March 27, 2011

WomenSing - Songs of Innocence and Experience

Listen to rousing gospel songs, an eloquent arrangement of the hymn Amazing Grace by Ron Jeffers, Vivaldi’s spirited Beatus Vir accompanied by the Jubilate Orchestra strings, contemporary works by composers such as Andrew Carter, Otmar Mácha, and WomenSing’s commissioned work by Libby Larsen. As its title suggests, the emotions portrayed will run the gamut as well: from the mystery of Annunciation to the menacing meandering of The Wendigo; from the full range experience of love fulfilled in the sensual Nigra Sum by Catalunyan composer Pau Casals, to the dreamy lilting of the Canadian folk tune Away From the Roll of the Sea. 5913 CD 15.95

Posted by acapnews at 1:51 AM

March 22, 2011

Amabile Young Women's Ensemble - Ripple Effect

This double CD features many new commission pieces for Amabile as well as new recordings of familiar pieces with a next generation of women singing them. Ripple Effect, 25th Anniversary Celebration is a tribute to the past and looks to the future. The lyrics from Stephen Hatfield's latest commission for the Amabile Young Women's Ensemble, Ripple Effect, state: "Dip your fingers in the water and the rings will spread to who knows how far away. Beyond what you see, beyond what you hear, beyond what you hope. We are sending out Amabile. Dip your fingers in the water. Send your voices into the air." 6128 2CDs 24.95

Posted by acapnews at 1:53 AM

March 19, 2011

Santa Fe Women's Ensemble - A Celebration of Song

"A Celebration of Song" is the 13- to 14-voice SFWE's fourth CD under the direction of Dr. Linda Raney, released in honor of their 30th Anniversary Season. Featured are live pieces from Christmas and Spring Offering concerts from 2007 to 2010, including songs performed in Tuscany and Umbria during their 2008 tour of Italy. The repertoire varies from contemporary and commissioned works to folk songs and carols. There are 21 cuts here, and some of our favorites are commissioned works like Samuel Gordon's "As I Lay Upon a Night" and "Gaude virgo gratiosa," Kinley Lange's "Esto Les Digo" and Linda Rice Beck's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo;" Bob Chilcott's "Sanctus from A Little Jazz Mass," the Korean folk/work song "K'wae-jina Ching-ching Nah-neh," Eleanor Daley's "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," Kenneth Jennings' "Willows by the Water Side," and traditional songs "Rouse Good Folk" and "Watching at Night," arranged by Katherine Davis. There is some light piano and flute accompaniment. A beautiful live collection from the talented Santa Fe Women's Ensemble! 6103 CD 15.95

Posted by acapnews at 1:55 AM