Songs in the Silence

Track Listings

1. Anam Cara

2. Tender Mercies

3. An Irish Lullabye

4. Spring Lake

5. Wind in the Pines

6. Song for Blackie

7. Ramon

8. Black Canyon

9. The Dream

10. Travelling Song

11. Amazing Grace

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
This is a heartfelt collection of meditative,acoustic guitar pieces composed and performed by Timothy Valentine. Tim has developed a unique style of playing that takes the listener on an emotional inner journey- a journey home. This is a popular album that is deeply moving and touches the heart and soul.

Tracks:

First Booke Of Songes: I. Unquiet Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: II. Who Ever Thinks Or Hopes Of Love
First Booke Of Songes: III. My Thoughts Are Wing'd With Hopes
First Booke Of Songes: IV. If My Complaints Could Passions Move
First Booke Of Songes: V. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
First Booke Of Songes: VI. Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
First Booke Of Songes: VII. Dear, If You Change
First Booke Of Songes: VIII. Burst Fourth My Tears
First Booke Of Songes: IX. Go Crystal Tears
First Booke Of Songes: X. Think'st Thou Then By Thy Feigning
First Booke Of Songes: XI. Come Away, Come Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XII. Rest Awhile, You Cruel Cares
First Booke Of Songes: XIII. Sleep, Wayward Thoughts
First Booke Of Songes: XIV. All Ye, Whom Love Or Fortune Hath Betray'd
First Booke Of Songes: XV. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me
First Booke Of Songes: XVI. Would My Conceit
First Booke Of Songes: XVII. Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
First Booke Of Songes: XVIII. His Golden Locks
First Booke Of Songes: XIX. Awake, Sweet Love
First Booke Of Songes: XX. Come, Heavy Sleep
First Booke Of Songes: XXI. Away With These Self-Loving Lads

Tracks:

Second Booke Of Songs: I. I Saw My Lady Weep
Second Booke Of Songs: II. Flow My Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: III. Sorrow, Stay
Second Booke Of Songs: IV. Die Not Before Thy Day
Second Booke Of Songs: V. Mourn, Mourn, Day Is With Darkness Fled
Second Booke Of Songs: VI. Time's Eldest Son
Second Booke Of Songs: VII. Then Sit Thee Down
Second Booke Of Songs: VIII. When Others Sing Venite
Second Booke Of Songs: IX. Praise Blindness Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: X. O Sweet Woods
Second Booke Of Songs: XI. If Floods Of Tears
Second Booke Of Songs: XII. Fine Knacks For Ladies
Second Booke Of Songs: XIII. Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes
Second Booke Of Songs: XIV. Come Ye Heavy States Of Night
Second Booke Of Songs: XV. White As Lilies Was Her Face
Second Booke Of Songs: XVI. Woeful Heart
Second Booke Of Songs: XVII. A Shepherd In A Shade
Second Booke Of Songs: XVIII. Faction That Ever Dwells
Second Booke Of Songs: XIX. Shall I Sue
Second Booke Of Songs: XX. Toss Not My Soul
Second Booke Of Songs: XXI. Clear Or Cloudy
Second Booke Of Songs: XXII. Humour Say What Mak'st Thou Here

Tracks:

Third Booke Of Songs 1603: I. Farewell, Too Fair
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: II. Time Stands Still
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: III. Behold A Wonder Here
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IV. Daphne Was Not So Chaste
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: V. Me, Me, And None But Me
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VI. When Phoebus First Did Daphne Love
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VII. Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VIII. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IX. What If I Never Speed?
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: X. Love Stood Amazed
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XI. Lend Your Ears To My Sorrow
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XII. By A Fountain Where I Lay
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIII. O What Hath Overwrought
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIV. Farewell, Unkind
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XV. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVI. Fie On This Feigning!
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVII. I Must Complain
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVIII. It Was A Time When Silly Bees
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIX. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XX. What Poor Astronomers Are They
Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XXI. Come When I Call

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: I. Disdain Me Still
A Pilgrimes Solace: II. Sweet Stay Awhile
A Pilgrimes Solace: III. To Ask For All Thy Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IV. Love, Those Beams That Breed
A Pilgrimes Solace: V. Shall I Strive Wih Words To Move?
A Pilgrimes Solace: VI. Were Every Thought An Eye
A Pilgrimes Solace: VII. Stay, Time, Awhile Thy Flying
A Pilgrimes Solace: VIII. Tell Me, True Love
A Pilgrimes Solace: IX. Go Nightly Cares
A Pilgrimes Solace: X. From Silent Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XI. Lasso vita mia
A Pilgrimes Solace: XII. In This Trembling Shadow Cast
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIII. If That A Sinner's Sights
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIV. Thou Mighty God
A Pilgrimes Solace: XV. When David's Life
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVI. When The Poor Cripple

Tracks:

A Pilgrimes Solace: XVII. Where Sin Sore Wounding
A Pilgrimes Solace: XVIII. My Heart And Tongue Were Twins
A Pilgrimes Solace: XIX. Up Merry Mates
A Pilgrimes Solace: XX. Welcome Black Night
A Pilgrimes Solace: XXI. Cease, Cease These False Sports
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Lachrimae Pavane
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can Shee
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: The Frogge
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Frog's Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavana And Galiarda
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana Lachrymae
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can She Excuse
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavion Solus cum sola
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Dowland's Almayne
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Piper's Paven And Galliard
Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavan Lachrymae

Tracks:

Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: I. The Lamentation Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: II. Domine ne in furore
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: III. Miserere mei Deus
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: IV. The Humble Suit Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: V. The Humble Complaint Of A Sinner
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VI. De profundis
Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VII. Domine exaudi
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Gementes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Tristes
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Coactae
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Amantis
Lachrimae: Lachrimae Verae
Lachrimae: Mr. John Langton's Pavan
Lachrimae: Mr. Nicholas Gryffith His Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir John Souch His Galiard
Lachrimae: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
Lachrimae: Mr. Giles Hobies Galiard
Lachrimae: The King Of Denmark's Galiard
Lachrimae: Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall
Lachrimae: Mr. Henry Noell His Galiard
Lachrimae: The Earl Of Essex Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Bucton His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. George Whitehead His Almand
Lachrimae: Captain Digorie Piper His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mr. Thomas Collier His Galiard
Lachrimae: Mrs. Nichols Almand

Tracks:

Sacred Songs: Sorrow, Come!
Sacred Songs: I Shame At Mine Unworthiness
Sacred Songs: An Heart That's Broken And Contrite
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 38: Put Me Not To Rebuke O Lord
Psalms: Psalm 130: Lord To Thee I Make My Moan
Psalms: Psalm 104: My Soul Praise The Lord
Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Psalms: Psalm 134: Behold And Have Regard
A Prayer For The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
Instrumental Music: Solus cum sola pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Galliard
Instrumental Music: Pipers Pavan
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
Instrumental Music: Lady Rich Galliard
Instrumental Music: Earl Of Essex Galliard
Instrumental Music: If My Complaints
Instrumental Music: Lachrimae Doolande
Instrumental Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home
Instrumental Music: My Lord Chamberlaine His Galliard
Instrumental Music: Comagain
Instrumental Music: Pavan Lachrymae
Instrumental Music: Sorrow Stay

Tracks:

Lute Music: Preludium
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Can She Excuse
Lute Music: Dr. Case's Pavan
Lute Music: Melancholy Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Smith, His Almain
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: A Dream
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: The Queen's Galliard
Lute Music: Coranto
Lute Music: Resolution
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux Galliard
Lute Music: Almain
Lute Music: Mr. Dowland's MIdnight
Lute Music: Fantasia
Lute Music: Loth To Depart
Lute Music: The Most Sacred Queen Elizabeth, Her Galliard
Lute Music: The Earl Of Essex, His Galliard
Lute Music: Pavan
Lute Music: John Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Aloe
Lute Music: The Lady Clifton's Spirit
Lute Music: What If A Day
Lute Music: Mr. Giles Hobie's Galliard
Lute Music: Come Away (Song arrangement)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Lachrimae (Basic Version)
Lute Music: Galliard To Lachrimae
Lute Music: [Jig]
Lute Music: Galliard On 'Wasingham'
Lute Music: Complaint (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Mignarda (Galliard)
Lute Music: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens (Pavan)
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: A Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Piper's Pavan
Lute Music: Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Laiton's Almain
Lute Music: Dowland's Galliard
Lute Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Lute Music: Tarleton's Jig
Lute Music: Walsingham (ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Sir Henry Guilforde, His Almain
Lute Music: Pavan (Related To 'Lachrimae')
Lute Music: Mr. Langton's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Clifton's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almain)
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Go From My Window (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: Pavana Johan Douland
Lute Music: Mrs. Brigide Fleetwood's Pavan (Solus sine sola)
Lute Music: La mia Barbara
Lute Music: Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral (Pavan)
Lute Music: Lachrimae
Lute Music: Farewell Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)
Lute Music: Farewell (On The 'In Nomine' Theme)
Lute Music: The King of Denmark's Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux's Jig
Lute Music: Mrs. Nichol's Almain
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Lord Strang's March
Lute Music: Mrs. Winter's Jump
Lute Music: Can She Excuse (Galliard)
Lute Music: The Shoemaker's Wife, A Toy
Lute Music: Mrs. Norrish's Delight
Lute Music: Galliard
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Thing (Almain)
Lute Music: Mrs. White's Nothing
Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
Lute Music: Solus cum sola
Lute Music: The Lord Viscount Lisle, His Galliard
Lute Music: Orlando Sleepeth (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Robin (Ballad Setting)
Lute Music: Galliard (On A Galliard By Daniel Bacheler)
Lute Music: Forlorn Hope Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)

Tracks:

Lute Music: The Lady Russell's Pavan
Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
Lute Music: Sir John Langton's Pavan
Lute Music: Earl Of Derby, His Galliard
Lute Music: A Coy Toy
Lute Music: Fortune My Foe
Lute Music: [Almain]
Lute Music: Mr. Knight's Galliard
Lute Music: Sir John Souch His Galliard
Lute Music: Tarletone's Riserrectione
Lute Music: The Lady Rich, Her Galliard
Consort Music: Lachrimae Pavan
Consort Music: Can She Excuse Galliard
Consort Music: Captain Piper's Pavan And Galliard
Consort Music: The Frog Galliard
Consort Music: Round Battell Galliard
Consort Music: Fortune My Foe
Consort Music: Dowland's First Galliard
Consort Music: Katherine Darcie's Galliard
Consort Music: Tarleton's Jigge
Consort Music: Almain a 2
Consort Music: Mistress Nichols Almain a 2
Fullsack And Hildebrandt: Auserlesener Paduanen und Galliarden: Susanna Fair (Galliard)
Haussmann: Rest von polnischen und andern Tanzen: Mistress Nichols Alman a 5
Opusculum: Mr. John Langton Pavan And Galliard
Opusculum: La mia Barbara Pavan and Galliard
Opusculum: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae Pavan and Galliard

Tracks:

