Schauderhafte Moritaten [Import]

Product Description
This 4 disc set features old German songs in different dialects and features 'Sabine War Ein Frauenzimmer', 'Das Bolle Lied', 'Der Tod Auf Schienen', 'Die Rauberbraut' and many more. Includes a 24 page booklet with rare photos. 2005.

Tracks:

Of Thy Mystical Supper, Op.58, No.7
A Prayer Of The Middle Ages
O Sacrum Convivium
Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing
Salvation Is Created, Op.25, No.5
Hymn To the Creator Of Light
O Magnum Mysterium
Lux Aurumque
Ave Maria
Complete This Work
We Hymn Thee
To God 'In Memorian M.B.'
Our Father

Album Description

"The Dale Warland Singers' intonation and clarity of choral texture do nothing less than amaze." -- American Choral Catalog

"Outstanding ensemble singing, highlighted by lovely legatos and unisons and by consistently sensitive sectional and group balances." -- ClassicsToday

"The seamless blend and rich sound of what is probably America's best chorus is on display." -- Seattle Weekly

The sequel to their beloved Cathedral Classics CD. Includes Morten Lauridsen's enormously popular O Magnum Mysterium. The program is a collection of cathedral masterpieces from various countries--Germany, England, Russia, Latvia, Russia, and the US. The final Dale Warland Singers CD recording before their disbandment in 2004. Within its first month, the Dale Warland Singers' previous release on Gothic (Harvest Home) became the label's best-selling CD ever, and hit Billboard's Top 20 Classical Chart. Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the group was recognized as one of the world's foremost a cappella choral ensembles. This forty-voice professional choir recently celebrated its thirty-first, and final, season of concerts, tours, radio broadcasts, and critically acclaimed recordings following the retirement of founder and director Dale Warland.

Customer Reviews:

the "best" of the best group ever.......2007-06-15

This final recording of America's finest chorale group ever (my apolgies to Shaw and Wagner)and brings a fitting close to their impressive recording history. A follow-up to their original Catherdral Classics CD, a best seller, this CD has something for everyone. Tons of Russian work done with impecable intonation, and spectacular performances of newer 20th and 21st century composers. Highlights most certainly are John Rutter's "Hymn to the Creator of Light" and 35 year-old Eric Whitaker's "Lux Auremque". Both are performed with reverence and delicacy reminding the listener that this is singing from the heart by professionals at the top of their game. Bravo, Dr. Warland....

Average customer rating:

another great sound experimentation for a-ha in the new century
Very good
An album to listen to very closely ...
One of their best works yet!
Not their best effort....take two steps back.

Analogue
A-Ha
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lifelines
Minor Earth Major Sky
Singles 1984-2004
East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Memorial Beach

ASIN: B000BI0QNC
Release Date: 2005-11-14

Tracks:

Celice
Don't Do Me Any Favours
Cosy Prisons
Analogue (All I Want)
Birthright
Holy Ground
Over the Treetops
Halfway Through the Tour
Fine Blue Line
Keeper of the Flame
Make It Soon
White Dwarf
Summers of Our Youth
A-Ha Desktop Player

Album Description

International pressing of their 2005 album for Universal. 13 tracks in all including the first single, 'Celice'. Some 20 years after their heyday (commemorated recently with their Singles: Best Of 1984-2004 album), and after solo albums by leader Magne Furuholmen, and fresh off their Berlin concert as part of Live8, a-ha return with this brand new album.

Album Details

2005 Label Debut Album from Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-savoy, their First for Universal/Polydor and the First Studio Material from the Group Since the Release of "Lifelines". "Analogue" is their Eighth Studio Album Overall, Following Many Years on Warner Brothers/Reprise. The Sessions were Produced by Martin Terefe and Engineered and Mixed by Flood (U2, Nine Inch Nails, Crowded House, Depeche Mode, Pj Harvey).

Customer Reviews:

another great sound experimentation for a-ha in the new century.......2007-06-29

Luis Mejia (son)- I don't wonder why I always mention A-ha among people they look back in the 80's and sing Take On Me in their heads, but come on, they're still young and they're stil singing! I can say that Analogue shocked me a little bit, and I won't exagerate saying that the've always been geniuses but the word for this album is "exeptional". It's also the first time that I've heard the term "alternative pop" in my life.

Talking about the songs, it seems that A-ha takes always a little bit of every album in their next one. Their's a lot of pop around them still, and that is shown in the songs like Halfway Through The Tour, The Summers Of Our Youth, Birthright and Analogue (All I Want). Guitars and alternative moods in rock are also shown, a little bit alike with Minor Earth Major Sky, like in the songs Celice, Don't Do Me Any Favours and The Fine Blue Line. As well as they're completely new rythms never seen in A-ha but wich they apply them so beautifuly and organized, such as Cosy Prisons (the best track), Birthright, White Dwarf, Make It Soon and Over The Treetops. Talking about Keepers Of The Flame, it assimilates all of the album's moods.

In conclussion, the album is wonderful and leaves us with a question about their new musical direction, but the bad aspect is that the accessibility of the album is truly poor, I mean, it will be appreciated by we loyal fans, but not for those who listen to A-ha the first time.

