Psalm 23

Track Listings

1. Psalm 23

2. Colourblind

3. Don't Stop

4. Rapture Song

5. Oh How I Love You

6. House

7. Come and Go With Me

8. I Don't Know

9. Don't Give Up

10. Alright

11. His Eye Is on the Sparrow

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.

Dowland, a contemporary of Shakespeare, discovered that meditating on a sad theme is, at the same time, a way of discovering a special beauty that we tend to avoid (maybe because of the "tragic" heritage of the Romantics). So, in the end, meditating on sadness is an uplifting experience! This box set is a journey into melancholy that includes songs, chamber music, pieces for lute, some rare sacred music and -as a highlight- Dowland's beautiful collection of seven pieces for viola which he called "Lachrimae" (Tears).

Goodall: Choral Works
Average customer rating:

Charming

WONDERFUL!

Both uplifting and serious sacred music

Sound and Silence

Mr. Goodall is a National Treasure

Goodall: Choral Works

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000063CX
Release Date: 1998-04-21

Tracks:

Missa Aedis Christi: Kyrie
Missa Aedis Christi: Gloria
Missa Aedis Christi: Credo
Missa Aedis Christi: Sanctus
Missa Aedis Christi: Benedictus
Missa Aedis Christi: Agnus Dei
In Memoriam Anne Frank
The Vicar Of Dibley: Psalm 23
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They Were Not Here
Marlborough Canticles: Magnificat
Marlborough Canticles: Nunc Dimittis

Customer Reviews:

Charming.......2003-10-01

I was surprised to find this CD charming. Psalm 23 caught my attention at first, probing me to listen further. If you like the music of John Rutter, try to get your hands on this CD. It will be well worth it. Mr Bean even features on the disc. The sound is fresh and crisp. The music is clever and very interesting. Try it out.

WONDERFUL!.......2002-09-20

Perhaps the finest British Composer writing for a variety of media today. I would encourage folks to LOVE this CD. It is accessible to almost all, from Snotty Anglicans(Of which I am a classic case) to low church Protestants. I think that the essence of each of these pieces is universal. As to the comment about the varying volumes.....get real! Dynamic Contrast is a PLUS!

If you wish to acquire the sheet music to these pieces you will have difficulty in finding a US distributor. American Music Company in Missouri(Liberty,MO) was able to get me the pieces for my choir in a very timely fashion.

Both uplifting and serious sacred music.......2000-08-09

This is excellent music for Anglican liturgy with an extra measure of joyful rhythm and delicious harmony. It's holy music that smiles. A good contemporary addition to any library of cathedral music. And the liner notes helped me finally figure out the funny lyrics to the theme from Mr. Bean.

Sound and Silence.......2000-08-06

This truly lovely music is harmed by recording production values. The dynamic range goes from the inaudible to the earsplitting so that one is constantly reeling from the assault to ears. The composer actually comments gleefully in the accompanying notes on the choir's joy at singing at full (plus) volume. The music is wonderful, the sound is not. I would welcome another shot at this music featuring more restraint from the sound engineers, more discipline applied to an excellent, but overly eager, composer.

Mr. Goodall is a National Treasure.......1999-12-28

I sent my church's organ player on a wild goose-chase searching for the theme to the Vicar of Dibley (Psalm 23). I'm embarrassed and delighted to admit that the composer is NOT some eighteenth-century chormaster but the UK's very own and very much alive Harold Goodall! A more lilting and elegiac tune would be hard to find. His melodies lend themselves perfectly to choral arrangement.

Average customer rating:

IMPRESSED
St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns
Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral
LACK OF DICTION?!!!
Marred by lack of diction

The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Customer Reviews:

IMPRESSED.......2007-05-21

AS A FIRST TIME BUYER AT AMAZON,I AM IMPRESSED AT THE QUALITY OF CD AND TIME OF SERVICE

St. Paul's Cathedral ImpressiveCollection of Anglican Hymns.......2007-01-24

St. Paul's Cathdral is the second largest cathedral church in the basilican style, exceeded only by St. Peter's Rome. New York City's St. John the Divine is larger than St. Paul's, but with decidely gothic elements. All three cathedrals have fine choirs, but St. Paul's and St. John's continue the noble and unique sound of boys and men in the English tradition. St. Paul's great organ is one of the world's finest, with a decay of seven seconds. The great hymns are all here, conducted by John Scott, only recently appointed organist of St. Thomas' Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City. This is a recording will a be prized addition to your library of choral music. You will not be disappointed.