Consort Music: Mistress NIchols Almain
Consort Music: Volta a 4 ('Ioh. Douland')
Consort Music: Were Every Thought an Eye
Consort Music: Lady If You So Spite Me
Consort Music: Pavan a 4
A Musicall Banquet: I. My Heavy Sprite (Anthony Holborne)
A Musicall Banquet: II. Change Thy Mind Since She Doth Change (Richard Martin)
A Musicall Banquet: III. O Eyes, Leave Off Your Weeping (Robert Hales)
A Musicall Banquet: IV. Go, My Flock, Go Get You Hence (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: V. O Dear Life, When Shall It Be? (Anon.)
A Musicall Banquet: VI. To Plead My Faith (Daniel Bacheler)
A Musicall Banquet: VII. In A Grove Most Rich Of Shade (Guillaume Tessier)
A Musicall Banquet: VIII. Far From Triumphing Court
A Musicall Banquet: IX. Lady, If You So Spite Me
A Musicall Banquet: X. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
A Musicall Banquet: XI. Si le parler et le silence (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XII. Ce penser qui sans fin tirannise ma vie (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIII. Vous que le Bonheur rappelle (Pierre Guedron)
A Musicall Banquet: XIV. Passava Amor su arco desarmado (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XV. Sta notte mi sognava (Anon. Italian)
A Musicall Banquet: XVI. Vuestros ojos tienen d'Amor (Anon. Spanish)
A Musicall Banquet: XVII. Se di farmi morire (Domenico Maria Megli)
A Musicall Banquet: XVIII. Dovro dunque morire? (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XIX. Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini)
A Musicall Banquet: XX. O bella piu (Anon, Italian)

Customer Reviews:

A musical treasure-box.......2006-09-10

Both the music and this actual product are masterpieces. John Dowland's collected works here - covering 12 compact discs - exhibit the depth and power of this composer, a composer who many now regard as suffering from clinical depression. I doubt that the issue of the diagnosis of Dowland's depression can ever be settled, however, it is certainly obvious from his music, so completely on display here, that he was a man with very dark depths and corners in his mind. Dowland's various manifestations and "takes" on his own tune, "Flow my tears"/"Lachrimae" are here. This tune has haunted me ever since I first heard it when I was a child. It seems to sum up Dowland's feelings - at least Dowland seems to have thought so.

The First, Second, Third and Fourth Bookes of Songes, A Musicall Banquet, the keyboard transcriptions, all the lute music, consort music are here and virtually everything else written or supposedly written by John Dowland. Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke perform this music with style and feeling throughout. This 12 CD set is something of a monument to the ensemble - I only wish they'd finished their collection of Monteverdi madrigals, which was equally good (La Venexiana are currently doing a magnificent job of recording all Monteverdi's books of madrigals for the GLOSSA label).

This is an expensive set, however, you will probably never need to buy another John Dowland CD again after buying and listening to this collection.

I bought this CD set on a mild Summer evening of 1998 and listened to it while sitting in my sun room - which a glorious orange sunset in progress, and a glass of wine. It brought back so many memories.

a beautiful journey into melancholy.......2001-06-15

I'm amazed at how many people tend to associate John Dowland's music with a tragic sense of drama. While no doubt this is art highly based on sadness, the "tragic" sense of it is more a legacy from the Romantic period. During the Renaissance, however, sadness was undestood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life. That is also the reason why Shakespeare's tragedies appear more sophisticated than his comedies.

Tracks:

Clair De Lune, Op. 42 No. 2
Mandoline, Op. 46 No. 2
Apres Un Reve , Op.58 No.1
Soir, Op. 83 No. 2
Nell, Op. 18 No. 1
Beau Soir
Mandoline
Apparition
Chansons De Bilitis: I - La Flute De Pan
Chansons De Bilitis: II - La Chevelure
Chansons De Bilitis: III - Le Tombeau Des Naiades
Nocturne
Nachtgebet
Selige Nacht
Pierrot Dandy
Ruhe, Meine Seele!, Op. 27 No. 1
Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 No. 5
Leises Lied, Op. 39 No. 1
Leise Lieder, Op. 41a No. 5
Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
Zdes Khorosho, Op. 21 No. 7
V Molchani Nochi Taynoy, Op. 4 No. 3
Rechnaya Liliya, Op. 8 No. 1
Son, Op. 38 No. 5
Eti Letniye Nochi, Op. 14 No. 5
Ne Poy, Krasavitsa, Op. 4 No. 4

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Soprano Renée Fleming's mastery of a wide repertory extends to the more rarefied world of song on this disc. A French group opens the disc--11 songs by Fauré and Debussy that are often elusive, wedded to a style of intimacy not always comfortable for non-French opera singers. Fleming's not completely at home in them, often overinterpreting songs whose style is too fragile and understated for such an approach. Still, she offers many moments of rapturous singing, such as the way she floats the last word, "mystérieuse," of Fauré's "Après un rëve," tingeing it with eroticism.

"Mandolin" appears in two versions, Fauré's gently swinging one balanced by Debussy's bouncier take. The Rachmaninoff set also fascinates, her sensuous voice bringing its own rewards. Best of all are the German lieder by Joseph Marx and Richard Strauss. This is closer to home for Fleming, and one senses an ease in her singing that digs behind the words to the meaning of the poems. The Marx set is the highlight, perhaps because his songs are the least familiar here. They're also things of great beauty, and Fleming makes the most of the dreamily sensuous "Selige Nacht" and the twisted, nightmarish waltz of "Pierrot Dandy." The Strauss songs are as good: to cite one highlight, Fleming's rapt inwardness makes "Ruhe meine Seele" compelling. Her voice is never less than drop-dead gorgeous, and she's neatly accompanied by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. A feast for Fleming fans. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers.......2007-06-08

It was thrilling to hear songs from Rachmaninov on this album. And the Strauss and Marx pieces give almost a contemporary feel (considering they ARE almost contemporary composers).