Very good.......2007-04-20

It took me a few listen-throughs, but I really have come to appreciate this album. The title track, "Analogue," would be an excellent candidate for mainstream radio.

An album to listen to very closely ... .......2007-03-21

A-ha has always had their own unique style, raging from the poetic illusionism or at times romantic impressionism. They were once a group with a potential for very dramatic dynamics (Morten's being at his pick with a unique operatic voice as one can recall in songs like "The Sun always shine on TV"). At such, many of their recent albums had the feeling that they've were trying hard to regain this market audience. But through the years their sound changed more to a somber, at times decadent and obscure sound, which included their own palate for psychedelic.

Now with this new album they seem to sound more like 70's songwriters. Hence a more cohesive, realistic and at times reflective sound. They have parted ways with their 80's style pop synth music. Now they have opted for a more conservative sound that at times seems reminiscent of the Beatles. Songs like "The Fine Blue Line", "Birthright", and "Keeper of the Flame" are examples.

Songs like "Celice", which is reminiscent to early A-ha repertoire and "Don't do me any favors", are among the more upbeat tempo though keeping their somber tone due to their subject matter. "Halfway through the door" is definitely a song that reminds anyone to the Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour", specially the long instrumental section closing the song. Even though it has a cozy feeling to it, turns out to be the least effective effort on the record.

More interesting songs found are "Cozy Prisons", perhaps the best song of the record, and "White Dwarf", with its mellow and reflective mood somehow reminiscent to the 70's songs like David Bowie's "Major Tom" and Elton John's "Rocket Man" but in a different perspective. The title track falls in the category of pure pop brit-style song in which seems to be another effort for commercial radio.

It is an album to listen to very closely. The thematic style is one mature in nature. For those looking for a pop-songs album it will disappoint you! This one though has more substance than perhaps their previous ones.

One of their best works yet!.......2007-02-08

From the first time I listened to it, I loved most of the songs. They still put out great music! And they still look fine as ever!

Not their best effort....take two steps back........2006-11-10

Birthright, Holy Ground and Fine Blue Line are the best songs here. Celise and Don't Do Me Any Favors are okay as atmospheric filler. Cozy Prisons is almost good but is basically trite twaddle. Everything else is subpar junk. I thought "Lifelines" was better. There needs to be more songs that showcase Morten's incredible range with a few sweet songs in between. Average pop songs don't work because Morten is a unique talent. Flaunt it. "Over the Treetops" sounds a lot like "Oranges and Apple Trees" from their last CD. No more songs like that....they're really boring. A-ha has such potential, but they need better songs....more DRAMA!

Average customer rating:

Lux aeterna
Mindbendingly beautiful
Crystal-clear performances bring out real beauty
Proving the Durability of a Modern Masterpiece

Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna
Morten Lauridsen , Stephen Layton , and Polyphony
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christmas Present From Polyphony
Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works
Morten Lauridsen: Nocturnes
O Magnum Mysterium

ASIN: B0007GP69W
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Customer Reviews:

Lux aeterna.......2007-05-16

I really loved this cd it is very beautiful . As a singer I have sang selections of these in Latin

Mindbendingly beautiful.......2007-01-24

Gorgeous music. Hard to believe it is contemporary with its chant and canon like qualities, but the real accomplishment of the composer is that he creates such harmony and melody with dissonance and modern chord structure. This music healed every cell in my body and soul.

Crystal-clear performances bring out real beauty.......2006-03-16

When I first heard Lux Aeterna performed, I immediately went out and purchased the premier recording, performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale under the direction of Paul Salamunovich. I still enjoy that recording, though it is at times dark and quite thick. This new recording by Polyphony and the British Sinfonia moves the work from a rich romantic full choir to a more personal and intimate chamber ensemble. The differences are stunning. While the LAMC's recording melts the harmonies into one rich, thick sound, Polyphony's recording showcases each and every line, part, and harmony. In addition, The chamber sound is well-suited for the madrigali, especially so for Ubi Caritas et Amor.

As a chorister, I can affirm that Lauridsen's compositions are a joy to sing. But they are just as suited to listening. His compositions bring out the best of the choral genre, and this recording showcases that beautiful writing behind the strength of pure tone and clean diction. While this CD would make an excellent companion to the original recording of Lux Aeterna, it also stands quite well on its own.

Proving the Durability of a Modern Masterpiece.......2005-07-24

Morton Lauridsen is a fine composer whose works for chorus and orchestra are among the best being composed today. Since the premiere of his now famous 'Lux aeterna', a repertoire staple with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Orchestra, this incredibly moving work has enjoyed frequent performances not only in the United States but with European ensembles as well.

This wondrous recording features Polyphony with the Britten Sinfonia under the baton of Stephen Layton. The title piece grows in stature with time and in this performance the myriad subtexts are more clearly defined. Lauridsen tends to write thick choral sounds and while these are organ-like in their beauty, Layton clarifies the more dense sections of the work and the result is illuminating. For the more massive, darker sound the Los Angeles Master Chorale under Paul Salamunovich still satisfies: it is nice to have the 'big' sound along side the 'chamber' sound.