Excellent Cathedral Organ & Choral .......2006-02-24

This selection of recordings by The Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral contains pieces representative of traditional Anglican musical liturgy. The technical aspects of this production on compact disk seem to be outstanding, but beware that the original recordings were in some cases less than stellar. Another reviewer points out that on some tracks the lyrics sung by the choir are overwhelmed by the superb organ playing, which no doubt occurred due to inadequate microphone placement during the recording sessions. That said, I nevertheless rate this presentation of the St. Paul's Choir highly. It provides a mixture of musical types. In addition to the choir, the CD presents the work of four organists, including a marvelous organ solo, as well as several pieces sung a cappella by the choir and its boy treble soloists. I especially recommend this choir's rendetion of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere," which features the voices of two boy trebles, a boy alto and a bass, which yeilds a mesmerizing experience. Unless one is acquiring full sets of the St. Paul's Choir's music, this compact disk should delight anyone interested in traditional cathedral organ and choral music.

LACK OF DICTION?!!!.......2003-11-12

Obviously the individual who wrote the review including the "marred by lack of diction" remark is not too familiar with the traditional boychoir sound. I am moved to sickness that they were so openly compared with the sound of the all-too-familiar MTC. THOSE WERE ADULTS!!! These are boys! Boys cannot give the kind of sound of the MTC because their voices are not developed enough. The greatest hope a boychoir has of wowing audiences is in their contrast in dynamics. They model this beautiffully in their acapella pieces. In their accompanied pieces, I feel they hold their own above the (sometimes blearing) organ.
Know the genre a little better before you slander a great performance.

Marred by lack of diction.......2003-04-22

The singing is beautiful, melodious and full of harmony. The organ would make Bach proud.

But the lyrics do not stand out. In fact, they are obliterated by the surrounding melodies.

I hate to do this, but I am comparing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. These little boys would learn from them.

Tracks:

Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.

Average customer rating:

Music of the people
Good But Not Haunting Or Mysterious.
Very Good Traditional Hymns
Disappointing
Yes, these are great Catholic songs

Catholic Classics, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Gia Publications
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Catholic Classics 1
May Angels Welcome You/ Catholic
Catholic Classics, Vol. 5
Be Not Afraid
City of God

ASIN: B000003YLJ
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
Keep In Mind
Let There Be Peace On Earth
Ps. 23: Shepherd Me, O God
Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
Eye Has Not Seen
You Satisfy The Hungry Heart
Salve Regina
Peace Is Flowing Like A River
To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King

Customer Reviews:

Music of the people.......2005-04-23

On Eagles Wings is most definatly inspired.... Latin Music is great if you understand itm but I have not heard any conversations in Latin lately. The most important aspect of liturgy is the participation of the assembly and if the assembly (or most of it) does not understand what is being sung or said What's the use? Catholic Tradition is great kept alive on CD for those who want to walk down memory lane but it is a Vatican 2 church......deal with it or get out and join one of those rougue churches that say mass in Latin and stop trying to move backwards. There is nothing more powerful than a singing actively participating church.......let's not stiffle the voice of the Body of Christ.

Good But Not Haunting Or Mysterious........2005-02-27

Hello, this music is good but it is not haunting,mysterious,Otherworldly,or timeless like Gregorian Chant or The Latin Mass now all I can say is that we as catholics threw out 1400 years of beautiful music for junk like "On Eagles Wings".Though To the person who said they prefer this to the pre-vatican 2 dirge music you are very close-minded and devoid of art and beauty and judging by what you said you are part of what I call the weak generation of Catholics who are only catholic on paper and have no sense of history for your very beautiful and mysterious church. Most people from that generation see the catholic church only after vatican 2 and you forget about the past councils and teachings of the Catholic church and it's history,I mean there is a reason they kept it so long it was for it's goodness(if it was bad it would not lasted 1400 years) as a priest on EWTN said to those who say "That is so pre-vatican 2" "So was Jesus." You see Latin Is very Beautiful and Mysterious language and it is a very catholic thing I mean whats more catholic then Gregorian Chant or the Latin Mass it's timeless like the church itself we as catholics need to start reclaiming are heritage from the likes of liberal priest and bishops of the 60's generation regardless of what they say there do as you please Mass is not in the spirit of Vatican II which allowed the use of vernacular in the Mass but it did not intend for Latin and Gregororian Chant to disappear it said to preserve it and give it, it's proper place that is what has been the intention of every pope since including this one they have all encouraged the use of Latin and Gregorian Chant in the mass.
How can anyone one not like it,it's very beautiful and it's been around for 1400 years how can one say that singer songwriter stuff which no one will remember in 50 years be better then this it's like seeing heaven and saying you prefer the world(alot of people unfortunatly do this.) Though to ansewer the question of it being to sad yes it is very somber and mournful but thats because the sacrifice of mass is a very solemn ceromony it was never meant to be celebrated in rock or jazz or polka or any other abuses by certain clergy. If alot of these ignorant catholics only knew what took place at the mass they would understand. You know you should be proud of the fact you are catholic because we have many gifts the protestants don't have(In the sacrements,the liturgy,the art and the music.) So I say to you now even you prefer the vernacular have respect and appreciation of what came before you in are Holy Catholic Church. Oh by the way I am 19 about to be 20 and Vatican II was a good thing it retouched are faith as Cardinal Francis Aziz said. Though I believe many people misinterpret it.
I suggest watching EWTN alot or really studying your faith and I like both Novus Ordo And Tridentine Rite.
More of a rant not a review but these songs have there moments and there are many Vernacular songs I like.

