Life Is a Church

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
One of the preeminent voices in Christian music. David Phelps has been wowing crowds with his powerhouse vocals as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band since 1996. In addition to the title cut, other stand out tracks include "Something's Gotta Change", and "That's What Love Is". Musically, this album is everything a David Phelps fan would expect!

Customer Reviews:

This is what Choir and Organ magazine had to say.......2002-12-08

A perfect portal into the sound world of medieval Russia, this selection of liturgical material, drawn from a tradition harking back to the 11th century, includes unadorned monophonic chant as well as ceremonial pieces in polyphonic styles developed in the 16th and 17th centuries, the sonorities of the former occasionally creating enjoyably spooky, ringing overtones in the generous acoustic. The men of Deisus sing with an almost visceral depth of commitment and, as might be expected, the low basses are profoundly in a class of their own.

The best Russian choral CD of the season.......2002-02-09

This disk is a must for every lover of male Russian choirs! Don't get confused by the name of the choir (I assume it is based on Greek deisis `prayer') or the commercial design of the booklet: this is simply the very best of Russian choral chant that has been published this season. The fourteen singers of the choir perform ancient chants, that have partly been deciphered here for the first time, and so are absolutely unique. Because of the high quality of singing and the choice of repertoire, Deisus can be compared with leading choirs such as the famous Patriarchate Choir of Mr.Grindenko. The chants performed on this splendid disk, all in honour of the Virgin Mary, are either homophonic or polyphonic, in a pleasant alternation. They share the quality of monastic austerity that makes them absolutely captivating: the listener is transposed to another world, a world of quiet and piece. Warmly recommended!

Astonishing Recording!.......2002-02-05

Anyone who hasn't heard Russian chants performed by deep voices has a real delight ahead and a profound musical experience. This recording captivates from beginning to end. The voices of the Deisus Choir, singing heretofore unpublished chants, took this listener onto a soundscape he didn't know existed. The choir emerges like the breath of God and rolls on in a vibrant acoustic that's perfectly suited to the voices, which resonate as much in the solar plexus as in the ear. I've collected a good number of recordings of chants (including the best-selling disc of the Spanish monks that came out some years ago), but the present recording by the Deisus Choir is now at the top of my list.

Average customer rating:

How can you call these "Hymns"
wonderful collection of magnificent music
Flawed but enjoyable
Hymns through the Centuries
A must own for classic church music lovers

Hymns Through the Centuries
J. Reilly Lewis , Cathedral Choral Society , William Gardiner , Johannes Cruger , Melchior Teschner , William Henry Monk , Virgil Thomson , George Elvey , Thomas Hastings , and John [composer] Goss
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
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
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Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2
Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection
Hymns Through the Centuries 2
Abide With Me
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B00003XB8M
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

When In Our Music God Is Glorified
Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life
O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
All Glory, Laud And Honor
Abide With Me; Fast Falls The Eventide
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me
Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
Come, Risen Lord
Carillon Hymn: St. Peter
Eternal Father, Strong To Save
Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound
Holy, Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty
Nearer, My God, To Thee
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
In Christ There Is No East Or West
Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Word Of God, Come Down On Earth
The Church's One Foundation
God Of Our Fathers
Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping
Peal Bells

Customer Reviews:

How can you call these "Hymns".......2006-08-05

Not to harp on anyone here, but it's obvious that none of you grew up in a church or environment that had a good choir. I know, a Hymn is a genre of music, but a recording of a hymn isn't one if it doesn't contain HARMONY. If they're a "choir," then why don't the tenors sing a different note than the sopranos, altos, and basses? The organist is quite good, I'll admit, but you're wasting your time if you're looking for a good recording of these beautiful songs that were COMPOSED with harmony, not unison. If they want to sing in unison like this, they need to be stripped of their "choir" status and simply be called a "group."

wonderful collection of magnificent music.......2006-01-18

Most everything on this CD is very well done. The recording environment might have been less than perfect, but that shouldn't dimish one's enjoyment very much. Most of the arrangements are very traditional, with the notable exception of Amazing Grace, which though it isn't terrible, it isn't very good either. Some songs had verses removed, which is understandable, though it was poorly done in Eternal Father, Strong to Save -- they did verse 1 ("Eternal Father"), then they skipped(!!!) verse 2 ("O Christ, the Lord") and went on to the final verses ("Holy Spirit" and "O Trinity") -- which is skipping Someone important! However, outside of that, it was excellent.