Added bonuses on this recording are the six 'Madrigali', the 'Ave Maria', 'Ubi caritas et amor', and 'O magnum mysterium', each of which are given superlative performances. The recorded sound is crystal-clear without losing resonance. For those who hold the 'Lux aeterna' in high esteem this is a recording that should be along side the original. As for those to whom Lauridsen's name is unknown, this beautiful recording is a fine introduction to an important composer. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, July 05

Average customer rating:

This is an amazing, amazing product
a voice teacher and early music fan
Incredible
Very inspiring for this Christian (Catholic)
Amazing!

O Magnum Mysterium
Thomas Tallis , Tomas Luis de Victoria , Morten Lauridsen , Francis Poulenc , Sergey Rachmaninov , Franz Schubert , Anonymous , Spiritual Traditional , Henryk Gorecki , Christopher Cock , Robert Shaw Festival Singers , and Robert Shaw Chamber Singers
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)
Choral Masterpieces
Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony
Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna

ASIN: B00004WFLW
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

If Ye Love Me
A New Commandment
O Vos Omnes
O Magnum Mysterium
O Magnum Mysterium
O Magnum Mysterium
Praise The Name Of The Lord
Der Entfernten
Wondrous Love
Amazing Grace
Sometimes I Feel Like Moanin'
Totus Tuus

Amazon.com

The trademark qualities of a Robert Shaw-trained chorus included perfect tonal blend and balance, expressive phrasing, and superb tuning. As an interpreter, Shaw hewed to the middle road, steering clear of eccentricities and honoring the composer's intentions. On this tribute disc, we hear these virtues coalesce in works such as Poulenc's austere Christmas hymn "O magnum mysterium," one of three settings of the text here. Shaw was at his best in works whose fervent spirituality he shared, and the selection from Rachmaninov's Vespers, with its repeated alleluias, is a highlight, both radiant and passionate. But then, virtually everything here is a highlight: the Schubert part song done to a turn with soft singing projected in rounded tones; the curve of "Wondrous Love"'s melody perfectly traced; and "Amazing Grace" in Shaw's arrangement all the more moving for its calm dignity. The longest piece, Górecki's Marian hymn "Totus tuus," is otherworldly in an enthralled reading that never loses focus. Like all of Shaw's Telarc recordings, the sonics are first-class. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

This is an amazing, amazing product.......2007-02-07

The only part of the CD I would quibble with is the selection from Rachmaninov's Vespers, but I'm really lucky and have heard that performed live several times and heard multiple recordings, and decided on one that I liked best early on.

If you aren't blown away by the performance of the Tallis, you'll probably still cry when you hear the Lauridsen later in the CD. One thing about this CD is that after hearing it, my standard for what I could expect in a recording became a lot higher.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-17

When Robert Shaw retired in 1988 as Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra he returned to the conducting of unaccompanied choral music, that he had been involved with in the Robert Shaw Chorale in the 1950's and early 60's.
The selections on this disc are taken from several different Telarc recordings that were made at summer festivals he directed during the last decade of his life.
The Poulenc "O Magnum Mysterium" is one of the four motets on a Christmas album made in 1989. "Wondrous Love", "Amazing Grace", and "Sometimes I Feel Like a Moanin' Dove" are from the collection of 'American Hymns and Spirituals', performed and recorded in 1992. Gorecki's motet "Totus Tuus" appeared on 'Evocation of the Spirit' recorded in 1994.
In the Summer of 1989, the first year of Shaw's choral festivals in France yielded an impressive array of unaccompanied music which included Rachmaninoff's 'Vespers' or 'All Night Vigil', Op.37, the 2 Thomas Tallis pieces and the two in Latin by Vittoria.
"Der Entfernten" comes from a collection of 'Schubert Songs' for Male Chorus taped in the Summer of 1992. Morton Luridsen's 'O magnum mysterium', the most recent composition on this disc as well as the last recorded (1997), was included on 'A Robert Shaw Christmas'.
It is interesting to note that there are no less than three settings of the anonymous medieval text "O Magnum Mysterium". Shaw, a deeply spiritual man, often lamented about the commercialism that had pervaded the celebraton of the American Christmas. He retained a sincere awe for the miraculous details of the Nativity story, and it was natural that he should return again to music having this text, with its wondrous mixture of the homespun and the mystical, the lowly and the most high.

This is a truly interesting variety of compositions featuring a diversified group of fine composers!!!!.Any choral group that Shaw conducted always sang with much emotion and always great skill. There is never a 'ragged' entrance OR exit; there is never poor balance between the voices; the diction is crisp and clear and never 'muddied'; and the sound is ethereally beautiful. I would have liked to know who the personnel were in each of his 2 groups on this disc, but they were not listed, so I guess I never will know. Just a fabulous recording!!!!!

Incredible.......2005-08-02

Who can listen to this without being humbled, yet enriched, as if walking through the courts of sacred and simple places?

Very inspiring for this Christian (Catholic).......2004-07-22

I'd swear that Robert Shaw must have visited heaven and come back to write his rendition of O Magnum Mysterium (particularly track #5 with the chamber singers). It's my favorite classical piece, especially among choral works. I'd love to be in a great gothic cathedral like Notre Dame or Cologne and hear this piece. Even though you'll likely only be hearing this recording through your headphones in your room, it'll take you to the cathedrals and heaven itself.