Thibaudet plays with a sensitive, emotional touch and was a wonderful choice as a pianist on this album.

My reason for a less than perfect scoring was due to the almost harsh edges of Renee Fleming's singing due to her unyielding control. For a voice so full of warmth and depth to be so forcefully held back, the result is a tension that the ear pushes to resolve, but never does. I wonder how she would sound if she would allow more freedom in her voice.

Masterful.......2007-03-22

Apart from an occasional very slight diction problem this is a masterful recital disc that belongs in the very highest echelon.

Fleming combines an highly imaginative approach with an equally appropriate chameleon like adaptation of the coloration of her voice to each of the individual composers. Thibaudet, who performs all of the featured composers in his piano repertoire is an ideal accompanist.
The recording is colorful and provides a flawless balance between voice and piano.

In all, a masterful must.

Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!.......2005-10-30

This is a CD that every household should have. Masterful piano playing and even more masterful singing make this CD exquisite. Yes, I'm quite partial to Diva Fleming, but let's face it, America hasn't had a soprano with such skill in an awfully long time. Listen to her breath control on track 8 - OY! The closing number "Ne Poy, Krasavitsa" gets me every time. Here she starts to wail pretty heavily, ending the climactic powerful phrase with a wallop of a high A and then proceeds to float, pretty effortlessly, a string of beautiful pianissimo notes. If you can sit and listen to that one piece (itself, worth the price of the album) and not be moved, then you, my friend, have no soul.

Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet.......2004-07-12

A perfect disc for a midsummer's evening - or for any season of the year for that matter - NIGHT SONGS is one of those too rare recitals that is based on a theme, executed by musicians who not only are able to stand on their own but who are also able to commit to each other in a true collaboration. This is an intelligent, eloquent selection of songs by varied composers all of whom wrote languorously about the night and its mystery. From Faure's 'Apres un reve' to Debussy's 'Beau soir' through some newly discovered treasures by Joseph Marx like 'Nocturne' and 'Selige Nacht' to the better known repertoire of Strauss and Rachmaninov which gives us newly rethought versions of 'Ruhe, meine Seele!' and 'Cacille' as well as the indescribably beautiful Rachmaninov songs. Fleming and Thibaudet are in fine form and the communication in the various languages is strong. Only one quibble of significance here: the miking is so close to the singer that it often covers what usually is a perfect blend of piano and voice. Bit perhaps that is the fault of my system....

What in the world...????.......2002-08-08

For two reasons.

First, may I ask, why was this CD given anything other then 5 stars? What does a person have to do to become liked these days? Bye their hair purple and sing through their noses? (Like Brittney Spears?)

This is an amazing CD!

Reneé's french singing is beautiful, and amazing. She really has the correct tone for french songs!

The german was also lovely. However, it is nothing Reneé did wrong, I just like french songs better then the german.

Tracks:

Hymns From The Psalms: O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Hymns From The Psalms: The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
Hymns From The Psalms: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Invocations: Veni, Creator Spiritus
Invocations: Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending
Invocations: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
The Eucharist: Pange Lingua
The Eucharist: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Passiontide And Easter: Vexilla Regis
Passiontide And Easter: Drop, Drop Slow Tears
Passiontide And Easter: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
Passiontide And Easter: Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
Folk Hymns: Be Thou My Vision
Folk Hymns: All Things Bright And Beautiful
Folk Hymns: Morning Has Broken
Folk Hymns: Amazing Grace
Folk Hymns: We Plough The Fields, And Scatter
Evening Hymns: Glory To Thee, My God, This Night
Evening Hymns: The Day Thou Gavest, Lord Is Ended
Thanksgiving And Dedication: Eternal God
Thanksgiving And Dedication: Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation

Amazon.com

It's good to have the clean-vowelled, fresh-voiced Cambridge Singers back in action with composer John Rutter, who demonstrates once again his considerable talents as a choral director. Here, he also had his work cut out arranging 15 of the tracks (and composing one other). Divided up into various categories, such as "the Eucharist" and "folk hymns," this album will delight the confirmed hymn enthusiast, provided that he or she doesn't insist on the pure, as-written product. Rutter's reworkings range from the bold and brassy (occasionally deliciously over the top--what would Martin Luther have thought of the naughtiness in "A mighty fortress is our God"?) to those of harp-accompanied simplicity, not least in the charming lines of "Be thou my vision." Several tasteful descants are models of their kind. There are some surprises at which to chuckle. For example, not the expected brass and organ job on "We plough the fields and scatter," but a dainty, tripping harp accompaniment to the familiar melody, such as Haydn might have wedded to a Scottish folksong. Occasional numbers might be too saccharine for some tastes, but there are cunningly placed samples of Gregorian chant, Tallis, and Gibbons to provide contrast and cleanse the palate. --Andrew Green

Customer Reviews:

What can I say !.......2007-02-15

Having listened to this twice... It is difficult to find words for something so Glorious. It doesn't almost hurt, but I almost exploded in heavenly rapture several times.
You will need to get two. It is not music that you will want to keep to yourself.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-02