If you like sacred music, or hymns, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this CD. If you're a Christian, you should enjoy this as well, no matter your taste in music (and you might just learn to like hymns as well!). It is a well-chosen set of some of the most magnificent, God-honoring music of all time, done is a mostly very traditional manner, and it was done well.

Flawed but enjoyable.......2005-04-15

The huge size and reverberating acoustics of Washington National Cathedral make it difficult to hear any kind of live choral performance clearly, even if you're sitting in the front rows in the nave. The Cathedral Choral Society is handicapped by having to record in this acoustically mushy space, and it shows in this CD, often creating an uneven balance between the organ and the chorus as noted by other reviewers. The repertoire is well-chosen, but the quality of the arrangements is uneven. Too often, the chorus seems to be singing in unison right out of the Hymnal, like any parish church choir at an ordinary Sunday service. Certain pieces do suggest the heights which the Society is capable of attaining. But the group never achieves the splendor that the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys displays every Sunday morning. Just when the Society seems to be getting there, the conductor pulls them back. And the shrill folk arrangement of "Amazing Grace" will have you covering your ears as the sopranos shriek clumsily, confusing volume with fervor.

Hymns through the Centuries.......2002-03-18

This is not a review. I just have a question. Does "Hymns through the Centuries" contain the hymn "It is Well with my Soul?" Thanks.

A must own for classic church music lovers.......2002-02-16

I purchased this CD just based on the titles and am very glad I did. There are only two downsides to the album. First is the fact that there isn't a companion CD with 26 more hymns! Second is picky, but I do agree with another rater that the organ could have been a little louder related to the singing. Hope you enjoy listening!

Average customer rating:

Another winner
Good but not great
Love it!
Amazing
Inspiring - A Vocal Masterpiece

Life Is a Church
David Phelps
Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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Revelation
David Phelps
Legacy of Love: David Phelps Live
The Best of Guy Penrod
Best of the Gaither Vocal Band

ASIN: B000AGTQLS
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

With His Love (Sing Holy)
Something's Gotta Change
Life Is A Church
That's What Love IS
Behold The Lamb
Long Time Coming
Gentle Savior
Visions Of God
Power
The Names Lives On
Legacy Of Love

Album Description

One of the preeminent voices in Christian music. David Phelps has been wowing crowds with his powerhouse vocals as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band since 1996. In addition to the title cut, other stand out tracks include "Something's Gotta Change", and "That's What Love Is". Musically, this album is everything a David Phelps fan would expect!

Customer Reviews:

Another winner.......2007-05-28

I like having the fold-outs with the words to the songs. This album has some songs with really good messages, and it helps to be able to follow along with the words until one becomes accustomed to them. It is more fun and meaningful to know the words, because I was accustomed to hymns and anthems much unlike the more contemporary music. I did not care for the cover either, but after buying two CDs by this artist, I wanted more, so I bought this CD as well. I love it, and so do my friends. (I wish they would buy their own. . . just kidding.) Actually, I enjoy sharing. This singer has much to offer. Such talent, and depth. Good album, -entertaining and thought-provoking.

Good but not great.......2007-03-15

David has a great voice but I still like him best when he is singing with the Gaither Vocal Band.

Love it!.......2006-09-10

I love this CD as much as his previous CDs. I have 3 out of 4 of my David Phelps CDs in my CD changer at all times, including this one. At Christmas time, I have all 4. I have several favorite songs from each of his CDs. I've ordered the CD and DVD, Legacy of Love - David Phelps Live! that comes out Sept 12. I can't wait. I recently saw him in concert and can say it was the best concert I've ever been to. His voice is incomparable! I am so glad he decided to go solo. He was great with the Gaither Vocal Band but, to me, I was always waiting to hear 'more of David' - now I can hear much more of his beautiful voice and inspiring massages. Even my teenage daughter listens to David Phelps - she always has several of his songs on her iPod Shuffle, on mixed Cds and often when at the computer, she is playing his songs on iTunes. How many mothers can say that about their teenagers?! Needless to say, we both are inspired and moved by his music. Each song is like a hug from God. David is truly blessed and I am thankful that he went solo. I look forward to many more CDs from him.

