother Mary. Predominant on this recording is the Sarum Chant, a plainsong used in rituals at Salisbury Cathedral in England. The melodies are simple and unembellished, the mood subdued.
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This is the second recording from the six-member Lionheart, dedicated to the performance of Gregorian chant. The group has appeared at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and has been featured in the New York and Los Angeles ìTimes.<eth> ìParis 1200<eth> collects twelfth-century polyphony from France, composed by Perotin and Leonin, both men considered masters of the period; Notre Dame Cathedral, founded in 1163, provided an outlet for these new works. The primary forms used were organum, motet and conductus. Though harmonically fundamental, the beauty of chant lies in its very simplicity, and in the quality of the performance, at which Lionheart excel.
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Lund's Student Choral Society dates its origin from 1831 and is now one of Sweden's oldest choirs, directed since 1972 by the choir's artistic director, Folke Bohlin. Men's choral singing in the Nordic countries, like the romantic movement in art and literature, is a child of the early 19th century and has its roots in academic life. Thus it is no accident that these 20 songs are divided into the groups "Songs About Song," "Historical Romanticism," "Scenes from Peasant Life," "Nature and the Heart" and "Love Portraits." Particularly strong are Edvard Grieg's "Sangerhilsen" and "Min dejligste tanke," Jean Sibelius' "Venematka," Friedrich Reissiger's rousing "Olav Trygvason," Peter Heise's "Dans! ropte felen" and "I skoven," August Soderman's "Ett bondbrollop" and "O jeg vil ha'e mig en hjertenskjaer," Peter Lange-Muller's "Serenade," and Sten Broman's "Dolly." All in Swedish, extensive liner notes give info about the words, music and history. "Nordic Romance" is powerful, moving music from another culture and time.
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One of Sweden's oldest and most respected all-male choirs, Lund's Student Choral Society sounds (and looks, from the photo on the cover of the singers in their uniforms and white caps) like a group you would see in concert in the early 19th century. With its roots in academia and the romantic movement in literature and art, passionate, dramatic Nordic men's choral singing has not lost any of its power. There's not really a weak cut here, but we'll tap Otto Lindblad's "Langtan till landet," "Ur Ossians dunkla sagovarld" and "Angbatssang," Jacob Josephson's rousing "Varsang," Herman Palm's nostalgic "Under ronn och syren," Henrik Moller's "Island," Joseph Hedar's stirring "Lundagard" and Axel Melander's gentle "Karlekens visa" as favorites. This music from 19th century romantic composers, sung by an all-male choir from that era, is like stepping into a vocal time machine. "Sjunger in Varen" is a rare treat, authentic sounds from the past that can still move and stir us today.
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| Oh Sing Jubilee O Vos Omnes Come Holy Ghost The King Of Love Blagagoslovi Dushe Moya Ghospoda Silent Noon All That Hath Life And Breath Down By The Riverside In Monte Oliveti Fergus Molly Little Drummer Boy My Lord What A Mornin' Gaudeamus Igitur Blow Gabriel Blow Adiemus Lily's Eyes De' Mornin' Come All Is Well |
Luther College's rich heritage of singing grew out of Scandinavian and German Lutheran congregations singing hymns. Founded in its present form in 1981, Norsemen is exclusively for men in their first year at Luther College and boasts a membership of 80-90 singers under the direction of Dr. Timothy Peter. 18 songs are here, from the title tune, Bach's "Come Holy Ghost," Pavel Chesnokov's "Bladoslovi, dushe moya, Ghospoda," the Kirby Shaw-arranged "Down By the Riverside," G.B. Martini's "In Mounte Oliveti," Harry Simeone's "Little Drummer Boy," the spirituals "My Lord, What a Mornin'" and "De' Mornin' Come, Cole Porter's "Blow, Gabriel, Blow!" and Michael Smith's lovely "All is Well." There is some light accompaniment. Rich harmonies, spirited leads and the aptly-named Norsemen's rich, deep sound add greatly to our enjoyment and appreciation of each of these tunes. Great stuff!
Listen to Oh Sing Jubilee in Real Audio
| 8639 CD $15.98 |
| Shehechianu - Glass Ba'avour David - Rumshinsky Hava Nalia Sefirat Ha'omer - Galss Yismechu - Glass As Moshiach - Berman Der Rebbe Elimelech Umipneh Chatoenu - Brun A Dudele Hatikvah - Berman Der Yid Der Schmid Hurrah Shuvi Nafshi - Lewandowski Havdalah Osseh Shalom Psalm 23 Yiru Enainu - Fischer Al Sfat Yam Kinneret Artseinu |
One of the most famous Jewish Choirs, the London Jewish Male Choir is celebrating its 80th anniversary! A cross-section of 80 years of singing, with some rare historic recordings as well as modern repertoire. Featuring famous cantors David Kusevitsky, Naftali Herstik, Steven Leas, Stephen Robins, Robert Brody, Pinchas Faigenblum, Moshe Korn and David Hilton. Extensive info. 20 songs, 75:15 min. playing time.
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8398 CD $15.98 |
| Timor et Tremor Shout for Joy Alleluia! Sweet Rivers When I Hear the Trumpet Sound City Called Heaven Fergus an' Molly Lament of a Fisher's Wife Finnan Haddie Soon and Very Soon I Will Eleanor Rigby Irish Blessing |
14-strong M.E.N. was formed in Longview, Washington in 1982, by choral musician and educator Howard Meharg. His mission was "to celebrate the art of male choral singing, to inspire men of all ages to musical artistry, and to encourage young men in leadership and example among their colleagues in music." The ensemble has been honored by invitations to sing as state, regional and national conventions of the ACDA. Unique among male choruses, each member of Male Ensemble Northwest is a conductor as well as an outstanding vocal musician. There are 13 richly harmonic tunes here, some of our favorites are some spiritual tunes, "Shout for Joy," "Alleluia," "When I Hear The Trumpet Sound," "City Called Heaven;" and Andrew Crouch's "Soon and Very Soon" (arranged by Randy Crenshaw); a pair of Lennon/McCartney songs, "I Will" and "Eleanor Rigby;" 5 Celtic Folk songs by Vijay Singh, "Timor et Tremor," "Fergus an' Molly," "Lament of a Fisher's Wife" and the delightful "Finnan Haddie;" "Sweet Rivers" and the lovely, traditional "Irish Blessing." There is occasional light piano and guitar accompaniment, but the voices, with their rich, bright harmonies, are the focus here. Powerful, beautiful material from this talented, veteran men's chorus!
Listen to "I Will" in Real Audio.
| 8992 CD $15.95 |
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If you were to assemble a Who's Who of choral conductors, teachers and singers of northwestern United States, you could just start with the Male Ensemble Northwest. This unique chorus apply their talents on this recording to singing some of the best known of the over 6,000 choral arrangements of Norman Luboff, one of the greatest arrangers of the twentieth century. In recreating the lush "Luboff sound" the ensemble also uses instrumental accompaniment similar to that found in the original performances of these arrangements. Old familiars such as "Dream A Little Dream," "Yellow Bird," "Rio Grande," and "Lowlands" will rekindle the joy of reminiscence and share anew some of the work from a unique mover and shaker of the choral world.
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"Promised Land" gives the 12 leading choral directors who form M.E.N. a chance to get their musical teeth into some of the great songs in American history. They are divided into groups: Hymns, such as "Promised Land" and "Rise Up, O Men of God," Spirituals, such as "The Gift To Be Simple" and "Joshua," Songs of the Civil War, "Waiting for the Dawn of Peace (Tenting Tonight)," Songs of the West, such as "Streets of Laredo" and "Colorado Trail," Songs of the Sea, such as "Blow the Candles Out" and "Mary Ann," and American Television Themes, "Television Medley" and "Lonesome Road." 20 songs in all. A powerful, moving collection of the best of our musical heritage!
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Unique among musical groups, M.E.N. is comprised of 12 leading choral directors from throughout the Pacific Northwest, each man an active conductor, clinician and educator in choral music. The wealth of knowledge they bring to this fine recording of 19 Christmas standards is beautifully clear from the first few notes. The songs: "Medieval Gloria," "Angelus ad virginem," "Hodie," "Pat a Pan," "Coventry Carol," "Sing Softly, For There He Sleeps," "In a Manger Lowly Lay," "O Hearken Ye," "Caroling, Caroling," "Deck The Hall," "I Saw Three Ships," "What Child Is This," "Sing We Now Of Christmas," "Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant," "A La Nanita Nana," "Silent Night," "The Christmas Song," "White Christmas" and "Reflections of Him." A very special Christmas CD!
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| Varsang Studensang Sang For Nordiska Ynglingar Det Var Da Philomele Den Sjuttonariga Forgat Mig Ej Till Jonas Peron Fredmans Epistel Kreivin Sylissa Istunut Folkvisa Verinen Polka Fantasi Over Ett Finskt Tema Fruhlingsglaube Ich Bin Nun Einmal So Gesprache Der Irrlichter Der Jager Auf Der Kirchweih Wiegenlied Die Abendgloke Auf Dem Berge Lied An Die Schone Mullerin A La Melancolie Rheinweinlied Schenkt Ein! Trinkled Bjorneborgarnas Marsch Suomis Sang Finlands Flagga Hymn Till Finland Vart Land |
Born in Hamburg 200 years ago, Fredrik Pacius studied with Ludwig Spohr in Kassel, before serving as a violinist in the orchestra of the Royal Opera in Stockholm. When he arrived in Helsinki in 1835 it was in order to take up the post of music lecturer at the city's university. By the time of his death, almost six decades in the service of the musical life of his new country had earned him the epithet the father of Finnish music‚. He composed the first Finnish opera "Kung Karls jakt" and other works for the stage include The Princess of Cyprus and Loreley, both of which are available on BIS. But what he is mainly remembered for today is Vårt land ('Our Land'), the national anthem of Finland, which he composed and conducted the first performance of in 1848. The choir at this occasion was Akademiska Sångföreningen (The Academic Male Voice Choir of Helsinki) which Pacius himself had founded in 1838. Some 160 years later the same choir performs the song here, together with other repertoire written or arranged for it by Pacius. The program is made up of songs in Swedish (including some of the emblematic patriotic songs of the evolving nation, as well as works in a lighter vein), Finnish (mainly arrangements of folk-songs) and German ˆ settings by Pacius of poems in his native language by writers such as Friedrich Rückert. Following the choirs traditions some of the songs are here performed by a more intimate ensemble, i.e. quartet or octet.
| 9127 CD $16.95 |
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Boston's Alice Parker, composer, conductor and teacher was first known for her arrangements and collaboration with the late Robert Shaw. She has built an international reputation composing, researching folk music and performing. In 1985 she formed Melodious Accord, a 16-voice professional chorus. "My Love and I" features the men of this group, singing 24 traditional folk songs from America, England and Scotland, France, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Ireland and Sea Shanties. Some favorites: "Darling Nellie Gray," "Aura Lee," "When Love is Kind," "A-Roving," "Stodole Pumpa," "Al Olivo," "Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded," "A Ballynure Ballad" and "To Ladies' Eyes." This is well-chosen music from another era, sometimes poignant and heart-tugging, sometimes rousing; always powerful. A generous collection, sung with tremendous feeling by Alice Parker's hand-picked men! All a cappella, nice liner notes with the complete lyrics.
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The Moravian Teachers Choir is one of the best-known Czech ensembles, established by graduates of Kromeriz Teachers College in 1903. Their repertoire includes works by distinguished Czech composers from the turn of the century, focusing in this recording on Choruses for Male Voices by master composer Leos Janacek (1854-1928). Written in the intensely creative last decade of his life, after his opera "Jenufa's" long-overdue success. "Choruses," which is comprised of four groups, primarily based on Moravian folk songs, was written for unaccompanied male chorus, of which the MTC is recognized as one of the finest in the world. These are 21 powerful, romantic songs with wonderful harmonies, all in the Moravian language, but the short translation gives us their flavor: "Ploughing," "Our Birch Tree," "The Quilt," "Warning," "O Love," "Oh, to be a soldier," "Your Wondrous Eyes," "The Gnat's Wedding," "The Evening Ghost," "Seventy Thousand" (about the revolt of the Silesian miners), "The Wandering Madman," "Parting," "The Dove," "The Jealous Man," and "True Love." "Choruses" is a rich time capsule of rarely-heard folk melodies from one of the oldest and best all-male choruses.
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These songs date from various periods, yet their very popularity makes them timeless. They were sung at feasts and celebrations, in chorus or solo, simply for the pleasure of making music. They were also sung at work or in prison, and they were used to glorify the revolution. These songs reflect the very soul of the Russian people. The Moscow Male Voice Choir, under the direction of Anatoly Grindenko, is one of the nation's finest.
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| Bushes & Briars Dulaman Linden Lea Suo Gan Down Among the Dead Men Notre Pere Tebe poyem In einem Kuhlen Grunde Du, du leiegst mir im Herzen Zure begiak Till Osterland Aftonen The Little Horses Blow ye the Trumpet Sing Me to Heaven Paraiso Sonado Na Bahia Tem... Vive L'Amour Deep River Swing low sweet chariot Ride The Chariot |
Eight members of Talented Bay Area 9-man a cappella ensemble wowed the sellout crowd recently at the Harmony Sweeps Regional at SF's Palace of Fine Arts, and their finely-crafted harmonies are well in evidence on the 21 songs of "Lyric Journey." Beginning with the R. Vaughn Williams-arranged "Bushes & Briars" and Michael McGlynn's "Dulaman," and finishing with three spirituals, the beautiful "Deep River," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Ride the Chariot," "Lyric" is a musical smorgasbord of tasty short, wonderfully-harmonic cuts. Favorites also include 3 songs sung in German, "In einem kuhlen Grunde," "Du, du liegst mi rim Herzen" and "Till Osterland;" the Swedish folk song "Aftonen," the Aaron Copland-arranged "The Little Horses," Daniel Gawthrop's "Sing Me To Heaven," Kirke Mecham's "Blow Ye the Trumpet," Manuel Sanchez Acosta's "Paraiso Sonado," and the joyous folk song "Vive L'Amour," arranged by Robert Shaw & Alice Parker. "Lyric Journey" is a treat from beginning to end, and all the words are there in the extensive, nicely-printed liner notes.
Listen to "The Little Horses" in Real Audio.
| 9030 CD $14.95 |
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New York Polyphony is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the finest new classical vocal ensembles. Fusing elegant vocalism with expert ensemble singing, its four male voices consistently deliver dynamic performances of music spanning nearly a millennium in a range of styles, combining historically-informed interpretive style with their own unique artistry. From the simplicity of plainchant to the dense chromaticism of contemporary works, the New York Polyphony sound is unified, energized and distinctive. The musical landscape traversed on this disc of music for the Advent and Christmas season is broad, from 12th century conductus to a 21st century carol, though the musical center is firmly polyphonic and rooted in the late Medieval world. The group is joined by a women's trio in several works written for more than four parts. The sound is clean and present, with appropriate resonance for this material. For the listener looking for a collection of contemplative Christmas music that steers clear of the most obvious selections and introduces intriguing new repertoire, as well as for the fan of early music vocal ensembles, this album has much to offer.
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Regina caeli L'ultimo di de maggio Beautiful Savior She Moved Through the Fair Spanish Ladies Shenandoah You Are the New Day Londonderry Air Darkness on the Delta Swing Down Chariot I'm Building Me A Home Deep River Hold On! L'amour de moy Dulaman Ave Maria / Zwei Geistiche Chore Op 115 Beati mortui Periti autem Hvalite imia Ghospodne, Op. 52, Nr. 8 Recordare, Domine Notre Dame, Our Mother |
The a cappella, all-male, 63-strong Notre Dame Glee Club brings us a collection
of sacred songs ("Regina caeli," "L'ultime di de maggio," "Beautiful Savior,"
"Zwei Geistliche Chore, O. 115," "O sacrum convivium"), spirituals ("Swing Down
Chariot," "I'm Building Me A Home," "Deep River"), and folk tunes ("She Moved
Through the Fair," "Shenandoah," "Londonderry Air"). 23 well-chosen songs, sung
with youthful energy, feeling and beautifully-blended harmonies. "Under the
Dome" is a sumptuous musical feast!
| 6729 CD $15.98 |
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The 71-strong male voices of the NDGC presents this fine collection of Christmas musical landmarks in "the hope of reawakening that mystery and wonder" of the Christmas seasons of their childhood. A noble purpose, and beautifully realized, from the opening cut, the lovely title song, and a marvelous "Gloucestershire Wassail," Steven Sametz' "Noel," and "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming to Handl's "O Magnum Mysterium," Monteverdi's "Hodie Christus natus est," a ringing "Riu, riu, chiu" and "Here We Come A Wassailing," this is as rich, smooth, melodic and harmonious as any Christmas collection we've heard. We particularly enjoyed the spiritual "Mary Had A Baby" and the joyous West Indian song "De Mornin' Come." One of the best of the year!
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| Terminus - Nancy Hill Cobb Take A Chance On Me - Tim Sarsany La Pastorella - Franz Schubert The Stars Are With the Voyager - Eleanor Daley Tebe Poyem - Mik Tadov Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now - Richard Nance Der Gondelfahrer - Franz Schubert Sea Fever - Nancy Hill Cobb Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney Jin-ga-lye-ah - Bruce Sled The West Wind - Robert Cundick Leave It! - Tim Sarsany Missa Brevis - Healey Willan Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing - Kerry Marsh Lambscapes - Eric Lane Barnes Wimoweh - Ron Smail Songs of the Ohio State University: The Buckeye Battle Cry - Frank Crumit Capus Echoes - Heine / Staiger Carmen Ohio - Fred Cornell Hang on Sloopy - Tim Sarsany |
One of the oldest and most respected Collegiate men's choruses, the 2007 version of the Ohio State University Men's Glee Club presents a lovely and difficult collection of beautifully arranged harmonic gems, directed by Dr. Robert J. Ward. Many of these 17 songs are accompanied, but our favorites include the a cappella tunes, Stevan St. Mokranjac's "Tebe poyem," "Take a Chance on Me," Bruce Sled's surprising "Jin-ga-lye-ah,"the a cappella "Leave It!," Healy Willan's exquisite "Kyrie," form "Missa Brevis," an a cappella rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," Eric Lane Barnes' very funny, live a cappella "Lambscapes," and the still-loved a cappella chestnut, "Wimoweh." We also enjoyed the "Songs of OSU medley, as will the many thousands of OSU alumni who will want to hear these spirited songs of Columbus. A pair by Franz Schubert, "Der Gondelfahrer" and "La Pastorella" and Robert Cundick's lovely "The West Wind" round out our list of favorites. Good, entertaining Collegiate stuff from the Midwest!
Listen to "Jin-ga-lye-ah" in Real Audio.
| 8939 CD $15.95 |
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The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club was organized in 1875 and has created a long tradition of choral excellence. The 2006 incarnation of the group, conducted by Dr. Robert J. Ward, brings us a spirited collection of songs, mixing a cappella with accompanied material, as well as showing off the rich variety of their repertoire, from traditional tunes like "Down By The Riverside," "She Moved Through the Fair," the beautifully harmonic a cappella song "Blow the Candles Out" and "O Mistress Mine" to classical tunes like Franz Schubert's "Widerspruch," Richard Wagner's "Begluckt darf nun dich," Felix Mendelssohn's" Periti autem" and Z. Randall Stroope's "Dies Irae;" to popular music like Billy Joel's lovely "And so it goes," Michael Martin's "Send In the Clowns," and of course songs of OSU: "Carmen Ohio," "The Buckeye Battle Cry," "Campus Echoes" and "Hang on Sloopy." We also liked Sven-David Svenstrom's dramatic a cappella "Kyrie" and John Rutter's "Down By the Sally Gardens." A fine collection from one of America's oldest and most respected Collegiate groups! Listen to "Blow the Candles Out" in Real Audio.
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The Optina Pustyn Male Choir consists of six to nine professional musicians trained at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. The choir tours and has produced five CDs to date, but they are also part of the regular monastic choir at the Optina Pustyn Monastery in St. Petersburg. Singing in the tradition of the world famous Don Cossack Chorus directed by Sergei Jaroff the choir sings Russian traditional songs including favourites such as the ‘Volga Boat Men’ and the ‘Legend of the Twelve Robbers’ and others. Information in English, German, French and Spanish, plus complete lyrics in Russian with English translations. Listen to "The Little Cuckoo" in Real Audio.
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The male choir of the Optina Pustyn Monastery in St. Petersburg was established in 1996 and consists of 69 professional singers with impressive voices. Their main goal is the cultivation of the heritage of the old Russian Church polyphony in its different styles, such as: Znamenny, Bulgarian, Greek, Byzantine chants, etc. This recording is an impressive example of orthodox chants and shows the beauty of Russia’s religious songs. Information in 4 languages.
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| Rose, liz, rondeau El mois de mai - De se debent - Kyrie Hé marotele / En praerie / Aptat, motet Passerose de beauté Flos regalis virginalis Missa Flos Regalis Quam pulchra es Soubz les branches / En la rousée / Jolis mois de may, chanson Royne des flours Dindirín, dindirín En la fuente del Rosel Hortus Conclusus Aquella Mora Garrida Quasi cedrus Changeons propos Sicut Lilium Inter Spinas Vidi speciosam Haec est illa dulcis rosa / Salve Da le belle contrade d'oriente I vaghi fiori e l'amorose fronde Ecce tu pulcher es Des herbes ai assés Au ioly bocquet croist la violette O flos campi |
In celebration of the floral imagery used by many of Europe's greatest composers over a span of 300 years to depict both earthly and heavenly love, the Orlando Consort sings poetic texts ranging from the sacred to the downright suggestive. Includes essays by Sir Roy Strong, Susan Hitch; and a garden design created by Christopher Bradley-Hole. Also included is a handsomely illustrated book full of beautiful medieval paintings and photographs of surviving gardens. Additional notes are contributed by Sir Roy Strong, President of the Garden History Society of England; Susan Hitch, an expert in medieval literature and a BBC Radio 3 presenter; and Christopher Bradley-Hole, one of the world’s top garden designers, who contributes a plan for your very own neo-medieval garden.
| 8335 CD $16.98 |
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In Food, Wine and Song, the Orlando Consort serves up a variety of music from the late Medieval through Renaissance periods, each song featuring texts about food and drink. The CD begins in late medieval France and England and moves chronologically through Italy, Burgundy, Spain, Portugal, ending in late Renaissance Germany. The sound of the quartet is always outstanding and this CD is no exception. The doleful ?Adieu ces bons vins de Lannoys? (track 15), by Guillaume Dufay is particularly beautiful with its sorrowful melody and haunting harmonies. As an added bonus, included with this CD is an accompanying cookbook. Prepared by world renowned chefs, these tasty recipes correspond with ingredients found in the songs. A number even come from medieval sources. For a real treat, try the Orange Omelette for Pimps and Harlots! For a true feast, try Food, Wine and Song. It will surely please the palate.
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The Orlando Consort sings rare and exquisite church music from 15th Century England, including motets, antiphons and psalm settings by Dunstaple, Frye, Plummer and others. This program spans some seventy years of English sacred music, dating from the reigns of Henry V, Henry VI and Edward IV, and the period of unrest known as the Wars of the Roses. It illustrates the rise of the so-called contenance angloise (English manner)valued especially for its suave melody, fluid rhythms and prevailing consonancefrom its beginnings around 1420 to the repertory of the Eton Choirbook at the end of the 15th century. Sadly only a tiny proportion of the music that must have been written in this period has survived, but the pieces included in this anthology provide vivid testimony to this astonishingly rich and varied repertoire.
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An encounter between two powerful dynasties. The Orlando Consort revisits a fascinating meeting between two musical cultures. During his 1502 ceremonial visit to Toledo (Spain), Philip the Fair of Burgundy, and his Royal hosts, Ferdinand and Isabella, vied to display the artistic achievements of their respective realms. Music was central to all the festivities: solemn celebrations, worship, courtly banquets, dances and chivalric entertainments. "Immaculate tuning, rhythmic concision and clear articulation of the text." - BBC Music Magazine
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| Nachtgesang Die Nacht Der Gondelfahrer Sehnsucht Im Gegenwartigen Vergangenes Liebe Standchen Grab und Mond Der 23 Psalm Die einsiedelei Nachthelle Trinklied ist der Schritt der Zeit Geist der Liebe Gesang der Geister uber |
Of the hundreds of songs written by Franz Schubert, those for
solo voice are best known today. He also wrote over one hundred songs for
men's choir. Occasionally, they were performed by quartets in private settings
and a few of them were published during Schubert's lifetime. But it was not
until nearly forty years after his death that people began to realize that
this music was out there. In Vienna in 1866 a volume of his choruses was published
by Johann Herbeck, who was a champion of Schubert's unknown music. These songs
vary in style from piano or string accompaniment to a cappella. Occasionally,
there is a soloist, as in "Standchen," for male choir, alto solo and piano.
For this recording Orphei Drangar, conducted by Robert Sund is joined by alto
Malena Ernman, tenor Jonas Degerfeldt, pianist Folke Alin and the Swedish
Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. The
always brilliant OD sings these rarely performed works with beauty and grace.
| 6567 CD $15.98 |
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The popularity of the male-voice choir has dwindled during the past century. More common in the Romantic era, repertoire written specifically for men's choruses is significantly less as well. On the CD Diamonds, Orphei Drangar, led by Robert Sund and Folke Alin, sings 20th century a cappella pieces written specifically for male choir. The pieces chosen are certainly gems in the repertoire. Many are by French composers such as Francis Poulenc, Darius Milhaud and Camille Saint-Saens, who's Saltarelle is quite fun. The group reaches far to the east in Michio Mamiya's "Composition for Chorus No.6" which is based on Japanese folk music. The Anders Hillborg piece, was originally written for a mixed choir, but was commissioned to write a version for Eric Ericcson and the Orphei Dranger. This phenomenal group sparkles on this recording.
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This disc presents an international selection of music from Orphei Drangar's concert repertoire as well as two opera choruses in collaboration with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Folk songs from Sweden open the recording followed by many twentieth century works for men's voice chorus. From Eastern Europe there are "Four Old Folk Songs" by Bela Bartok and two of "The Songs of Hamlet" by Estonian composer Veijo Tormis. From America, "A Stopwatch" by Samuel Barber captures a scene from the Spanish Civil War in which he and poet Stephen Spender volunteered. Two of the most beloved opera choruses end the program: the chorus of Gypsy's (Anvil Chorus) from Verdi's Il Trovatore and the chorus of Soldiers from Gounod's Faust. This inspired recording of Highlights comes from the choir's work with the incomparable Eric Ericson.