Dominus Vobiscum.
Et Cum Spirtu Tuo.

Very Good Traditional Hymns.......2004-05-30

It sounds like you are in Church, and that is what I was looking for. I especially like the Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones, Peace is flowing like a river, and Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Some of the other songs were better done by other artists. Like Shepherd Me is done better by the original Marty Haugen. This version is good, but not as good as Marty's. And I was not particularly fond of this version of Amazing Grace.

Overall I would recommend you buy a copy for your collection. The songs which are good, are very good.

Disappointing.......2004-04-01

This CD was not at all what I expected. It sounds just like you are in Church. Every song is accompanied by an organ and most of them sung in soprano. The tempo of all the songs is very slow too! I was looking for something I could sing along to, not put me to sleep! On the positive side, there are some beautiful songs, I just wish they were sung more "up beat".

Yes, these are great Catholic songs.......2004-02-07

I grew up with the music of the St. Louis Jesuits and this CD is a good representation of the BEST. In the spirit of Be Not Afraid, I am Near You, on Eagles Wings are all songs I loved in high school, college, and adult life. We sing most of these songs regularly at Mass. These are pleasant renditions of inspirational songs that uplift - in my opinion they are far better than much of the dirge music pre-vatican II.

Average customer rating:

Ethereal Album
Great Music, Fine Performances
Music for Inner Peace Indeed!
Too much choral can tire, but it's still good.
Very relaxing!

Renaissance: Music for Inner Peace
The Sixteen
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Voices of Angels
Miserare - The Sixteen 25th Anniversary Edition
The Flowering of Genius
Victoria: Requiem 1605
English Renaissance Music

ASIN: B00076SJE6
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Miserere
Agnus Dei Opus 11
Crucifixus (8-Part)
The Lamb
Christe adoramus te
Kyrie
If Ye Love Me
Totus Tuus, Op.60
Locus Iste
When David heard - (Anthem)
Iustorum animae, 5vv
Salvator mundi (Cantiones sacrae 1575)
Agnus Dei
Ave Maria - (4vv)
Salve Regina
Libera nos, salva nos 1 - antiphon:7vv

Amazon.com

This new release is somewhat mistitled: while most of the pieces are, in fact, from the Renaissance (or early Baroque), there are works here also by Samuel Barber, Poulenc, John Tavener, Bruckne,r and Gorecki. What they all have in common is their beauty and serenity. Perhaps the CDs subtitle, "Music for Inner Peace," also refers to a type of renaissance, i.e., spiritual re-birth: in which case, they're right on the money. The Sixteen, led by Harry Christophers, is one of the greatest proponents of this sort of choral music in the world, and they don't disappoint here: The Allegri "Miserere," with its wickedly beautiful ascent to high C by soprano soloist, is ravishing; Barber's own arrangement of his "Adagio for strings" for chorus (1967) is polyphony at its most "renaissance" without actually being so, and Gorecki's "Totos Tuus" is otherworldly in it mysticism. The selections by Byrd, Tomkins, et al., are, like the others, impeccably performed. Even an early piece by contemporary composer John Tavener, normally the master of excruciatingly pretentiousness, is lovely. This recording is a gem. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Ethereal Album.......2005-11-09

I heard this album played on my local PBS station one morning and was in immediate love. It's worth every cent you'll pay for it.

Great Music, Fine Performances.......2005-11-02

First off, the title of this album is misleading. Only one of the tracks stems from the high Renaisance. The rest span from the Reformation period to contemporary. All of them are liturgical, all of a certain calm and meditative style--which could be inferred from the subtitle: "Music for Inner Peace."

But those are quibbles. The voices are excellent. The direction impeccable. The recording technique outstanding. And the program--given its self-immposed limitations of peaceful liturgical pieces--is very good. It was a stroke of programming genius to put the "miserere" of Gregorio Allegri (1582-1652) back to back with the "agnus dei" of Samuel Barber (1910-1981). The untrained ear might think the two pieces contemporary, even from the same composer, but for one trained in this genre of music, the differences of nuance are delightful and exhilirating.

I tend to prefer complete works, and listening through this album I sometimes wished for some livelier moments, but those quibbles aside, I am happy to assign a full five stars to this excellent recording. One of the advantages of a potpourri album such as this is that one gets to hear works from composers who might otherwise escape notice.