'The hymns heard on this disc span over 15 centuries of the history of Christian Europe, and have been chosen simply to make up a varied program which can be pleasant to hear.' Some items are accompanied by organ, some by harp where a lighter sound was more appropriate. Some are unaccompanied as in the Gregorian hymns, and five of the grandest hymns are given festival arrangements using brass, timpani, percussion and organ. Although the perspective of this album is Anglican,it must be noted that the Anglican hymn tradition has been notably eclectic. Hymnody is forever changing. 'This album does NOT attempt to reflect the most recent changes-the emergence of pop and folk-influenced worship songs and choruses has been well taken care of elsewhere, and time alone will tell whether there is any lasting worth in this most drastic upheaval of worship style.' Therefore, it is timely to reflect upon the immense riches of hymns built up over so many centuries, when they are at great risk of neglect. John Rutter has produced an amazing number of arrangements as well as original songs, and they are all first-rate. Choirs throughout the world (who are skilled enough to sing them)take great pleasure in working with his selections, and audiences, regardless of listening experience seem to enjoy them. They are tuneful, clever and unusual!!!
The Cambridge Singers number : 10 female sopranos,2 male and 4 female altos, 7 tenors and 8 basses. They sing extremely well with clear consonents and well-shaped vowels and plenty of gusto. I miss the boy sopranos that usually sing in the British choirs, but that's only a personal preference, and it surely is not Rutter's preference, because I have never known him to make use of them. A truly inspiring recording, nonetheless.

Another Rutter Keeper!.......2003-02-17

Rutter has won many fans throughout the world for his passionate, creative yet tasteful contributions to church music. Here is a hymn collection with several traditional choices along with Rutter originals.

Several comprise Rutter's remakes, which is most cases are very diginified and not at all distractive to the thrust of the original. The orchestration is superb, and the Cambridge Singers of course provide outstanding choral might.

Well worth consideration to the church music collection.

worship of god made mostglorius in this cd.......2002-04-30

i was 1st introduced to john rutters music on a radio program... when i 1st heard the arrangement of christ the lord is risen today presented in this cd i pictured a grand celebration of the solemn mass of the resurection of our lord and pictured in particular the grand procession i pictured this being celebrated... this hymn and cd does as best as humanly possible represent the great glory of god and does as its title suggests sing with the heavens and for you fellow traditionalists this is a strongly recomended cd

Heavenly Music.......2001-10-15

The hymns of SING, YE HEAVENS represent 1500 years of music in the Christian church. Pure and rich are these hymns by the Cambridge Singers with their perfect diction that leaves nothing for improvement and their tone quality that envelops the listener. The beauty of the harp, the organ, and the brass adds to the pleasure this CD brings to the listener's ear and heart.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Music From an Angelic Voice
TRIBUTE TO A GREAT ARTIST

Marian Anderson

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Spirituals
Marian Anderson Rare and Unpublished Recordings, 1936 - 1952
Prima Voce - Marian Anderson / Shaw
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
Paul Robeson Live at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000003ES6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

St. Matthew Passion: Erbarme dich
Messiah: He Shall Feed His Flock
Ave Maria
Liebesbotschaft
Wohin?
Death And The Maiden, D. 531
Stille Tranen (2 Gedichte, Op. 35: No. 10)
Der Nussbaum (Myrthen, Op. 25: No.3)
Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53 (After 'Harzreise im Winter')
Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer, Op. 105, No. 2
Morgen, Op. 27, No. 4
In The Silence Of The Secret Night, Op. 4, No. 3
Un Ballo In Maschera: Re dell'abisso affrettati
Go Down, Moses
Crucifixion
My Lord, What A Morning

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Music From an Angelic Voice.......2000-05-07

I can't add much to the superb review by lesismore26 (I give it five Stars! ) but I do have one disagreement. I LIKED the Ulrica aria. Yes, the voice is past its prime, but the artistry is very much there. In fact, the piece makes it clear that while her voice sounds perfect for her repertoire, it could have handled opera quite beautifully too. It's true that the pure, ethereal quality of her tone is DEFINITELY well suited to Baroque and Classical oratorio, and true that there simply aren't that many roles for contraltos. But it is also true that these reasons had NOTHING to do with why this particular contralto was not singing in opera houses. Another voice as dazzling as hers would have had composers creating roles tailored for them.

I wouldn't trade her spirituals and lieder, but I would have liked to hear her sing Erda, or Clytemnestra, maybe even Dalila (if you can imagine this Angelic persona in THAT role!)