I read somewhere that Robert Shaw was deeply religious/spiritual. I have no reason to doubt this...his faith shines through on this disk. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21

Amazing!.......2004-02-10

In my choir at school, we are singing O Magnum Mysterium; I can't help from sinking into its soft harmonies. How to describe this feeling?--each bar more poignant than the last; dynamically profound; crystal clear tone; that clash between tenors in the chorus...it makes me believe in love and god all at once! Spectacular, this CD is--how lucky I am to have found it. Recommended to anyone with hearing.

Average customer rating:

Any Lauridsen is Good Lauridsen
SAME STUFF
Superb recording of Lauridsen's choral works
an old fan
Deeply Mixed Feelings

Morten Lauridsen: Nocturnes

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna
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Lighten our Darkness
Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale

ASIN: B000KGGHTW
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

Lament for Pasiphae (Mid-Winter Songs- Robert Graves)
Like Snow
She tells her love while half asleep
Mid-Winter Waking
Intercession in Late October
En une seule fleur (Les Chansons des roses - R.M. Rilke)
Contre qui, rose
De ton reve trop lein
La rose complete
Dirait-on
I will lift up mine eyes
O come, lut us sing unto the Lord
Ave, dulcissima Maria
Sa nuit d'ete (Rilke) (Nocturnes)
Soneto de la noche (Neruda)
Sure on this shining night (Agee)

Amazon.com

Morten Lauridsen's choral music is well-rooted in both early music and Renaissance polyphony, but he is not one of the so-called "holy minimalists" whose very sounds are reminiscent of centuries-old music. He is American and approaches the past as a building block; he may use old techniques but his voice is original, lyrical, and easy to take, without ever seeming simple-minded. He writes so the texts can be understood - here he uses words by Robert Graves, Rainer Maria Rilke, Pablo Neruda and James Agee and throws in some non-secular psalms and a Latin motet, "Ave, dulcissima Maria." This last is a piece of great tranquility scored for male chorus, with a set of finger cymbals played by Lauridsen himself (he plays piano elsewhere on the CD). The group Polyphony, under Stephen Layton, performs all these works with impeccable pitch and diction; the fives poems by Rilke about roses are particularly handsome. He uses vast variations in dynamics almost ochestrally and the effect is marvelous - large crescendos excite and sustained soft singing soothes. There's nothing here that will jar the listener - Lauridsen's dissonances are at the service of the text and are normally quickly resolved. Fans of choral music should know what this composer (born in 1958) is up to - his music is both interesting and sheerly pleasurable. --Robert Levine

Album Description

Morten Lauridsen's choral music performed by Polyphony with Stephen Layton, conductor. Works on this disc include Mid-Winter Songs, Les chansons des roses, I will lift up mine eyes, O come, let us sing unto the Lord, Ave, culcissima Maria, and Nocturnes. Texts are from various poets, including Robert Graves, Rainer Maria Rilke, Pablo Neruda and James Agee.

Customer Reviews:

Any Lauridsen is Good Lauridsen.......2007-05-12

Though some of what's on this CD has appeared on his other CDs, there is new material here too and it's very nice.

SAME STUFF.......2007-05-06

I love his music however this CD is just a repeat of what I already have. The nocturnes are new but they are short. The rest of CD is filled up with repeat pieces. Wish he would write enough for a whole new CD.

Superb recording of Lauridsen's choral works.......2007-03-31

The recent recording of Morten Lauridsen's choral works entitled "Nocturnes" (Hyperion label) should be nominated for a Grammy. Stephen Layton's group, Polyphony, in collaboration with the composer and the Britten Sinfonia, have produced one of the most stunning choral CDs I have ever heard. Serious music lovers, not just choral/vocalists, should add this to their library.

Jim Dearing, Director of Choral Studies
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

an old fan.......2007-03-23

I "grew up" singing Lauridsen and am a huge fan of his earlier works (Madrigali, Mid-Winter Songs - piano version). I sang in the Los Angeles premiere of the Les chansons des roses and Nocturnes under the direction of Don Brinegar. I don't particularly care for Lux aeterna, the sound of Polyphony nor Layton's interpretations. To me, Polyphony has an unrelaxed sound and Layton takes music on the slow side like Robert Shaw [hearing that Lauridsen played on these recordings, I'm surprised he let the music go as slowly as he did. Having worked with him, he always wanted to make sure we kept up the tempo to reflect the joyous nature of the text. But he is an exceedingly kind man and even with us, I think he let things slip by like us slowing down on the Ubi caritas recording on Northwest Journey]. My lowered rating is more reflective of the performance and not the music itself. I know my feelings are quite the opposite of many out there but now you know where I'm coming from. So here's what I think:

I "didn't get" Soneto de la noche when we first rehearsed it. I thought it didn't suit the remakable text. But after weeks of singing it, I began to understand the interpretation. It is also important to know exactly what is being sung at the specific time in the music. The piece starts off somber but becomes rapturous when speaking of the delights of life and love and grows when it describes the flowers blooming. It's not the direction I would have gone but in the end, I do like it. And I think Sa nuit d'été "shimmers" as it should. Sure on This Shining night is as uninteresting to me as Dirait-on and Lux aeterna.