Music for Inner Peace Indeed!.......2005-08-29

Though there is somewhat of a sameness to the mood of this beautifully performed and recorded album of choral works that span centuries, that uniformity of message is the creative force for this survey of music by various and varied composers. The works were selected to provide a parcel of time away from the noise outside the spirit, a place for meditation and solace so desperately needed today.

Harry Christophers conducts the inordinately talented Sixteen singers with support where indicated from early instruments ensemble, The Symphony of Harmony And Invention, in an organic, crystalline, seamless range of songs from the Renaissance to the present. Works include Monteverdi, Tallis, Byrd, Palestrina, Allegri and travel through time to Bruckner, Poulenc, Taverner, Gorecki, and Barber. Each work is lovingly rendered in perfect intonation and control, setting aside the 'individual' for the sonorous, anonymous, other-worldly sound only found in the great choral works through the ages. Christophers' tempi tend toward the languorous - the 'Agnus Dei' Samuel Barber set to his famous 'Adagio for Strings' has to be the slowest on record! - but this tendency further creates a sense of spaciousness found in the great old cathedrals of Europe.

For quality of sound and polish of performance this recording has already won awards. For the food for the soul that it provides there can be no greater 'award' than successfully fulfilling its promise as being Music for Inner Peace. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 05

Too much choral can tire, but it's still good........2005-05-05

If you enjoy choral music this offering of 16 choral arrangements, conducted by Harry Christophers for DECCA won't offend. Indeed, you might find it rather enjoyable. The selections from various composers capture the essence of the Renaissance-Baroque sound as well as any recording I have head. However, it can, like any steady diet of choral, overwhelm and drag one down as much as inspire. That's not a comment on the quality or selection of songs of this CD as much as an observation about the genre itself. So, this CD has its positives and negatives. One minus is the orchestral accompaniment. When used, "The Symphony of Harmony and Invention" tends to be weaker than I would have preferred when listening to this style of music. Sometimes a nice contrast can actually elevate the tone and texture of the human voice -- and when it's missing, its absence is noticed. You will note for example in Monteverdi's "Christie, Adoramus Te" the orchestration is underplayed - subtle, almost not perceptible. This becomes problematic throughout the recording. Some listeners will like it, some won't. One of the features of this CD that I did enjoy was the synopsis of each song that explains its origin and focus. The notations are brief and to the point, but helpful in guiding the listener along from selection to selection. As for mood, well it's hard to pinpoint exactly: these are hymnals meant for a specific place - not necessarily one's automobile or living room, and hence, a listener may find it difficult finding a place or right time in one's home. If, however, you are in the mood for choral music, and you close your eyes and let your senses flow freely while listening, you might just get carried to that proper place and find "Music for Inner Peace" your cup of tea. The selections are thematic and even in moodiness. I recommend it with the reminder that it is a steady diet of solemn choral. It can be both tedious as elevating.

Very relaxing!.......2005-04-27

I downloaded this album from iTunes, and I'm very glad I did. I was looking for some soothing music to play in the background while I try to grade papers, and this one did the trick. My favorite tracks are #2 and #5 -- both are beautiful songs.

If you like vocal music, particularly chamber-type music, then this CD is for you.

Beyond Chant: Mysteries Of The Renaissance

Average customer rating:

Great literature... but thats about it
Essential listening.
Captivating!
Lofty music
Slow down Maestro !

Beyond Chant: Mysteries Of The Renaissance

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Voices Of Ascension: From Chant To Renaissance
The Greatest Choral Music of Palestrina: Prince of Music
Mysteries Beyond: Songs and Chants in Praise of Mary
Duruflé: Requiem Op.9/Messe Cum Jubilo,Op.11
Josquin Desprez: Motets & Chansons

ASIN: B0000006ZN
Release Date: 1994-05-23

Tracks:

Sicut Cervus
Ave Maria
Justorum Animae
Jesu Rex admirabilis
Exultate Deo
Exultate Justi
Jesu,Dulcis Memoria
Ave Verum Corpus
Psalm 90
Psalm 96
Hodie Christus Natus Est
O Maria Virgo Pia
Tu Pauperum Refugium
O Sacrum Convivium
If Ye Love Me,Keep My Commandments
Hosanna To The Son Of David
O Quam Gloriosum
Selig sind die Toten
Heu Nos Miseros
Exaltabo Te
O Sing Joyfully
O Magnum Mysterium
Laudate Nomen
Cantate Domino