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT ARTIST.......1999-12-22

Marian Anderson is remembered in too many instances for the wrong reasons: the first Afro-American artist to be engaged by the Metropolitan Opera in a leading role; the artist who sang the monumental concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after being denied the use of Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution --- an action that sparked mass indignation and worldwide attention to the fact that the racial prejudice was alive and well in the United States; the artist who became a symbol of grace and dignity during the civil rights movement. While all of these things are true, they eclipse the simple fact that Marian Anderson's singularly individual and distinctive, and true contralto voice was one of the jewels of the musical century, and that her pursuasive powers as an interpreter of the lieder of Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, and Sibelius were the stuff of which legends are made. What is also overlooked is that the fabled voice was a long way past its prime at the time of that Metropolitan Opera debut in early 1955. The role was that of the witch Ulrica in Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera"--- not a leading role, but a very important and pivotal one nonetheless ---- but by that time the voice had become dry, unsteady, frequently out-of-tune, and very "old" sounding. Anderson was already around 58 years old, and while her "debut" was historic from a social standpoint ----- it opened the doors for such future legends a Leontyne Price, Martina Arroyo, Shirley Verrett, Grace Bumbry ------ it was certainly not a great vocal milestone. It was simply too late for any sort of a career at the Metropolitan Opera, and though it was the blatant racial prejudices of the times that prevented Marian Anderson from singing on the opera stage during the years of her vocal prime, it would appear, as evidenced by her work on records (even by those made in her greatest years -- the 1930's and 1940's), that her temperment and vocal demeanor was far more suited to the concert and recital platforms, and it was in this milieu that Marian Anderson lavishly demonstrated her true genius. To begin with, the excerpts on this recording from Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera" didn't need to be included for the reasons cited above: they were recorded immediately after the Met debut in 1955 and the voice is in the condition one would have expected. The rest of the contents were recorded during the artist's vocal prime much earlier. Virtually all of the Schubert selectionsare beautifully done, especially the "Ave Maria", which became Anderson's trademark. The "Liebesbotshaft" (from "Schwanengesang) and "Wohin" (from "Die Schone Mullerin") show the voice at its most fluid, as do all of the items by Schumann. The Brahms "Alto Rhapsody", another Anderson speciality, haunting in its desolation and feelings of isolation, helped in no small part by Anderson's deep purple contralto tones. Selections by Richard Strauss (a beautifully realized rendition of "Morgen") and Rachmaninoff round off the lieder portion of the recording. Bach's "Erbarme dich" (with orchestral accompanyment) is one of the most beautiful ever recorded, and Handel's "He Shall Feed His Flock" illustrates vividly just how how much this music needs a true contralto voice. In this age of pushed-up and pulled-down mezzo-sopranos, it is a revelation to hear what this type of voice accomplish in all of this music. If you want to become acquainted with one of the greatest vocal phenomenons of this century, this superb RCA Victor mid-priced recording is an excellent place to start.

Average customer rating:

Inspirational!
hymns we sang in church

Abide With Me

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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Similar Items:

Hymns Through the Centuries
Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection
The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B000024236
Release Date: 1996-06-10

Tracks:

Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
All Glory, Laud and Honour - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Day of Resurrection - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
O God, Our Help in Ages Past - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Praise to the Holiest in the Height - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Praise to the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Church's One Foundation - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Crown Him With Many Crowns - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Now Thank We All Our God - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Abide with Me - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
O Praise Ye the Lord - Choir of King's College, Stephen Cleobury
Drop, Drop, Slow Tears - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Glory Be to Jesus - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
There Is a Green Hill Far Away - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
According to Thy Gracious Word - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Glory to Thee, My God, This Night - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks
On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry - Choir of King's College, Sir David Willcocks

Tracks:

Onward, Christian Soldiers - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
Lord's My Shepherd - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - Huddersfield Choral Society, Wyn Morris
All People That on Earth Do Dwell - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Forty Days and Forty Nights - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Head That Once Was Crown'd With Thorns - U.S.A.F. Protestant Chapel Choir, West Ruislap, England,
Rock of Ages - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
Eternal Father, Strong to Save - Choir of King's College, Maurice Vinden
All Things Bright and Beautiful - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Be Thou My Vision - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Be Still, My Soul - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
King of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
For All the Saints - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
O Worship the King - Choir of Paisley Abbey, George McPhee
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Spirit of Mercy, Truth, And Love - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Jesu, Lover of My Soul - Choir of King's College, George Guest
Jerusalem - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Choir of King's College, ,

Album Details

Compiled Here Are Fifty of the Most Beloved Hymns Performed by Three of England's Most Distinguished Choirs. Every Selection Here is Sung in an Appropriately Dignified Manner and If You're Up for Over Two Hours of Consistently Well-rendered Quintessentially English Treatments of These Vernacular Favorites it Simply Doesn't Get Any Better Than This.

Customer Reviews:

Inspirational!.......2004-10-08

Majestic hymns sung with British accents. A great combination! I haven't noticed any objectionable sounds on my copy.

hymns we sang in church.......2003-02-16

i grew up in a traditional presbyterian church that had a pipe organ. i wanted a cd of many of the hymns that we sang in church sung by a choir and accompanied by a pipe organ. this cd fulfilled my wishes perfectly. the hymns are performed in a very straight-forward fashion with no show-boating or excess flourishes which is exactly what i wanted. this is not gospel music but what i refer to as liturgical music to indicate that it is religious music but not gospel music. i would give it 5 stars but there is a slight hiss. other than that the recording quality is very good.

Average customer rating:

Exquisite tenor singing and songs of incredible beauty

Sergej Larin - Rachmaninov Songs
Sergey Rachmaninov , Sergej Larin , Eleonora Bekova , Ben Connellan , Dave Partridge , Jonathan Rose , and Oleg Michegev
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000B1P
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

In The Silence Of The Secret Night
How Pained I Am
Sing Not, O Lovely One
Arion
How Peaceful
Do Not Believe Me, Friend
Let Us Leave, My Sweet
Spring Torrents
A Dream
All Was Taken From Me
Daisies
I Am Again Alone!
Night Is Sorrowful
O, No, I Beg You, Do Not Leave!
Small Island
I Am Not A Prophet
Yesterday We Met
They Replied
Liliacs
I Was With her
Christ Is Risen!
It Cannot Be!
At My Window
What Happiness
At Night In My Garden
Fragment From A. Musset
All Passes

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite tenor singing and songs of incredible beauty.......2001-10-02

My acquaintance with Sergei Larin was made through his performances of Verdi, Puccini and verismo works. And I have always been impressed by his beauty of tone and phrasing. It was a nicest surprise to discover that he could offer performances of such level of artistry in the chamber repertoire. This disc alone raised my admiration of Larin, one of the best tenors on operatic stages these days.
First of all, these songs require broader performance most of the time. They are passionate quasi-operatic works with a most evocative and sometimes melancholic atmosphere. Larin pours his heart and soul in these pieces. His tone is honeyed throughout, powerful when it opens up, but he also produce the most extatic soft tones when required. The wide palette of tone colouring is quite helpful to differentiate each song from the others and his care with the text is so amazing that, even if you don't know the text or are not Russian-speaking (as I am not), you won't really miss it, so powerful is Larin's ability to create the right mood. If you have any doubt, you should try "In the Silence of the Secret Night" - a most delightful song.
Last but not least, Eleonora Bekova is the amazing pianist who not only shines in the sometimes virtuosistic piano playing preditably required by Rachmaninov, but also responds sensitively to Larin's singing throughout. A nice example of interplay between admirable musicians.