I'm glad to know that his earlier music is being unsurfaced. If you heard the Four Madrigals on Renaissance Texts, you might be surprised, disappointed, delighted, who knows?

Deeply Mixed Feelings.......2007-03-15

There are some strong reasons to buy this CD. The Mid-Winter Songs and Les Chansons des Roses are wonderful song cycles, Polyphony is as good a choral ensemble as exists, and here you will find them at the top of their game. Unfortunately, there also are strong reasons to leave this CD on the rack, and Lauridsen's Nocturnes provide two of them.

The Nocturnes are choral settings of three superlative lyrics: "Sa nuit d'ete" by Rainer Maria Rilke, "Soneto de la noche" by Pablo Neruda, and "Sure on this shining night" by James Agee. The Agee nocturne is a worthy effort, but to my ears the other two are crushing disappointments: uninspired music (at best) that doesn't approach the stature of the lyrics and isn't worth a second listen. The first time I listened to them I was stunned and sadly surprised by how bad I thought they were. The Rilke nocturne compares very unfavorably with the Chansons des Roses (which also are settings of Rilke's poetry), and the Neruda was, to my ears, an unbelievable botch of an extraordinary text. (Summary of long argument: I think Lauridsen's music is badly suited to the lyric, which I think he has misinterpreted, and nothing to write home about otherwise.)

I've seen this music reviewed favorably elsewhere, so as a check to my opinion I consulted a close friend, a former student of Lauridsen's at USC who was present at the Los Angeles premiere of the Nocturnes. The (slightly edited) response:

"When I heard the premiere, I was extremely disappointed. When I heard about the interesting new texts he was using ... I hoped he would break away from his safety net and do something new -- let the texts lead him somewhere else. But he didn't. The whole performance, I and [my friends] kept looking at each other in disappointment. I didn't even have the heart to talk to Dr. Lauridsen after. I haven't heard the pieces since, or ever looked at them. ... To tell you the truth, I was embarrassed
for him at the time. ...

"I guess he's afraid to go in a direction that won't get him the accolades of the masses, but if he doesn't, he will lose all his respect as a good
composer..."

At least I'm not alone, and the texts *are* interesting, but hardly a reason to buy this recording. It's clear that Lauridsen's on the decline. At times his superb craftsmanship -- all of his works are written meticulously -- and adherence to a well-proved formula can still result in memorable music, but too often now these aren't enough to overcome a basic lack of inspiration.

As a believer in free-market economics, I advise leaving this one on the shelf, so as to not encourage Dr. Lauridsen to produce more of the same.
But you might like the Nocturnes better than I do, 12 of the 16 tracks (the two earlier song cycles, the Ave Dulcissima Maria, and the Agee nocturne) are worthwhile, and Polyphony is wonderful -- but there are other fine recordings of this music, and an expanding list of Polyphony CDs that might be a better investment of your money and time.

A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
Robert Shaw Chorale
a perfect Ceremony of Carols!
Brilliant compilation
Didn't care for it that much

A Robert Shaw Christmas - Angels on High

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs of Angels - Christmas Hymns and Carols
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O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge

ASIN: B000003D2M
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

O Come, Emmanuel
Alleluia
The First Nowell
The Carol Of The Birds
Allon, Gay Bergeres
A Hymn To The Virgin
O Magnum Mysterium
Christmas Oratorio: Rejoice And Sing
Ave Maria
What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Sing Lullaby
While By My Sheep
Christmas Oratorio: Break Forth, O Wondrous Heavenly Light
Heavenly Light
Adeste Fideles
Ceremony Of Carols: Procession - Hodie Christus Natus Est
Ceremony Of Carols: Wolcum Yole!
Ceremony Of Carols: There Is No Rose
Ceremony Of Carols: That Yonge Child
Ceremony Of Carols: Balulalow
Ceremony Of Carols: As Dew In Aprille
Ceremony Of Carols: This Little Babe
Interlude (Harp Solo)
Ceremony Of Carols: In Freezing Winter Night
Ceremony Of Carols: Spring Carol
Ceremony Of Carols: Deo Gracias
Ceremony Of Carols: Recession: Hodie Christus Natus Est

Amazon.com

In this beautifully chosen program of mostly a cappella arrangements, Robert Shaw and the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers deliver the Christmas story in tones of gentle and moving splendor. The carols and sacred settings recorded here are all of an intimate sort, and the rapturous, gently expressive realizations Shaw and his singers give them prove unfailingly appealing. Particularly moving is the newest work on the disc, a setting of "O magnum mysterium" by the American composer Morten Lauridsen. Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria" is another gem, as is the arrangement by Healy Willan of the French carol "What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" The offering includes a pair of chorales from Bach's Christmas Oratorio and two wonderful Christmas works by Benjamin Britten: "A Hymn to the Virgin" and A Ceremony of Carols, both well done, even if the sound of sopranos and altos (rather than boy trebles) in the latter takes some getting used to. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-02-16

The music is beautiful of course. The Robert Shaw Chorale is a high quality group of singers, and the arrangements they sing are really nice. Because of the age of the recording today's standards of equpment and tonal quality simply weren't available but the upgrade from analog vinyl was well-done. I shall look for more of these.