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The world renowned Orphei Drangar, treats us to a variety of Christmas songs from around the world, including Scandinavia, Germany, England and France. Selections include Gustaf Nordqvist's sweet lullaby "Jul, jul stralande jul," "Ave Maria" by Franz Biebl and "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen." Conducted by Robert Sund, this wonderful choir is joined by soprano Christina Hogman and baritone Peter Mattei with Bengt Forsberg on organ. This is a simply beautiful recording.
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More silliness from Sweden's all-male choir Orphei Drangar (OD), yearly live concerts that were founded in 1962, the ones here taking place from 1987 to 1990, that featured "Caprices," or whims and improvisations in concerts (see review for "Capricer Med OD, Del 1964-69"). 18 songs, some in Swedish, some in English; some favorites are "Mozart's Pianokonsert nr 21," "Bluesette," "Teach Me Tiger," "Sudda, sudda," "Yuppie Rap," "At The Hop/Rock Around the Clock" and "I Could Have Danced All Night." OK, sometimes we wish we could understand Swedish and see what's happening when the audience cracks up, but there's still a lot to get a laugh from and enjoy here.
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In the early sixties the decade was young and people were enthusiastic about anything new. Sweden's Orphei Drangar (OD), an all male choir founded in 1853 changed the formalities of concerts, talking to the audience, allowing laughter and introducing the idea of the "Caprice" in 1962. "Caprice" means "whim" or idea, and it is intended to suggest what is improvised and playful in concerts. The general public longed for such entertainment. Things have changed radically since then, but the basic ideas, surprises, playfulness and high seriousness, craziness but with a requirement of musical quality. "Certainly the lads go astray at times," but nothing ventured, nothing gained. This CD is a "best of" these Caprice concerts, from 1964 to 1969. Unannounced guest artists were a fundamental idea. These included Sven-Bertil Taube, a small ensemble from the choir called the Olsson Quintet made a celebrated debut. Sten-Gunnar Hellstrom presented his condensed version of Swedish musical history, composer Sten Broman was released in his purple tux, and talked for a quarter of an hour about 2 songs with a duration of 3 minutes. There are 22 songs, ending with G. Wennerberg's "Slut Godnatt," an amorous lover's "Wake Up" serenade (to make sure she was not sleeping, leaving him to sing love songs uselessly to himself). All live, in Swedish and in some English, with some light accompaniment and quite a bit of audience laughter. We wish we could understand some of the jokes, but some bits, like "Dolly," "Embraceable You," "Domardansen" and "Beatlespassion" give us a pretty good idea of what's going on. Interesting concept, with some good music and funny stuff.
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| O Sing Unto the Lord - Julian Anderson Christus Vincit - James MacMillan Ecce Beatam Lucem - Jonathan Dove Libera Nos - Ryan Wigglesworth On the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin - James MacMillan Into Thy Hands - Jonathan Dove Love Bade Me Welcome - Judith Weir Since I Believe - Robin Holloway A Prayer of St. Augustine - Francis Grier Surrexit Christus - Tarik O'Regan Jesu, Dulcis Memoria - Peter Wishart Whitsun Carol, Op.115b - John Joubert Salve Regina - Gabriel Jackson |
The deeply expressive music of Nicholas Ludford (c. 1485-1557) has been re-discovered only relatively recently. Few composers of his stature - comparable to that of John Taverner - have been so comprehensively and so unjustly ignored for nearly fi ve centuries. Recorded in the glorious acoustic of Saint-Martin de Hoff, Sarrebourg - a perfect environment for this extraordinary music - the disc features the Missa benedicta et venerabilis, one of Ludford’s most accomplished festal Masses, with its plainsong propers, and two of his extended votive antiphons: Domine Jesu Christe and Ave cuius conceptio. Under the leadership of Edward Higginbottom, the Choir of New College, Oxford, has gained a worldwide reputation and is known particularly for its stylish performances of Renaissance and Baroque music
| 8909 CD $18.95 |
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New College Choir brings the ideal combination of vocal freshness and consummate experience to this music, with commendable individual standout solos exemplifying the standard of the ensemble as a whole. The recording has admirable atmosphere and transparency. If you associate Poulenc with frivolity, lightness and superficiality, track 20 on the first CD here is the antidote. Austere, dramatic, deeply serious, the eight-minute Litanies à la Vierge noire is as far removed from the image of Poulenc the playboy boulevardier as possible. The Mass is an excellent performance of Poulenc’s a cappella masterpiece, the edgy rhythmic detailing of the Kyrie and Gloria pluckily projected. A special mention is due to Sasha Ockenden, soaring confidently in the fearfully exposed treble solos of the beautiful Agnus Dei.
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Throughout the disc Higginbottom draws exemplary clarity of texture from his New College choristers; the tantalizing, almost acidic harmonies of all these pieces are laid out like jewels ready for the closest of inspections. Moments of beauty (and they come thick and fast) are deliciously understated . . . for performances which are full of musical and artistic integrity and a real sense of involvement with the music, these from New College, Oxford are in a class of their own.
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This recording of North American music of the last fifty or so years includes music by a Russian, Igor Stravinsky. His origins notwithstanding, he is one of the ‘grand old men’ of twentieth-century American music, having become an American citizen in the early 1940s, shortly before writing his Mass for choir and double wind quintet. The recording ends with a spiritual, arranged by one of Britain’s most eminent twentieth-century composers - a sort of compliment to the American tradition from the other side of the pond. The rest of the music speaks for itself, with an inimitable American accent from beginning to end. "Copland's In the beginning is a stern test for any choir in a live performance...This recording is an amazing tour de forceintonation spot-on, effortless high As from the boys and finally a B flat, all superbly delivered. This CD is well worth having for this refreshingly affirmative evocation of the Creation alone." Gramophone Magazine
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One of the UK's finest, oldest male choirs (New College was founded in the 14th century), the prolific Choir of New College, directed by the renowned Edward Higgenbottom, presents works from the finest period of English choral polyphony (Cornysh, Ludford, Tallis, Taverner, etc.) are juxtaposed with contemporary compositions by Jonathan Harvey, Giles Swayne and John Tavener, music separated by several centuries but sharing the same quality of deeply charged abstraction. Some of the most beautiful, extensive, full-color liner notes we've seen.
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The Choir produces a fine balance, with an overall tone quality which proclaims their expertise in singing services, the boys especially being able to produce thin polished brass as well as peach-blossom tone as required. Directed by Edward Higgenbottom.
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This is a splendid sampling of some of the world's finest choral music, sung by one of the world's outstanding choirs. This "anthology of sacred choral music" spans 400 years and includes such masterpieces as Allegri's Miserere, Bach's "Jesu, joy of man's desiring," and Barber's exquisite Agnus Dei, which is the composer's choral setting of his famous Adagio for Strings. Along the way we also hear Mozart's sublime "Ave verum corpus," Elgar's "Lux aeterna," and the Kyrie from Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli. There has been a choir at England's New College, Oxford, since the year 1379, and this impressive line of experience shows in the intelligent, unfaltering, and finely polished performances by today's ensemble of 16 boys and 12 adults.
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The Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble was created in 1978 in Moscow, mostly to raise the cultural level and maintain the battle-readiness of the strategic rocket forces and other elements of the Red Army. A Russian proverb says "A fairy tale is a lie, but a song tells the truth." Fairy tales have become rare in present-day Russia, but folk tunes still form an integral part of daily life. Accompanied by the balalaika and the bayan (a large button-key accordion), these songs tell of love and loss, of sadness and solace, of brave deeds and everyday problems. Humor and dance can be found here, as well as melancholic longing and heroic pathos. Some favorites of the 18 songs: "Regimental Polka," "Kalinka," "Volga Boat Song," "The Swallow," "The Brave Don Cossacks," "Wait For Your Soldier," "Ochi Chornye-Dark Eyes," "In The Sunny Meadow," "The Cliff," and "On The March." All accompanied. "Kalinka" beautifully captures the brash power and deep emotions of the Red Star Red Army Chorus.
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The Red Army Choir was formed out of Moscow's Central Army Club in 1928. Under the name Red Army Song Ensemble, twelve soldier-performers - a vocal octet, a bayan player, 2 dancers, and a reciter - officially performed for the first time on October 12, 1928, at the Frunze Club under the direction of their conductor, Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov, a young music professor at the Moscow Conservatory. The ensemble grew to serve as the official army choir of the former Soviet Union's Red Army. The choir consists of a male choir, an orchestra, and a dance ensemble. The songs here range from Russian folk tunes to Church hymns, operatic arias popular music and patriotic songs.
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For over thirty years The Rustavi Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Anzor Erkomaishvili, have been painstaking in collecting and sometimes recreating the songs, instrumental music and dance of all the regions of Georgia which were the domains of separate tribes and therefore unique musical traditions. The songs on this recording were chosen from an anthology entitled "100 Georgian Folk Songs" which had been commissioned by Melodiya, the Soviet recording company, in the mid 1980's. The compiler was Ted Levin who, with Anzor, picked a wide stylistic representation of the three part polyphony which is unique to the area. The music sounds Eastern and Western, religious and secular, modern and archaic all at the same time. Among the singing techniques on this disc you'll find a unique, high-register, sustained yodel called krimanchuli to be a completely original sound found nowhere else in the world. It is amazing!
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| Die Nacht Die Nachtigall Wehmuth Der Gondelfahrer Mondenschein Nachthelle Das Dorfchen Die Einsiedelei Sehnsucht Grab Und Mond Fruhlingsgesang Liebe Widerspruch An Den Fruhling La Pastorella Standchen Der Entfernten |
In addition to his many solo songs, Franz Schubert wrote about one hundred
male quartets and choruses. These part songs, like their solo counterparts,
use texts by the great poets, like Goethe and Schiller, and have equally beautiful
melodies. The popularity of these pieces was due to the development of music
making by the middle class. Small public concerts, given in taverns or peoples
homes, were places that the songs would be performed. Schubert was often requested
to compose these part-songs for the occasions. Among the all male songs is the
gem "Standchen" which is scored for alto and male chorus with piano accompaniment.
The men of the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers perform these rarely heard pieces
with great beauty and lyricism. The songs on this CD are a cappella, with a
few having guitar or piano accompaniment.
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6226 CD $15.98 |
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Recorded in 1960, under the direction of one of the foremost conductors of the modern age - Shaw's resume includes collaborations with Arturo Toscanini - "Sea Shanties" is not merely a period piece. The 16 shanties, arranged by Robert Shaw and his frequent associate, Alice Parker, are stirring and invigorating, as was indeed their purpose, as many of them supplied the rhythmic accompaniment for hard manual labor. Slower tasks required a commensurate meter: "Shenandoah" and "Lowlands" are typical examples. Finally, in their down time, sailors would sing for entertainment, often recalling exotic ports-of-call, and romanticizing their adventures ("Swansea Town," "Santy Anna"). Four songs have acoustic guitar. Songlist
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| The Star-Spangled Banner - Francis Scott Key O Home Beloved - J. A. Parks Behold Man Ronald Nelson The Testament of Freedom I. The God Who Gave Us Life - Randall Thompson II. We Have Counted the Cost - Randall Thompson III. We Fight Not For Glory - Randall Thompson IV. I Shall Not Die Without A Hope - Randall Thompson Pater Noster - Franz Biebl The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard - Benjamin Britten Weepe Not - Jackson Berkey Dies Irae - Z. Randall Stroope Private First Class Jesse Givens - Lee Hoiby Battle Hymn of the Republic - William Steffe/ Peter Wilhousky The Morning Trumpet - Mack Wilberg Poor Man Lazrus - Jester Hairston By the Sword/ Sons of Dixie - Frank Wildhorn/ Tom Anderson |
The Singing Statesmen celebrated their 40th Anniversary Season in 2005-6 as one of the premier university male choruses in the US. Founder Morris D. Hayes sought to create an outstanding choral ensemble for male voices and directed the choir from 1966 to 1988, followed by Bruce G. McInnes from 1988 to 1990, and Gary R. Schwartzhoff from 1991 to the present. The Statesmen have performed to appreciate audiences at ACDA Conventions, and on five International Concert Tours, including one to Rio de Janieiro, Brazil in 2005. These 16 songs appropriately begin with "The Star Spangled Banner" and J.A. Parks' "O Home Beloved," Randall Thompson's 4 part "The Testament of Freedom," Franz Biebl's "Pater Noster," Benjamin Britten's "The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard," Z. Randall Stroope's "Dies Irae," Lee Hoiby's a cappella "Private First Class Jesse Givens," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," a pair of African-American Folksongs, "The Morning Trumpet" and "Poor Man Lazrus" and "By the Sword"/"Sons of Dixie" by Frank Wildhorn/Tom Anderson. You will surely enjoy the wonderful, rich harmonies and powerful lyrics from this spirited, renowned veteran Collegiate ensemble! There is some piano accompaniment.
Listen to "O Home Beloved" in Real Audio.
| 9048 CD $15.95 |
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Folk, composed and orthodox church music from Georgia, Armenia, Macedonia and Bulgaria are heard on this recording by Slavyanka. Selections include, "Vo Tsarstvii Tvoyem" by Dmitri Khristov with an especially lovely tenor solo and "Milost' Mira/Tyebe Poyem" by Nikolai Kompaneyski with its very warm bass lines. The recording also includes brief introductions explaining the meanings and sources of each song. Led by Gregory Smirnov deep bass voices and high tenors lift you with their expression of the Slavic soul in song.