Sing, My Soul: Choral Music of Ned Rorem

Average customer rating:

Impeccably Performed, Stunning Sound

Sing, My Soul: Choral Music of Ned Rorem

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000FDBJ
Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

'Thee, God..'
Seven Motets For The Church Year: 'While All Things Were In Quiet Silence'
Seven Motets For The Church Year: 'Before The Morning Star Begotten'
Seven Motets For The Church Year: 'Lay Up For Yourselves'
Seven Motets For The Church Year: 'Praise Him Who Was Crucified'
Seven Motets For The Church Year: 'God Is Gone Up'
Seven Motets For The Church Year: 'Today The Holy Spirit Appeared'
Seven Motets For The Church Year: 'Rejoice We All In The Lord'
'Phos Hilaron'
'Canticle Of The Lamb'
'Little Lamb, Who Made Thee?'
'Come, Pure Hearts, In Sweetest Measure'
'Mercy And Truth Are Met'
Love Alone: 'Here'
Little Prayers: Three Prayers: 'Creator Spirit, Who Dost Lightly Hover'
Little Prayers: Three Prayers: 'Father, Guide And Lead Me'
Little Prayers: Three Prayers: 'Creator Spirit, Please...'
What Is Pink?: 'What Is Pink?'
What Is Pink?: 'The Mysterious Cat'
What Is Pink?: 'Who Has Seen The Wind?'
What Is Pink?: 'A Pavane For The Nursery'
What Is Pink?: 'Counting-Out Rhyme'
What Is Pink?: 'The House On The Hill'
'All Glorious God'
'Breathe On Me, Breath Of God'
'Lead, Kindly Light'
'Love Divine, All Loves Excelling'
'Sing, My Soul, His Wondrous Love'
'Surge, Illuminare'

Customer Reviews:

Impeccably Performed, Stunning Sound.......1998-11-20

The beautifully captured reverberant sound of the acoustic space is matched by gorgeous choral balance, precise diction, and definitive interpretation. In spite of the contemporary style of the compositions - Rorem doesn't shy away from crunchy dissonances - this is a very enjoyable collection of Choral music with many beautfiul moments.

Average customer rating:

Homage To Jennie Tourel
Gioachino Rossini , Franz Liszt , Claude Debussy , Antonin Dvorak , Sergey Rachmaninov , Barbara Hendricks , and Staffan Scheja
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Tracks:

La Regata veneziana
La Regata veneziana
La Regata veneziana
Oh! quand je dors
Comment, disaient-ils
Mignons Lied
Uber allen Gipfeln ist Ruh
Chansons de Bilitis
Chansons de Bilitis
Chansons de Bilitis
7 Chants tziganes, Op.55
7 Chants tziganes, Op.55
7 Chants tziganes, Op.55
7 Chants tziganes, Op.55
7 Chants tziganes, Op.55
7 Chants tziganes, Op.55
7 Chants tziganes, Op.55
Dans le silence de la nuit mysterieuse, Op.4 n2
Tout est paisible ici, Op.21 n1
Chanson georgienne, Op.4 n4
Le Joueur de flute, Op.38 n4
Les eaux du printemps, Op.14 n11

Amazon.com

As charming, learned and intelligent as she is, Hendricks has never been a particularly exciting singer, preferring to maintain a certain interpretive mid-distance from the music. Not so here. In this diverse collection of songs dedicated to her teacher, the great recitalist Jennie Tourel, Hendricks's singing takes on a specificity and vitality rarely heard from her. The program includes four Liszt songs, three Chanson de Bilitis by Debussy, some of Dvorak's gypsy songs and five selections by Rachmaninoff. -- David Patrick Stearns

Average customer rating:

Christus factus est
A fantastic recording
Exquisite!
Another sterling Cambridge Singers disc

Images of Christ

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Cathedral Dreams: Music to Inspire
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Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000031I4
Release Date: 2000-02-29

Tracks:

Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Veni, Redemptor gentium
Hodie Christus natus est
Omnes de Saba venient
Ich bin ein rechter Weinstock
The crown of roses
Vo tsarvii Tvoyem (The Beatitudes)
Pater noster
Christus factus est
Good Friday Reproaches (Improperia)
Eram quasi agnus
O vos omnes
Crucifixus (for eight voices)
Surgens Jesus
Ascendo ad Patrem
Viri Galilaei
Jesu, dulcis memoria
Ave verum Corpus
Pange lingua
Agnus Dei
O sacrum convivium

Customer Reviews:

Christus factus est.......2005-09-23

This disc concentrates on images of Christ in a capella music over the centuries. According to Rutter, 'Around the figure of Christ there has grown up over the centuries a body of choral literature that can only be described as among the most remarkable in western civilisation.'

--Music--
Selections on this disc come from all over the Western world. They range from as early as eleventh-century France to twentieth-century Russia, a millennium in song and composition. Rutter has selected five major themes - the Coming of Christ (Advent and Christmas), the Words of Christ (lesson texts and prayers, such as the Lord's Prayer, by Stravinsky), the Passion of Christ (Holy Week and Good Friday), the Resurrection and Ascension (Easter), and Christ in the Eucharist (worship and ongoing presence).