Robert Shaw Chorale.......2007-01-10

This is an excellent ablum. The music is lovely and quite varied. While there are many of the familiar favorites, there are also many new and different songs and the whole CD is a delight to listen to.

a perfect Ceremony of Carols!.......2005-12-22

This is the finest recording of Britten's A Ceremony of Carols I've ever come across, and there are plenty of versions to choose from. The King's College Choir rendition suffers from overstuffed acoustics, a constant with that choir, and their recording of Ceremony of Carols falls short in the requisite rhythmic clarity and intensity. The Christ Church, Oxford version is plodding, and lacks sparkle. Harry Christopher's The Sixteen come close, with marvelous sonics and ecstatic diction, but fall apart in the exacting 'This Little Babe' round with uneven cohesion, and strange stressed notes that ruin the waterfall effect so felicitously construed by Britten. I've not heard Britten's own conducted version, but he scrupulously insisted on boy trebles, and it's difficult if not impossible to conjure a more perfect rendering than the one given here by Shaw and his Chamber Singers. 'This Little Babe' is incomparable in each and all of its rapid fire contours, which is no mean feat. Mezzo-soprano Nanette Soles deserves special mention for incandescent singing on 'That Younge Child". The luminous pacing of 'There is no rose of such virtue' is notable, and to his credit Shaw employs the ecclesiastical pronunciation of the various Latin passages, unlike The Sixteen (and most other English choir recordings of this piece) who insist on an idiomatic British pronunciation of Latin, which offers nothing but distraction. Some will prefer boy treble singers, an attractive option, but for high musical values and the art they inevitably enshrine, it's impossible to be disappointed with this profoundly wrought version of Ceremony of Carols. Bach's 'Break Forth, O beauteous heavenly light' is just right, and I'd not heard 'Heavenly Light' by Aleksandr Kopylov; both are favorable additions to an excellent recording. Recommended.

Brilliant compilation.......2005-03-16

This is an absolutely outstanding collection of carols - some of them well-known, some of them obscure. As a choral singer, I've had the pleasure of singing many of these pieces, and I was delighted when I found them all in one place, and done by an ensemble so accomplished as the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers! It just isn't Christmas for me without this recording.

Didn't care for it that much.......2004-12-27

I prefer to hear the voices and the words of the carols, and this one has too much other sound (maybe even the use of massed voices); I have a hard time hearing what they are singing.

Sacred Treasures IV: Choral Masterworks, Quiet Prayers

Average customer rating:

Sacred Treasures IV
Divine Beauty And Peace!
Music for Personal Relection and Prayer
Stunning Musical Expressions of Piety

Sacred Treasures IV: Choral Masterworks, Quiet Prayers

Manufacturer: Hearts of Space
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Basso Profondo From Old Russia
Ancient Echoes
Russian Divine Liturgy
Russian Medieval Chant
Russia's Beautiful Religious Songs

ASIN: B000E5KU7E
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

PART: O Weisheit
KEDROVE: Ochte Nash
VICTORIA: Jesu Dulcis Memoria
LAURIDSEN: Contre Qui, Rose
FAURE: Benedictus
CHRISTOV: Cherubic Hymn No 4
DURUFLE: In Paradisum
LAURIDSEN: O Nata Lux
FAURE: In Paradisum
LAURIDSEN: O Magnum Mysterium
PART: Spiegel Im Spiegel
PART: Pari Intervallo

Product Description

01. Part: O Weisheit
02. Kedrov: Otche Nash
03. Victoria: Jesu Dulcis
04. Lauridsen: Contre Qui, Rose
05. Faure: Benedictus Faure
06. Christov: Cherubic Hymn #4
07. Durufle: In Paradisum
08. Lauridsen: O Nata Lux
09. Faure: In Paradisum Faure
10. Lauridsen: OMM
11. Part: Spiegel Im Spiegel
12. Part: Pari Intervallo

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Sacred Treasures IV.......2007-02-23

This CD was disappointing. Number I in this series is my favorite. I wouldn't have bought this one if I could have sampled the selections before purchase.

Divine Beauty And Peace!.......2006-12-07

I am the producer of this CD and of "SACRED TREASURES:Choral Masterworks From Russia" as well as of "SACRED TREASURES III:Choral Masterworks From Russia and Beyond" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. The previous SACRED TREASURES compilations focus mainly on choral music from the Russian Orthodox tradition, while this compilation consists mainly of 20th century masterpieces from the Western tradition. However, it also includes two Orthodox pieces and one exquisite Renaissance piece. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the "Cherubic Hymn" on this CD prescribes) and to rest in a magical space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these compilations, including this album, "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers"...