Amazon.com

Go right to the first track and prepare for one of the most masterful and stylish performances of Palestrina that you'll ever hear. It's not flashy music nor is the singing especially virtuosic, but the unified phrasing, ideal balance among sections, and overall ensemble technique is impressive, and Palestrina's little motet simply opens and displays itself like a beautiful flower. The rest of the program, which includes a variety of beautiful flowers from composers such as Josquin, Sweelinck, and Tallis, maintains the same standard. Anyone looking for an introduction to Renaissance sacred choral music will find much here to encourage further exploration--standards like Byrd's "Ave verum corpus" and Victoria's "O magnum mysterium"-- and lesser known tiny masterpieces such as Victoria's "Jesu, dulcis memoria." The Voices of Ascension ranks with the world's finest choirs, and this recording reflects both the highest standard of choral singing and the highest standard of choral composition during the Renaissance. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Great literature... but thats about it.......2007-06-17

This cd was mildly dissapointing, to say the least. The literature is fantastic. Some of the greats are featured on here with some of their best works. No doubt a great taste of the Renaissance, especially for someone new to it. However, I'm sorry to say that the performance is second-rate, at best. Dennis Keene apparently is either unaware, or just simply understudied when it comes to the Renaissance. He shows an incredible lack of messa di voce, which was what drove the counterpoint of the Renaissance. His interpretations rob this music of its deeply personal purpose. I would suggest the Hilliard Ensemble over any ensemble for Renaissance literature, and find it dissapointing that so many people praise such emotionless, understudied Renaissance ensembels such as the Voices of Ascension, the Tallis Scholars, and the Oxford Camerata, just to name a few. Very good literature... But always pick the Hilliard Ensemble or Anthony Rooley's Consort of Musike when you have the option. It seems like Paul Hillier and Anthony Rooley are the only two true Renaissance scholars currently conducting ensembles.

Essential listening........2007-03-05

This was my first CD of Renaissance choral music, as it undoubtably has been for a great many people. It offers the best possible introduction to the genre for 2 main reasons: 1. No other CD of Renaissance choral music contains such a varied cross-section of early to late Renaissance sacred music styles. 2. The performance and recording quality are fabulous.

Keene uses a variety of different voicings and numbers of singers according to the needs of each particular piece, sometimes with only 2 on a part. The ensemble heard on this recording is a select professional core of The Voices Of Ascension, one of the best choral groups in the country. The voices are all very rich and resonant, and the intonation through the entire CD is unquestionably on par with the best in the world. The singing is, for the most part, completelly vibratoless and extremely smooth, which creates a gorgeous purity that allows this music to shine. However, it does become strident at times, which may put off some choral conductors who are strongly against straight-tone singing.

Of particularly high quality and beauty are the Viadana "Exultate Justi", Byrd's "Ave Verum Corpus", Tallis' "O Sacrum Convivium", and the Victoria and Sweelinck pieces. Another extraordinary track is Leonardo Leo's "Heu Nos Miseros", a late Baroque piece included because of its influence from earlier styles. It is a 9 part double choir piece full of extravigant dissonances and emotion, performed breathtakingly.

Captivating!.......2006-04-12

I was christened as a choral music fan once, as a college student, I heard the music of the Cambridge Singers. Inundated with classical music for years, how could I never have heard such music?! It was as if my musical senses were born anew: for it was with the same awe as a child encountering the world for the first time, that I discovered this novel and fascinating world of a cappella choral music. There were landmark discoveries along the way: Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge; Concordia Choir; St. Olaf Choir; the Dale Warland Singers; the Kansas City Chorale; Kantorei; the West Coast Mennonite Chamber Singers...and (as you expected!) I must end with the Voices of Ascension. The clarity of their pure voices can only be paralleled by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge. Chant haters, do not avoid this CD - you will find no chants here! Chants hold absolutely NO intrigue for me and I cannot endure listening to them for long periods of time. By contrast, this music, aptly named "Beyond Chant," truly does uncover hidden musical treasures of the Renaissance for those who would ordinarily avoid such music. The intricately woven a cappella harmonies are captivating and satisfying. I highly recommend this CD to all choral music fans.

Lofty music.......2005-10-14

Some of the earliest pieces of Christian music are the various kinds of chant. These hearken back to synagogue singing; there were various kinds of chant, including Gregorian, Old Roman, Mozarabic, Cistercian and Anglican chant. These tend toward the monophonic, singing with a single 'tune' or lone. They are generally without regular beats or set meters. However, in the Renaissance, monophonic chant grew into a polyphonic form, and this is one of the most glorious eras of music. (My shelves at home are filled with CDs of this sort.) Composers in this era include many represented on this disc - Palestrina, Desprez, Victoria, Lassus, Byrd, Gibbons and Tallis were some of the leading lights of the time. Lesser known but still glorious include Tye, Viadana, Sweelinck, Hassler, Batten and Schutz.

One of the interesting features of this disc is that it includes three pieces by Sweelinck, two psalm settings and 'Hodie Christus Natus Est'. (Sweelinck is very under-represented in recording and performance today). Some pieces are very well known - Byrd's 'Ave Verum Corpus' is perhaps one of the most familiar pieces from this period, as is Palestrina's 'Exultate Deo'. This is a collection that draws from the breadth of the Western Christian tradition of music from this time, with composers from Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Spain.

The composers here wrote liturgical music for Masses and other worship services, as well as other pieces - motets and other kinds of new music. This disc represents music that is two or three steps removed from plainsong and basic forms of chant - some are quite a bit distant. Viadana's composition for 'Exultate Justi', for example, was actually composed later, and despite being done in a more Renaissance style, shows decided influences of the Baroque (this might also be part of the performance of the Voices of the Ascension that gives this impression).

The Voices of Ascension, under the direction of Dennis Keene, grew out of the choir of the Church of the Ascension in New York City. Many of the singers are active soloists in addition to being part of this group (whose numbers vary, but often around 40). Keene is a conductor, organist and teacher (not an uncommon combination). Trained at Juilliard, he has led the Voices of Ascension through many outstanding recordings and performances.

This is a performance that is definitely uplifting, and a good collection of music in its breadth to introduce the glories of Renaissance polyphony to those who with little exposure to it. The recording quality is very good, and the choir is quite full and well suited for the music. Some have commented upon the tempo, but this was not a concern for me, and did not stand out as unusual or a problem upon listening (indeed, there were a few points at which I might wish for it to be a bit faster, rather than slower).

A collection that soars!

Slow down Maestro !.......2004-01-04

Another reviewer writing about another album by Dennis Keene wrote:

"Yet the performance is not the slowly flowing honey usually served up by, say, the Tallis Scholars (as good as that is). Particularly in the Gloria and Credo of the Mass, Dennis Keene deliberately de-emphasizes the rise and fall of the different voices' lines in favor of a more naturally speech-like declamation of the long Latin texts. This means a surprisingly fast tempo--and some rhythmic spring and syncopation one might not expect in Palestrina. Some (not all) of the motets get a similar treatment: it works well in joyous pieces like the Pentecost motet Dum complerentur, but listeners might miss that melodic rise and fall in some of the slower works. The singers of Voices of Ascension are quite skillful, and the slight edge in their tone helps make the different melodies unusually audible. Very worthwhile, but not your father's Palestrina."

As a matter of fact, I used to like this album quite much although it was certainly not my favorite. That was until I listened to Robert shaw's "O Magnum Mysterium", which is amedley of Renaissance, negro spiritual, Russian and Western contemporary religious music. I was struck by Shaw's profoundly spiritual interpretation of the pieces by Victoria and Tallis that are also recorded on "Beyond Chant".

From then on I could no longer listen to this cd without feeling feeling increasingly dissatisfied. I tried to find a precise reason and not being a music specialist I was quite at a loss until I found the review above. Maybe the quick tempo is the key to my dislike.

I definitely feel that Dennis Keene and his singers do not have the depth of the Robert Shaw Festival Singers although the booklet accompanying the cd claims that the audience was spellbound by their performance, which took place in a cathedral in New York.

Customer Reviews:

This is a fantastic deal!.......2007-02-25

If you are a fan at all of the Four Seasons you should love this music. I will admit right now that I am a classical music fan. I don't write or perform it. I am a novice listener. I have never taken any music lessons(though I am leaning in that direction) and certainly have not gone through any university music training. I started out in rock and roll but found classical as I got older and fell in love with it a few years ago.

With that context in mind I do hope I am able to recognize quality and this work is of the highest. It helps when you are starting with good ingredients in the first place. You can't bake great bread without great ingredients and Vivaldi's music library has some of the greatest musical ingredients of the last 300 years. They are very much the foundation for modern western culture and music. His talent is woven through what we are

The first 26 CDs are instrumental starting with the four seasons and working through many of the Master's many popular works. I will admit the four seasons are not the best interpretation I have heard but it is definitely acceptable. The rest of the music shows us many facets of the Baroque style and you can see themes emerging through some of the pieces that give us a 'fingerprint' of Vivaldi's style and the parameters of the stylistic leanings of the genre at the time. If you want to immerse yourself in 18th century music this is your chance

This music would be ideal for someone who owns a store and is looking for background music. With over 26 CDs of instrumental music alone you could have those constantly looping and you'd probably never get bored of them(OK I may be stretching it a little there). The reason is that the music does not leave a bad 'aftertaste' in your mind. It fits into the background as easily and naturally as it is to listen to it consciously in the foreground. If you are a fan of classical Baroque you don't usually need to be in the mood for this, it will adjust your mood to itself and Vivaldi's music is almost always of an uplifting sort if this collection is any indication. If you want something to listen to at your job 8 hours per day this is good for the mind and it would take you over a week to get through it if you listened to it every minute of every work day. You will also work without the worry of the music distracting your concentration. I find it enhances it when I'm working. I don't know how well this would work on school kids but teachers might want to try playing this during school time. You may create a few geniuses, we certainly could use more!