Amazing.......2006-07-07

I have not had the pleasure of listening to the cd yet because it's just been ordered, but I did hear David live on television last night and I was deeply moved. David's lyrical range is absoutely incredible.

Inspiring - A Vocal Masterpiece.......2006-06-28

I have been a huge fan of David Phelps for about 5 years now. I was raised with southern gospel music all of my life, so I really enjoyed watching him sing with the Gaither Vocal Band. Now that he has gone solo, I truly miss his presence in the GVB, but I love his newer music. It is definitely more contemporary, but his ardent delivery, unbelievable range, and soul-inspiring lyrics move me deeply.

David is blessed with an incredible voice - I truly believe he is one of the greatest male singers alive. He is classically trained and the quality of his voice is amazing. Although I believe I have seen him at his best performing at a Gaither Homecoming, this is an exceptional collection of music.

The words to his songs are very powerful and profound. I adore "That's What Love Is," "Legacy of Love," and "The Name Lives On." However, all of the songs offer great inspiration and catchy melodies.

His choice to go contemporary is one I strongly support because of his ability to reach more people. Others who have also grown up with southern gospel music have expressed a desire for him to stay with his roots, but I feel he has so much to offer and shouldn't be limited to one style when he can do so much more for Christian music.

David is a passionate singer with a prodigious voice and once again has made a fantastic album.

Seasons for Singing: A Celebration of Country Life

Average customer rating:

Great music - fun to singalong
Very fresh and fun.
Refreshing Change from Tired Carols

Seasons for Singing: A Celebration of Country Life

Manufacturer: Revels Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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The Wild Mountain Thyme
Revels Celebration Of Spring Summer & Fall

ASIN: B0000002BD
Release Date: 1995-03-21

Tracks:

Now We Are Met
Good Ale
Speed The Plough
Hal-And-Tow
Well Rung, Tom
Under This Stone Lies Gabriel John
Hark! The Bonny Christ Church Bells Ring
Byrd One Brere
The Turtle Dove
Jones's Ale
Dance Reels: The Wind That Shakes The Barley/Harvest Home
On Ilkla Moor Bah T'at
Mairi's Wedding
Say, Mighty Love
Say, Mighty Love
The Wedding Hymn
In Wisdom's Lovely, Pleasant Ways
The Earth Is Our Mother
The Rivers Of Texas
Palms Of Victory
Once More A-Lumbering Go
Fare You Well, Mary Ann
Fathom The Bowl
The Farmer
As I Was Going To Banbury
Green Broom
Bridgwater Fair
One April Morning
Miri It Is
Sellenger's Round
The Padstow Mayers' Song

Customer Reviews:

Great music - fun to singalong.......2007-03-10

We have the Christmas Revels CD and loved that, but I can't stand Christmas music in February, so I bought this CD. My family adores it -- my kids, 4 and 6, love to sing along to it. There are a few drinking songs that praise alcoholic beverages (Good Ale, Jone's Ale), but I'm not sure my kids get the gist and it doesn't bother me.

I felt this was well worth the cost -- there are a lot of songs on here. I love that we can sing along to music that isn't sacchrine, dumb-downed, kids music and I like the historical nature of the tunes (the liner notes are great -- they give background on the May festival and each song has a few sentences of background, as well as providing the lyrics. There are a few songs that are instrumental, but most have singing).

Another album my family is enjoying is Dean Shostack Davy Crockett's Fiddle - they are instrumental early American fiddle tunes.

Very fresh and fun........2001-09-06

I defy you to not sing along with this album. The songs are catcy without being tiring, folksy without being simple, nostalgic without being sentimental. The Revel Singers make you feel like you're in the midst of a big party full of boisterous people having a great time. I was introduced to this album via my local eclectic radio station that played "Jones's Ale" one morning and I was hooked.