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This third album by the Northern California chorus, Slavyanka, is an assortment of Russian sacred, secular, classical and folk music. It is intended to be a journey through Russian history to explore where soul and spirit have taken shape in music. The music draws on the traditions of the Orthodox Church and Byzantine chant and the often suppressed folk songs and includes compositions of the Russian nationalist composers like Musorgsky and Shostakovich. Led by founder Paul Andrews, this group is helping to bring the religious and secular choral traditions of Russia and other regions of Eastern Europe to the rest of the world.
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| Aus Tiefer Not Ave Maria Mitten Wir Im Leben Sind Hor Mein Bitten Warum Toben Die Harden Richte Mich Gott Zum Abendsegen Kyrie Eleison Helig Helig Ist Gott Der Herr Zebaoth Ehre Sei Gott in Der Hohe Verleih Uns Frieden O For The Wings |
Nowhere is Mendelssohn’s creative psyche more poignantly exposed than in his choral works. His desire to create music rewarding for performers and listeners alike is everywhere apparent, as is his always mellifluous and gracious vocal writing. Most endearing of all are Mendelssohn’s worlds of dreamlike contentment, which cocoon the listener in a web of enchanted idealism. Hör mein Bitten (Hear my prayer) is the most popular of his small-scale choral works and was composed during Mendelssohn’s eighth visit to England in 1844, just before he began putting the finishing touches to his violin concerto. The piece conjures up the feelings of peace and contentment in the flowing melodic lines of the inimitable O for the wings of a dove, which is also on this disc in its famous English adaptation. All of these sacred works are radiantly performed by The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge under David Hill in the first of a new series of recordings on the Hyperion label.
| 8333 CD $18.95 |
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As one of England's oldest and most respected male choirs one expects great recordings and this collection of the favourites of director Christopher Robinson is a real treat. Recorded in the Chapel this recording demonstrates the Choir's remarkable repertoire stretching from the 15th century until the present day.
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Conductor Christopher Robinson directs this historic and highly regarded choir as they perform a thoughtful collection of popular choral music of many of the great composers including Haydn, Fauré, Wesley, Brahms, Mozart, Elgar, Bruckner, Rachmaninov, Byrd, Rossini, Grieg, Mendelssohn, Franck, Stanford and Duruflé.
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| One By One Exsultate Justi Barechu The Word Was God Ave Maria Agnus Dei Lost In The Night Betelehemu O God, Our Help In Ages Past This Is My Song Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder The Water Is Wide/Blow Ye Winds Danny Boy Byker Hill Loch Lomond Plenty Good Room Shine On Me |
Dr. Christopher Aspaas, assistant professor of choral/vocal music at Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College directs the Viking Chorus, a group of more than 80 first-year student men who have been organized to sing the highest quality literature. Their repertoire includes motets, cantata movements and anthems, contemporary choral pieces, spirituals, folksongs, and music traditionally associated with men's singing groups. There are 17 songs here, some favorites are the Moses Hogan spiritual "Plenty Good Room," the African song "One by One," from "Rhythm of the Pridelands," "The Water is Wide/Blow Ye Winds" medley, the profound "This is My Song" by Jean Sibelius, the rhythmic gem (with non-vocal percussion) "Betelehemu," the powerful spiritual "Rainbow Round My Shoulder," Ludovico Viadana's "Exsultate Justi," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria," Eric Sayre's "Agnus Dei," and the traditional songs "Danny Boy," "Byker Hill," "Loch Lomond" and "Shine on Me." There is some light accompaniment (such as organ, piano and percussion). "Repertoire" is a strong collection, sung with a masculine, soulful spirit that touches and moves us!
Listen to "Danny Boy" in Real Audio.
| 8960 CD $15.95 |
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Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College boasts many fine vocal and instrumental ensembles. The Viking Chorus, founded in 1935, is a group of 60 first-year student men who perform motets, cantatas and anthems, as well as contemporary choral pieces, spirituals, and folksongs. The 26 songs of "When Love is Found" are largely classical sacred music such as Hovland's "The Glory of the Father," Pitoni's "Adoramus te" (We Adore Thee), Byrd's "Agnus Dei," Petrich's "First Born of Creation," Biebl's "Ave Maria" (Angelus Domini), and Gretchaninoff's "Only Begotten Son," the title tune and "Our Father." The beautiful folk song "Down by the Sally Gardens," the sea shanty "What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor," the Irish anthem "Danny Boy," the driving Israeli tune "El Yivneh Hagalil," and the spirituals "Were You There" and "Ain'-a That Good News" bring this very strong collection to a close. Some light accompaniment. A touching blend of sacred and secular music from this renowned ensemble. Listen to "If Ye Love Me" in Real Audio.
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A collection of Sacred Choral Classics, Songs of Christmas, Ethnic Songs and African American Spirituals conducted by Robert Scholz fills this wonderful recording by the Viking Chorus of St. Olaf College. These pieces have been taken from many of their concerts, including their participation in the Christmas festivals. The recording begins with the first and final sections of William Byrd's Mass for Three voices. Other selections include compositions by director Scholz, such as "Set Me as a Seal" with piano and oboe accompaniment and the a cappella "All this Night." They also sing two selections is Swedish. This recording is a well sung variety of repertoire for men's voices.
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The St. Olaf College Viking Chorus is a group of 60 first-year college men who have been organized to sing high quality music written for men's voices. They perform a program that includes motets, cantata movements, as well as contemporary choral pieces, spirituals, folk songs and the like. Included are 24 songs, from the title tune, Richard Farrant's "Hide Not Thou Thy Face," and Vivaldi's "Crucifixus," to Michael Cox' beautiful "O Holy Child," the folk songs "Down By The Sally Gardens" and " The Miller of Dee," closing with the lovely spirituals "Steal Away" and "Somebody's Calling My Name." Smooth, strong harmonies--this is powerful, inspirational spiritual music, sung with youthful energy by this wonderfully directed Christian male chorus. Great stuff!
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| Te Deum Miserere mei Deusl Virgo prudentissima / Fortuna desperata Quid vitam sine te L'homme arme Missa "L'homme arme" Kyrie Gloria Credo Sanctus Agnus Dei |
Missa L'homme Arme: Sacred Music of Ludwig Senfl is the Cheese Lords' second CD, and a world premeire recording of the music of Ludwig Senfl (1486-1543). Senfl was born in Basel, Switzerland around 1486. At an early age he joined the court chapel of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilain I, as a choirboy. In Maximilian's chapel, Senfl met and studied with the court composer Henrich Isaac, and after a brief time away from the chapel, returned as an adult singer and Isaac's principle assistant. After Maximilan's death in 1519, his chapel was disbanded and Senfl's history is less clear. Eventually, he joined the chapel of Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria, where he remained until his death in 1542 or 1543. Senfl was a prolific composer with an output of over 100 mass settings, 50 vespers settings, and over 100 sacred motets. The vast majority of Senfl's music is unrecorded. The Cheese Lords are proud to present this selection of Senfl's sacred work, featuring a mass based on the popular French tune L'homme arme..
| 8658 CD $15.95 |
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Elzéar Genet (c. 1470-1548) sang in the papal chapel under Pope Julius II, and thereafter in the court of the French king Louis XII. On November 5, 1513, he became the first composer to be named Master of the Papal Chapel. Working for Pope Leo X, who, in the Medici tradition, was a lavish patron of the arts, Genet's musical output became exclusively sacred. Although Genet was the first composer to publish his collected works, his music has unjustly fallen into near-oblivion. By the late 16th century, Genet's works had been replaced with newer settings by Palestrina and other composers. Sadly, there are no documented performances of his music again until the early 19th century.
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The rich blend of Tenors, Baritones and Basses in the male voice choir has an appealing homogeneity and power, one that has flourished in Wales hymn-singing festivals for centuries. 15 memorable tunes: "God Bless the Prince of Wales," written in 1862 gets the CD off to a rousing start, and the two best-loved Welsh hymns "Cvm Rhondda" (Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah"), and "The Lord Is My Shepherd," now known as the tune "Crimond" are well done here. "Fantasia on Famous Welsh Airs," the dramatic "The Lost Chord," "See, The Conquering Hero Comes," "The Ash Grove," the exciting "Hunting the Hare," and two spirituals, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Nobody Knows The Trouble I See Lord," are particularly wonderful. Some organ, harp and piano accompaniment. The Tredegar Orpheus Male Voice Choir, directed by Ieuan Davies, and the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir are as good as they come, with a visceral, ancient wall of sound that hits us where we live. "Voice of Wales" is powerful and wonderful!
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The sound of Georgian polyphony is sure to please those who enjoy sacred choral traditions. Multiple unaccompanied voices blend together, weaving counter-melodies to create an awe-inspiring sound of sacred tradition. Georgian vocal polyphony is unlike any other vocal/choral music, Eastern or Western. There are many genres, both sacred and secular, and different styles in different regions. The selections of this CD are from the Kahetia region and are drawn from a large repertoire of ritual songs, carols, and traditional songs that abound in Georgia.
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Table songs are the musical expression of the Georgian cult of wine, and the Tsinandali Choir are famous for their stirring and powerful renditions of this music. Different occasions and events bring Georgians together around their large wooden tables to drink, eat and sing - a birth, a death, a marriage or a holiday. Singing is as natural a part of everyday life as breathing! The Tsinandali Choir is carrying on this ancient tradition in the deep, sonorous polyphonic style of Georgian music.
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| Brothers, Sing On - Grieg Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes - Old English Air The Pasture - Thompson De Animals A-Comin - Traditional Down By The Dawn Of Peace - Jeffers Down By The Sally Gardens - Old Irish Air Ave Maria - Biebl If Ye Love Me - Tallis Spaseniye Sodelal - Chesnokov Song Of Peace - Persichetti Ride The Chariot - Traditional The Long Day Closes - Sullivan Vive L'Amour - Traditional Down In The Valley - Kentucky Folk Song What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor - English Sea Shanty Shenandoah - American Sea Shanty Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Steffe |
The ancient art of men’s choral singing began early in the history of western music. From its roots in Jewish liturgical chant and the monastic chants of the early Christian church, through groups of troubadours in Medieval France and the male singing societies of nineteenth-century England and Germany, the male chorus has a rich and varied history, influenced by many of the world’s most important cultures and religions. In modern times, male chorus traditions are carried on by collegiate and community choruses in dozens of countries around the world. With this program, the Washington Men’s Camerata begins a series of recordings of some of the timeless gems of our repertoire, with the hope that this lasting testament to the power of men’s voices raised in song will serve to inspire future generations of singers.
Listen to "Down By The Sally Gardens" in Real Audio.
| 8404 CD $15.98 |
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Thomas Beveridge and the Washington Men's Camerata give glorious and joyful performances on this Christmas recording. The triumphant title piece "Masters in this Hall" begins with the chorus and a soft drum beat that eventually grows to include organ and virtuosic piano. This and most of the other pieces are arranged by Beveridge, who is very accomplished in writing for men's voices. Juxtaposing the male sound are several soprano solos sung by Rosa Lamoreaux including "The First Mercy" by Peter Warlock. Other highlights include Beveridge's arrangement of "The Shepherds' Farewell" from Berlioz's L'Enfance du Christ and Biebl's peaceful "Ave Maria."
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| Sortunut Aani l Terve Kuu Venematka Saarella Palaa Metsamiehen Laulu Sydameni Laulu Rakastava Koskenlaskijan Morsiametl Tulen Synty Vapautettu Kuningatar Hymn Kuutamolla Isanmaalle Veljeni Vierailla Mailla Har Du Mod y Laulu Lemminkaiselle Jaakarien Marssi Till Havs Humoreski Ne Pitkan Matkan Kulkijat Sibelius, Johan Finlandia-Hymni |
YL Male Voice Choir was founded in 1883 under the auspices of the Helsinki University. Two years later Jean Sibelius became a student at the conservatory in Helsinki, and soon what would become a long and fruitful collaboration began. When the composer made his breakthrough with Kullervo in 1892, singers from YL formed the backbone of the choir, and when he started to write for male choir a cappella the following year his first work was Venematka (The Boat Journey), composed for the choir’s tenth anniversary. After that, a majority of Sibelius's most famous works for male choir were commissioned and premiered by YL, which has never ceased to be regarded as the foremost exponent of Sibelius’s music for male choir the voice of Sibelius! The present program includes both a cappella works and works for male choir and orchestra, in which YL is supported by Lahti Symphony Orchestra conducted by Osmo Vänskä. It takes us through a variety of moods and themes: from the brief and very moving Sydämeni laulu a lullaby for a dead child to Tulen synty (The Origin of Fire), a re-telling of the ancient Kalevala legend of how fire came into the world, as well as the patriotic sentiments of Vapautettu kuningatar (The Captive Queen) and, of course, the hymn from Finlandia, probably Sibelius’s most famous composition, here in a choral version.
| 8921 CD $15.95 |
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Wales is famous for its choirs and SAIN is Wales' foremost recording company, and over the years, it has built up the most comprehensive catalogue ever of Welsh choral singing, including all the leading male voice choirs. This compilation has been carefully selected from the Sain catalogue of recent years to reflect the best of Welsh male choral singing. All the tracks were recorded digitally, ensuring a consistently high standard of sound quality throughout.
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Jerry Blackstone and the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club covers topics such as music-based choral tone including repertoire and the musical challenges inherent therein determining the vocal precedures needed to communicate the composer's intent. Also rehearsal warm ups which utilize different timbres and which present particular challenges for the singing male such as tessitura, register changes and vowel color. Intonation issues are also addressed with a discussion followed by a demonstration of warmups and rehearsal techniques.
| 6053 DVD $29.95 |
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