If you are looking for something to ease your sleep and oil your dreams I have put these CD's on in the background. Not only can I easily fall asleep when they are playing quietly in the background but it helps you sleep and you wake up in a very pleasant atmosphere if the music is still playing quietly when you wake(you probably would need to rip them to your MP3 player to do that). It's like napping at a classical music concert without the worry of being nudged by your spouse or offending the other concert goers with your snoring. That will be quite a unique experience for you and possibly give you some real sweet dreams. It has for me

So to wrap it up this is very intelligent, uplifting music that is great for your mind and your soul. It is definitely worth the purchase if you are a fan of the Four Seasons and the Baroque genre in my novice classical music fan's opinion

Excellent, Broad Selection.......2007-01-25

This 40-cd collection affords me a rare pleasure almost daily: the thrill of hearing something new by Vivaldi. Despite my best efforts over the years, I've managed to miss hearing a lot of great works by the master. Listening to a single CD now and then, catching tunes on the radio... you can't possibly get a comprehensive understanding of Vivaldi's output that way.

But when you work your way systematically from CD 1 through 40, you're sure to find many pleasant surprises. I've been skipping through everything I already know -- in some cases, it has only taken me about a minute to get through a whole CD (first 3 seconds of each track is usually enough). But then I stop and listen carefully three or four times to anything that's new.

Ah, what a pleasure. I've already acquired some new favorites. And some old standbys have proved even more rewarding, e.g. at first I thought RV 127 (CD 7, tracks 10-12) was performed too slowly (Naxos No: 8.553742 is much faster), but now I'm not sure; maybe it's BETTER that way! I can't recommend this set highly enough.

$70....when was this???.......2006-11-25

Wish the cost was $70 now. Guess the record producer (or Amazon) got tired of making less than $2 per CD.

$70/40... you do the math........2006-04-07

No, I don't own this collection...yet. However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand. Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price. At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit. The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured). The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves. The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either.

Average customer rating:

It stays with them...
It all started with Beethoven
Not What I expected
Music, history, culture, & intriguing story -Amazing!
Great series, great collection

Classical Kids: Collection

Manufacturer: Children's Book Store Distribution
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Children's Music | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Classical Kids Collection: Volume 2: Tales of Enchantment and Classical Music
Classical Kids Christmas
Classical Kids: Hallelujah Handel!
Tchaikovsky Discovers America
World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

ASIN: B00000212C
Release Date: 1995-01-09

Tracks:

Orchestral Suite #3, 1/Minuet in G+/Gigue in G+ (French Suite #5) - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Chromatic Fantasy/Prelude in B - (WTC1) - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Introducing the Orchestra/Organ: Chorale Preludes, "Allein Gott" - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Brandenberg Concerto #5, MVT. 3 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Flute Sonata C+, MVT. 2/Organ; "Es Ist das Heil"/Orchestral Suite ... - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Prelude in C (WTC1)/Orchestral Suite #2, MVT. 2 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Bist du Bei Mir - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestral Suite #2, Badinerie - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestrak Suite #3, Air for the G-String - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestral Suite #3, Gigue - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"Adventure in Music" - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Goldberg Variations/Art of Fugue - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"Liebster Jesu"/Flute Sonata in C, MVT. 4 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"We Hasten, " Cantata #78 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir

Tracks:

Symphony #7, MVT. 2
Symphony #5, MVT. 1
Piano Sonata, Op 90, MVT. 2/Flute Serenade, Op 23, MVT. 3/Violin ...
Pathue Sonata, Op 13, MVT. 2/Contradanse #1 in Major
Symphony #5, MVT. 2/Piano Sonata, Op 14 #2, MVT. 2/Flute Serenade, ...
Polonaise/La Marmotte/Country Dance in a Major/Fse/Flutnuhr
Sonatina in G Major/Minuet in G Major/Violin "Spring" Sonata, MVT. 1
Moonlight Sonata, Op 27 #2, MVT. 1
Flute Serenade, MVT. 2
Symphony #6, Storm
Nel Cor Piu Variations
Piano Concerto #1, MVT. 1/Piano Concerto #5, MVT. 2
Bass Excerpts from Symphony #9/Violin"Spring Sonata"/Rage Over a ...
Symphony #9, MVT. 4
Sonata Opus 49 #2, MVT. 2
Symphony #6, Shepherd's Theme

Tracks:

Lost in the Opera House: Oh Help Me (Zu Hilfe) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Papageno and the Birds: The Best Birdcatcher (Der Vogelfer) - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Queen of the Night: You Must Free My Daughter (O Zittre Nicht) - Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Pamina Arrives, Papageno's Magic Bells: A Girlfriend (Ein Mhen) - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Castle of Sarastro: O Endless Night (O Ew'ge Nacht) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Magic Flute: O Listen (Wie Stark) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Escape: Let Us Hurry (Schnelle FWhat Tinkles So Brightly ... - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
Sarastro's Welcome: The Gods Above (O Isis) - Gordon McLeod, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Attack of the Queen: The Powers of Night (Der H Rache)/This ... - Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Pamina's Lament: Oh, My Heart Is Broken (Ach, Ich F - St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
In the Labrynth: Seekers of the Light (Der, Welcher ...) - Nils Brown, Gordon McLeod, Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
Papageno and Papagena: Ring, O Bells (Klinget Glhen) - Adriana Braun, Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Conclusion: Our Journey Is Over [Bei Mern] - St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra

Tracks:

Four Seasons, Spring, I, RV 269
Piccolo Concerto, II, RV 293
Arriving at the Pietour Seasons, Autumn, I RV 293/Guitar/Flute ...
Violin Concerto in a Minor, I, RV 356
Four Seasons, Winter, II, RV 297
Guitar Concerto, II, RV 93
Venice by Day/Guitar Concerto, III, RV 93/Four Seasons, Autumn, ...
Sonata for Two Violins, II, RV 50/"Farnace", RV 711, [Recording Premier
Violin Concerto in a Minor, II, RV 356
Venice by Night/La Notte, I, II, III, RV 439
Island of the Dead/Four Seasons, Autumn, II, RV 293
Gardellino, RV 90/Beatus Vir, RV 597/Alma del Core/Violin Sonata ...
Concert Preparations/Piccolo Concerto, I, RV 443/Guitar Concerto, III,
Conclusion/Double Orchestra Concerto, II, RV 585/Guitar Concerto, ...

Customer Reviews:

It stays with them..........2005-10-24

I enjoyed reading the reviews of parents whose kids have recently discovered "Classical Kids." I'm about to order the boxed set for my kids, ages 21, 19 and 16 because the nineteen-year-old, who has a college radio show and loves a wide variety of music, remembers this series (then only on cassette) with great affection and wants to hear them again. Those of you wondering whether it's worth it or not to try to introduce kids to classical music this way, be assured it works. We've turned one of Mr. Bach's lines into a family "saying:" "the more you study, the more you know; the more you know, the more you appreciate; the more you appreciate, the more you love." A great series!

It all started with Beethoven.......2004-02-03

Many years ago I purchased my first CD in this series, "Beethoven Lives Upstairs." My children and I were delighted with it. I then discovered that there were more and searched them all out, one by one. My children, now 11, 9 & 5, have listened to these stories as they fall asleep for years. They each have a favorite composer and have gone on to learn more about them. These stories are a great introduction to some of our greatest composers. Not to mention a good intro to history, too!

Imagine my delight that they are now in one boxed set! Now when asked, I suggest this set. What a great way to get it ALL! I truly believe that by surrounding our children with a variety of good music (including POP music) and information they will grow up with a greater appreciation for music and the arts.

Not What I expected.......2002-09-20

I love the idea, but I don't want to expose my children to the stories in these cd's. They contain children talking back to their parents, disrespectful language, sorcery, etc. If you don't like Harry Potter, you won't like these CD's.

Music, history, culture, & intriguing story -Amazing!.......2002-04-08

My 6 year old son loves music...and stories! Here is the prefect combo. Lovely music of the composer accomapnies a fictional story which weaves the composer's life, the culture of his homeland as well as history...in an intriguing and fun way! Now, my son can pick out pieces he hears on the classical radio station. He really enjoys the stories and can tell people @ carnival in Venice, Italy and tidbits @ Beetoven and the Magic Flute by Mozart! A must for any child with any of these interests! We also have enjoyed the CD's and have learned lots!
I only can wonder...what took whomever so long to broaden our horizons in such a way! BRAVO!

Great series, great collection.......2001-04-22

We've had the CDs in this boxed set for over a year now. The Classical Kids series has been wonderful. We have two boys (now 6 and 8) and this has been a great introduction to classical music. At first, the kids loved the stories which provide a sense of history and place and, ultimately, keep the kids interested in the entire CD. As they listened (time and time again), they started to pay more attention to the musical portions. Recently, we've been able to tell that they've picked up a sense of the music as we've listed to classical music on the car radio. Time and again, they perk up when listening to a piece of music and surprise us by saying "That's Beethoven". Sure enough - they've picked up something about the style of music that's characteristic of Beethoven. Sometimes it's the snippet of music from the CD and other times it's just the rhythms that are characteristic of that piece. As a family, we all recommend this.

Average customer rating:

Uneven quality but great value
A superb collection of Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Choruses | 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

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

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
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Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJ2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Psalm 23
2. Colourblind
3. Don't Stop
4. Rapture Song
5. Oh How I Love You
6. House
7. Come and Go With Me
8. I Don't Know
9. Don't Give Up
10. Alright
11. His Eye Is on the Sparrow