Refreshing Change from Tired Carols.......1999-12-29

Probably taken from one of the delightful annual Revels Christmas/holiday musicals, the sound is Christmas-y without being cloying. It's joyful, fresh and charming.

Gifts of the Spirit: Icelandic Church Music

Average customer rating:

Gifts of the Spirit: Icelandic Church Music

Manufacturer: Hastedt Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004C8Q7
Release Date: 2000-05-30

The Coronation of King George II / The King's Consort · Robert King

Average customer rating:

Thumbs up for King's Consort!!

The Coronation of King George II / The King's Consort · Robert King
George Frideric Handel , Henry Purcell , and Thomas Tallis, Orlando Gibbons John Blow
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
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

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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Music For Queen Mary-A Celebration Of The Life And Death Of Queen Mary
Handel - Coronation Anthems / Gritton, Blaze, M. George, Choir of King's College Cambridge, AAM, Cleobury

ASIN: B00005QIT8
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Amazon.com

George II's coronation, which is depicted on this Hyperion two-CD set, took place in 1727 amid chaotic circumstances, and it's hard to know how much of the surviving documentation indicates what actually happened as against what was meant to happen. So Robert King's musical recreation of the event is inevitably a mixture of scholarship and speculation, throwing in items from past coronation ceremonies (like Purcell's I was glad) on challengeable evidence. But never mind. If you take this exercise in broad terms--and you should--it's brilliantly effective, with clear, sharp-edged performances of the four coronation anthems (including Zadok the Priest) that Handel definitely did write for the event. Along with that is what would in 1727 have been old music by Tallis, Gibbons, and Blow, plus spatial sound effects of grand processions, fanfares, shouts of acclamation, and the bells of London, all recorded in rural locations west of Swindon, because the real thing is drowned out these days by 21st-century traffic noise. One reservation: it's all a touch staid with overly stately tempi and less atmosphere than it could happily sustain. You just don't believe it's happening in Westminster Abbey (nor is it: most of the material was recorded in a Lutyens church in Hampstead Garden Suburb, north London). Also, over two CDs, the endless trumpet fanfares get a little wearing. But that's probably authentic. And since the second CD comes free, there's nothing to complain about. --Michael White

Customer Reviews:

Thumbs up for King's Consort!!.......2002-03-01

Well, this is just fascinating! Absolutely fascinating! (Sorry for repeating myself, it's a point that I just cannot seem to stress enough!! lol)

Of course, I'm a little biased too, towards the content of this compilation (being a monarchist), yet the musical and historical value of such a recording cannot be effectively conveyed in words. I will admit that I am only vaguely familiar with the sound of the king's consort choir and orchestra, but as they say, first impressions last, and this was a great first impression.

I am usually quite partial to the recordings of the King's college choir, but the King's consort choir has certainly proved an unbelieveable equality to me, with little of the usual vibrato in the high soprano lines, that tend to get on my nerves.

Of particular interest, are the coronation anthems, that Handel actually composed for the purpose of this very coronation. They are all wonderfully portrayed in all their splendour and grandeur, and yes, with a blaze of Handelian glory. They are all enjoyable to listen to, with the typical lyricism and melodious writings of Handels pen.

More unfamiliar, are anthems composed for earlier coronations and incorporated into the service for King George II. This is a great insight to the earlier styles of the renaissance anthem writing. At times they do seem to anticipate choral masterpieces of a later 'baroque' generation.

I must urge all to try this recording, and experience the pomp and ceremony of the crowning of the British Monarch.

Still
Average customer rating:
Still

Manufacturer: The Eastridge Band
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA37SU
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Nothing Stands in the Way
Oh What Joy
Still
God Be Glorified
His Love Remains
Worshiper of God
Alive
Satisfied
Thank You Lord
A Passion Lord for You
We Exalt You
You Alone Jesus

Average customer rating:

One of the better Chandos recordings
Uninvolving performance
A Bit Too British for Me
Awesome find
Jane Eaglen is the perfect Tosca!

Puccini: Tosca

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Eaglen, Jane | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Verdi: La Traviata

ASIN: B000000A6Q
Release Date: 1996-05-21

Tracks: