Gloriae Dei Cantores releases a new Russian CD featuring the recorded premiere of Georgy Sviridov's Ineffable Mystery, a gorgeous sacred choral suite. In his memory, the choir sang this set of pieces in Moscow and the Golden Ring on their third tour of Russia in 1998. Georgy Sviridov was one of Shostakovich's favorite students, wrote the music for Moscow's leading television news program and became one of the leading composers during the Soviet regime. His vocal music has been championed by Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the great Russian baritone. Gloriae Dei Cantores, having already recorded 'the best anthology of Russian music' (American Record Guide for Sacred Songs of Russia), now adds this rich collection of Russian sacred music to their discography. Also included are excerpts from the Tchaikovsky's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and the Rachmaninoff All-Night Vigil.

Over the past thousand years, Russian composers have created an immensely rich and varied body of choral music and chant to express the sacred texts of the liturgy. Sacred Songs of Russia portrays the musical legacy of the Russian people, which comes as a response to the depth of their faith. Among the noteworthy works on this recording, which contains previously released material, are two stirring works by Rachmaninoff including Bogoroditse Devo (Rejoice, O Virgin) from his All Night Vigil, opus 37, and V molitvah (The Mother of God, ever-vigilant in prayer). Perhaps most significant are the Three Choruses of Georgy Sviridov (1915-1998), composed during a time when sacred music was still actively suppressed by the Soviet regime. The three works by Peter Tchaikovsky, Milost' mira (A Mercy of Peace), Angel Vopiyashe (The Angel cried), and Hymn in Honor of SS. Cyril and Methodius, are also strong statements of the Russian faith and expression through music.

This recording of Gregorian Chant from the Glorae Dei Cantores Schola celebrates the Feast of the Resurrection, which is rooted in the earliest centuries of Christian worship. This 'celebration of celebrations' is a time for rebirth, and this recording reflects that sense of personal renewal and joy. The Chants of Easter includes the Propers of Easter Day and chants for the octave of Easter---daily services that are part of the week-long celebration of the Easter miracle. These chants are conveyed with careful attention to subtleties in the ancient Gregorian notation, inviting listeners to share the experience of Christ's resurrection in all its richness.

Depicting the sacred mystery of Christmas in the ancient melodies of Gregorian chant, this recording will enrich anyone's experience of this holy season. The first Mass, the quietly joyful 'Ad Missam in Vigilia,' builds on the anticipation of the coming event, proclaiming the Good News of the salvation prepared for us by a loving God through the birth of His Son. The second Mass, the tender 'Ad Missam in Nocte,' is sung at the hour traditionally oberved as the time of Christ's birth. With exquisite beauty and strength, the Mass celebrated at dawn on Christmas Day, 'Ad Missam in Aurora,' expresses the coming of the Light into the world. The fourth Mass, 'Ad Missam in Die,' is a jubilant expression of the salvation and righteousness of God. This recording also includes special antiphons honoring the Virgin Mary.

The Lord is My Shepherd is the third volume in the American Psalmody series, a distinguished series devoted to musical interpretations of the psalms by American composers. Of a previous recording in this series, Fanfare magazine raved, 'This interesting collection of sacred music, American style, can hardly miss: God Himself seems to have placed His seal of approval on it.' 'The choir has a full, vibrant sound and sings with great fervor. . . Ned Rorem's Two Psalms and a Proverb is absolutely gorgeous. . . Bruce Neswick's stirring anthem I Will Set His Dominion in the Sea is also first-rate.' Gramophone Magazine

Christ's passion, the ultimate sacrifice, is the subject of the third disc, I Am With You. This release includes one of two recordings of the chanted passion narrative according to the Gospel of John, featuring three cantors who assume the characters in the story of the passion. Part of a new series in Gregorian Chant, 'A Celebration of Faith in His Name,' this stirring music evokes the passion, mystery, and beauty of the life of Christ.

The year 2006 marked a major musical anniversary with the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The world has enjoyed the genius of Mozart through his symphonies, operas, chamber and piano music. In addition, his Requiem, left incomplete at his death, remains one of the most beloved of sacred choral works. Gloriae Dei Cantores presents a rare look at a side of Mozart that is not so well known: his contribution to music for the Church. Included in this recording are two rarely heard major works of great beauty and invention: Davide Penitente K. 469 and the Litaniae de venerabili altaris Sacramento K. 243. Also included are a further litany, several motets, and two of the famous church sonatas for small orchestra and organ, giving a rounded picture of Mozart, the sacred musician. Mozart: Rare Choral Works will be a profound experience for the classical music lover and for those who are interested in the sacred side of one of the best-loved composers of all time.

This release from Gloriae Dei Cantores features sacred music from one of the most inspired periods in the arts: the Renaissance. Each of the European schools of composition (Italian, Flemish, German, Spanish, and English) is represented by a total of twenty composers, offering a fascinating cross-section of styles and influences. Great masters such as Lassus, Byrd, and Victoria are featured, as well as lesser-known composers such as Hassler, de Wert, and Nanino. The central work of this recording is the Missa super Bella Amfitrit' altera by Lassus, generally considered one of his finest works. Other selections include Anerio's tender and stirring Requiem aeternum and William Byrd's Terra tremuit, which has been described as 'one of the most dramatic texts in the whole of music.'

Seventeen of Gloriae Dei Cantores' finest recordings make their way onto Paths of Grace, the final companion volume to earlier anthologies Eternal Light and Joy and Gladness. The recording features works of Palestrina, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mathias, and many others. The pieces capture a reflective, peaceful spirit with music of graceful melody and flow. Gloriae Dei Cantores' expert renditions of these pieces have had critics reaching for superlatives for nearly two decades now. Their absorption of each composer's style produces interpretations of richness and depth. Experience the special sound of Gloriae Dei Cantores through this wonderful spectrum of choral music.

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, hailed through the centuries as 'prince and father of music,' wrote music of unsurpassed grace and beauty. Issued at the 400th anniversary of the master's death, this album contains the only existing recording of his Missa Descendit Angelus Domini and the Missa Beatae Mariae Virginis II, and six other motets.

Prism features a diverse selection of works handpicked by the artists for the spirit of authenticity that Gloriae Dei Cantores imparts: whether in modern American styles, sacred Russian music, or the magnificence of Palestrina. An anthology of some of the choir's finest recordings with works of Palestrina, Brahms, Mathias, Argento, and others.

For nearly thirty years, Glorae Dei Cantores has traveled extensively, performing in the world's finest concert halls-from London to Moscow, Belgium to Venice, and all over the United States-stirring the hearts of thousands of listeners, delighting classical music fans, and astounding critics with their versatility and interpretive sensitivity. In Eternal Light, Gloriae Dei Cantores presents a 'collector's edition' of some of their most beloved meditative choral works. Ideal for playing at home, on a commute, at the office, or any place that would be enhanced by the lush choral melodies of Palestrina, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Argento, and others.

The Coming of Christ is the first of a series of three CDs using the exquisite music of Gregorian chant to describe and illuminate the life of Christ. Sung by the Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola and conducted by Dr. Mary Berry, CBE, these reknowned experts bring a wealth of experience to the interpretation of the chant. Well-known pieces alternate with numerous antiphons to bring us closer to the time of Christ's birth and early childhood. The prophetic announcements, the longing and anticipation of Christ's birth as well as the joy of the angels' message are all vividly portrayed in the chant. Chant-based organ works by French composers Alexandre Guilmant and Charles-Marie Widor frame this program celebrating the life of Christ. These are the first recordings to be made in the superb acoustics of the Church of the Transfiguration, a basilican church made of limestone, in a modern-day abbey.

Gloriae Dei Cantores celebrates the rich contribution of Spanish music and culture to the world. This recording spans 500 years, from the golden age of the Spanish Renaissance, with works by Guerrero, Victoria and Morales to the 20th century, with music by Rodrigo. Also included are works of Mexican composers de Zumaya (a striking setting of the Miserere) and Carlos Chavez, and Latin-American composers such as Villa-Lobos, Casals, and Joaquin Nin. Esperanza will be a revelation to those unfamiliar with the riches of Spanish literature and a great discovery for all devotees of choral music.