Music for Personal Relection and Prayer.......2006-05-14

Sacred Treasures IV is a beautiful tapestry of tonal prayers and a wonderful tool for quiet reflection. Each piece has been carefully selected for its text, musical texture, instrumentation and performance.The collection has much variety in these respects, incorporating a distinctly different setting of Our Father in a folk setting for women's voices, a secular setting from Morten Lauridsen's Poem Cycle: Le Chanson des Roses, as well as two instrumental pieces by Arvo Part. Still, a continuity of atmosphere and purpose gives the listener a sense of inner peace.

O Weisheit from Arvo Part's Seven Magnificat Antiphons, Jesu, Dulcis Memoria by Tomas Luis de Victoria, In Paradisum from Maurice Durufle's Requiem, O Nata Lux from Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna and Arvo Part's Spiegel im Spiegel are all highlights of the CD. These tracks, many of which are extracted from a larger work, combine to quiet the spirit and nurture the soul.

As with the others in the series, this CD is beautifully engineered and packaged to create another musical treasure for discerning listeners.

Stunning Musical Expressions of Piety.......2006-04-06

This CD is another fine offering in the "Sacred Treasures" series. Unlike many other compilations, the represented ensembles are some of the best in the world and each piece has been chosen with deliberation and care. This particular volume highlights the continuity of the sacred music tradition, reaching back to high craft of Renaissance Polyphony (Tom?s Luis de Victoria) to today's more contemporary composers such as P?rt and Lauridsen. From pieces as seemingly disparate as Kedrov's Russian Orthodox "Otche Nash" and Lauridsen's "Contre qui, Rose" the listener obtains the same sense of a very personal piety.

Although the CD implies choral masterworks, there are also two stunning instrumental offerings ("prayers without words") and not all of these "quiet prayers" are even sacred, as with the Lauridsen "Contre qui, Rose." Most of the pieces rely on subtlety of harmonic texture, as with the P?rt "O Weisheit" which rests upon a simple harmonic idea that travels through the ebb and flow of faithful prayer. Lauridsen's "Contre qui, Rose," features a beautiful Rilke text that is sacred in its own way and the composer carries his listeners through rich swells of choral texture, lifting them through waves of gentle dissonances, and setting them gently on the shores of cadence and consonance.

The Faur? "Benedictus" from the Messe Basse is a real treasure not only in that it is less-known than the famous Requiem, but this particular performance by the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter most aptly conveys the beauty and simplicity of Faur?'s sacred music.

The compilation features "classics" such as the "In Paradisum" from both the Durufl? and Faur? Requiems, as well as less common performances such as the "Otche Nash" performed by the distinctive Bulgarian women's choir, KITKA. Lauridsen's "O Nata Lux" and "O Magnum Mysterium" both communicate the sense of illuminating hope that is carried through each of the pieces on the CD.

The "quiet prayers" offered on this album are some of the richest and most beautiful representations of the sacred in music. It is refreshing to see such high quality ensembles and performers represented on a compilation CD, as well as such a varied sampling of repertoire. Far from being mere ear-candy, the pieces on the CD testify to music's ability to be the ultimate expression of faith.

Average customer rating:

Who is Morten Harket?
An excellent recording by a true vocal talent
Morten rules

Vogts Villa
Morten Harket
Manufacturer: Norsk Plateproduksjon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Minor Earth Major Sky

ASIN: B000G03SNA
Release Date: 2007-05-14

Tracks:

Tilbake Til Livet
Jeg Kjenner Ingen Fremtid
Herre I Drommen
Fremmed Her
Sondag Morgen
Gammal Og Vis
Taksameteret Gar
Himmelske Danser
Lyser Nar du Drar
Vuggevise

Album Description

1996 solo release by the photogenic vocalist from A-Ha, sung in his native Norwegian language. Although different from A-Ha's releases, Morten's solo releases are still just as lush and beautiful as those of his full-time band.

Customer Reviews:

Who is Morten Harket?.......2007-06-22

This album has some bluesy, American-tumbleweed pathos at some of its best. I felt like I was listening to a Chris Isaak album in Norwegian!
It's almost as if this guy went on an extended tour of the U.S., along Route 66, and like...got it! But did he sell it to the experts on "Bluesy, American-tumbleweed pathos?" Nope! He exported it to his native people who probably loved it!

The hardest thing to get your mind around with this album is that this is the same high-mullet, ultra-belting, syth-pop vocal god from the '80's who cranked out "Take on me" along with many others, because it is sooo not that! It sounds more like the latest primordial release from Nickel Creek or something.

This album has lots of jumbo folk guitars, mandolin (Morty's even seen twiddling one in the insert), harmonica, twangy-sounding Fenders and Gibsons,...the list goes on. Sure, it sounds like he's singing backwards English, but forget that, this dude has got the blues...not "The Blue Sky."

Trippy!

An excellent recording by a true vocal talent.......2007-06-11

I've been trying to track this CD down for some time, as I'm a huge Morten Harket fan from way back. I've followed his career, and that of his a-ha bandmates, since the Eighties, and I've always been extremely fond of Harket's voice. "Vogts Villa" is a departure from Harket's English-language recordings, and that may deter some listeners, but don't let it. It doesn't matter if you cannot understand the lyrics - this album is such an artful blend of (mostly acoustic) instruments and Harket's extraordinary vocal talent that you forget you can't speak Norwegian as you catch yourself humming along. Each song is very beautiful, and I suspect, slightly biographical and introspective. A very satisfying listen, worthwhile even if you're unfamiliar with (or not a huge fan) of Harket's other work!

Morten rules.......2007-02-28

If you are expecting something like take on me, you are in the wrong direction. This is a solo project from a-ha's vocalist in its original language (This guys are from Normay). I don't understand not even a single word, but the music sounds very mature, so the voice of Harket. It's delightful to the ear. Buy it.

Average customer rating:

It might be illegal to put this much beauty on one CD.
The splendor of "Dirait-on"

Lauridsen: The Complete Choral Cycles

Manufacturer: Fresh Water Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Lauridsen: Northwest Journey
Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale
Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna
Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001
Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works

ASIN: B000000ID8
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

MID-WINTER SONGS: ON POEMS BY ROBERT GRAVES: Lament for Pasiphae
MID-WINTER SONGS: ON POEMS BY ROBERT GRAVES: Like Snow
MID-WINTER SONGS: ON POEMS BY ROBERT GRAVES: She Tells Her Love While Half Asleep
MID-WINTER SONGS: ON POEMS BY ROBERT GRAVES: Mid-Winter Waking
MID-WINTER SONGS: ON POEMS BY ROBERT GRAVES: Intercession in Late October
MADRIGALI: SIX 'FIRESONGS' ON ITALIAN RENAISSANCE POEMS: Ov'e, Lass, Il Bel Viso
MADRIGALI: SIX 'FIRESONGS' ON ITALIAN RENAISSANCE POEMS: Quando Son Piu Lontan
MADRIGALI: SIX 'FIRESONGS' ON ITALIAN RENAISSANCE POEMS: Amor, Io Sento L'alma
MADRIGALI: SIX 'FIRESONGS' ON ITALIAN RENAISSANCE POEMS: Io Piango
MADRIGALI: SIX 'FIRESONGS' ON ITALIAN RENAISSANCE POEMS: Luci Serene E Chiare
MADRIGALI: SIX 'FIRESONGS' ON ITALIAN RENAISSANCE POEMS: Se Per Havervi, Oime
LES CHANSONS DES ROSES: RAINER MARIA RILKE: En Une Seule Fleur
LES CHANSONS DES ROSES: RAINER MARIA RILKE: Contre Qui, Rose
LES CHANSONS DES ROSES: RAINER MARIA RILKE: De Ton Reve Trop Plein
LES CHANSONS DES ROSES: RAINER MARIA RILKE: La Rose Complete
LES CHANSONS DES ROSES: RAINER MARIA RILKE: Dirait-on

Customer Reviews:

It might be illegal to put this much beauty on one CD........2000-09-04

Lauridsen has a sense of harmony and rhythm that creates a serene sanctuary of music. One to which a sensory-numbed urbanite (that'd be me) can escape. His music is exciting enough to hold my deficient attention, but soothing enough to calm me and convince me that email, cell phones, and deadlines can wait. His lines flow effortlessly into one another, and his voice-leading is delicate and clever. There is no better living composer of choral music. Period.

The splendor of "Dirait-on".......1999-07-15

I haven't actually heard this C.D. - but I have heard most of the works on it. Morten Lauridsen's work with "Les Chansons des Roses" is absolutely breathtaking. My personal favorite is "Dirait-on." It is so beautiful - it soothes the mind and soul.

Average customer rating:

Spectacularly beautiful choral music

Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium

Manufacturer: Haenssler
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Morten Lauridsen: Nocturnes
Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna
Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works
Lauridsen: Northwest Journey
Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale

ASIN: B000KCHZ38
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

En Une Seule Fleur
Contre Qui, Rose
De Ton Reve Trop Plein
La Rose Complete
Dirait-On - MORTEN LAURIDSEN
Introitus - Jorg Halubek
In Te. Domine. Sperarvi - Jorg Halubek
O Nata Lux - Jorg Halubek
Veni, Sancte Spiritus - Jorg Halubek
Agnus Dei - Jorg Halubek
Ov E, Lass, Il Bel Viso?
Quando Son Piu Lontan
Amor, Lo Sento L'alma
Io Piango
Luci Serene E Chiare
Se Per Haveri, Oime
O Magnum Mysterium

Customer Reviews:

Spectacularly beautiful choral music.......2007-04-18

This CD was previously available on the Bayer label, performed by the Nordic Chamber Choir which has changed its name to the Chamber Choir of Europe. As of this date, the old version still appears on Amazon, available as a used CD. I heard Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" for the first time on the radio recently, searched for a good version, and was persuaded by the excellent reviews for the out-of-print version. The reviews are spot on! I am not generally a fan of modern classical music, but after listening to this CD twice, I am entranced by Lauridsen's compositions and the Chamber Choir's artistry. Lauridsen is modern enough to sound fresh, but traditional enough to take an unashamed place in the great tradition of choral music. The music is majestic and uplifting, rich and complex without being sentimental. The CD is well-recorded and has a rich, full sound (DDD). This is one of the most exciting classical CDs I've discovered in the last 5 years. Highly recommended.

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