Here is a mixture of sacred compositions ranging from standard Gregorian chant and Sarum chant to medieval compositions from Palestrina, de Victoria and Byrd, up to more modern composers such as Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Bruckner, Barber, and Messiaen. This being said, Rutter states, 'The aim [of this disc] is not a liturgical reconstruction, nor an historical survey, but rather a journey of the imagination.'

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn, both in original language and English translation text. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers. Happily, this disc does have a list of the singers.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

A fantastic recording.......2000-06-06

This collection of music from the last thousand years is masterful from start to finish. From well-known mainstays of choral repertoire such as Lotti's "Crucifixus" and Casals' "O Vos Omnes" to the more seldom heard pieces, such as Rachmaninov's setting of the Beatitudes, the listener is treated to musically sympathetic and disciplined performances. Even if, like me, you're not of a religious persuasion, you'll love every minute of it.

There are so many highlights to this album it becomes cruel to say any piece was not among them. The Barber Adagio/Agnus Dei is a masterwork, and the Cambridge Singers' discipline and pathos make the arrangement come alive in ways the strings simply can't.. The Lotti "Crucifixus" (an enduring classic), Casals "O Vos Omnes" (a beautiful and moving work, conveying the suffering of the Passion without garishness) and Byrd's enchanting "Viri Gallilei" are fantastic and provide more than enough reason to buy the album. The Messaien "O Sacrum Convivium," with its subtly sensuous harmonies and the Bairstow "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" with its haunting melody and varied textures will silence any who say that church music has become a lost art in the 20th Century. Palestrina's phrases soar as though on the wings of angels (particularly in "Hodie Christus Natus Est.") And Bruckner, as always in his good moments, is as sexy as the Church would let him be.

While the inclusion of some Stanford or Tallis would have been fantastic, this album stands as one that should be in the library of anyone who loves choral music, along with "Hail Gladdening Light" and "Faire is the Heaven."

In short, BUY THIS ALBUM. You'll love it.

Exquisite!.......1999-03-08

The selections are gorgeously sung and spiritually moving beyond anything I can think of, right up there with Verdi's Requiem. My teen, who thinks rock music is the only music, was so moved by Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei, that she asked for her own copy of the CD. If you are already a believer, this music will remind you why you are. If not, it might just take you there.

Another sterling Cambridge Singers disc.......1998-09-10

This is a marvelous collection of choral music, notably Lotti's Crucifixus (in eight parts), and a stunning rendition of Barber's Agnus Dei (his choral arrangement of the Adagio for Strings, which was itself his arrangement for string orchestra of the Adagio from his String Quartet). Highly recommended!

Ewa Podles - Mélodies russes (Russian Melodies)

Average customer rating:

another desert island candidate
Podles is in her element
Unique and stupendous talent on a marvelous CD
Riveting

Ewa Podles - Mélodies russes (Russian Melodies)

Manufacturer: Forlane
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Podles, Ewa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ewa Podles - Airs célèbres (Famous Arias)
Ewa Podles · Russian Arias
Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs

ASIN: B0000038DD
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

'Morning' Op.4 No.2
'Do Not Regret Me' Op.14 No.8
'I Am Waiting For You' Op.14 No.1
'In The Mysterious Night' Op.4 No.3
'Beautiful Is The Day' Op.14 No.9
'Christ Has Risen' Op.26 No.6
'Springtime Waters' Op.14 No.11
The Nursery: No.1'Oh! Tell Me Nanouchka'
The Nursery: No.2 'In The Corner'
The Nursery: No.3 'The Beetle'
The Nursery: No.4 'Lullaby of the Doll'
The Nursery: No.5 'The Evening Prayer'
The Nursery: No.6 'On horseback'
The Nursery: No.7 'The Cat 'Sailor' '
'Was I A blade Of Grass In A Field?' Op.47' No.7
'Zamphira's Song'
'If I Had Known' Op.47 No.1
'If The Day Shines' Op.47 No.6
Songs And Dances Of Death: No.1 'Lullaby
Songs And Dances Of Death: No.2 'Ser'
Songs And Dances Of Death: No.3 'Trepak'
Songs And Dances Of Death: No.4 'The Field-marshal'

Customer Reviews:

another desert island candidate.......2003-09-19

Simply put, this is one of the top ten recorded recitals. Peerless singing. Not to mention heartbreaking. Music lovers who are familiar with Podles' voice will know why. Those who don't should by this disc.

Podles is in her element.......2003-03-04

Eva Podles brings her considerable vocal talents to this recording. She captures the darkness of the Russian soul. As well, she brings Mussorgsky's Nursery Songs to life. It is easy to hear the wonder and temper and joy and life of the child through her singing. Even if you don't know Russian, you can feel the spirit of these songs.

Unique and stupendous talent on a marvelous CD.......2003-02-02

Short and sweet review...this will fill you up in a way that only Mme. Podles' other performances can. She is phenomenon. Her rich flexible voice, fabulous technique, and intelligent use of vocal color to convey character and emotion will not disappoint.

Riveting.......1999-03-24

What can I say? I saw this incredible contralto in recital...I was on the edge of my seat. The Mussourgsky is absolutely hair-raising...

Music Album:

Music Album

1. Anam Cara
2. Tender Mercies
3. An Irish Lullabye
4. Spring Lake
5. Wind in the Pines
6. Song for Blackie
7. Ramon
8. Black Canyon
9. The Dream
10. Travelling Song
11. Amazing Grace