Hymns for Life

Track Listings

1. Blessed Assurance

2. Medley: Jesus Saves/Jesus Breaks Every Fetter...

3. I Must Tell Jesus

4. What a Friend We Have in Jesus

5. Medley: Near the Cross/I Am Thine Oh Lord

6. Sweet Hour of Prayer

7. Medley: Rock of Ages/'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus...

8. Comforter Has Come

9. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour

10. Medley: At the Cross/Standing on the Promises

11. O Come All Ye Faithful

12. Just as I Am

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:

Fine Contribution
lovely performance
Wonderful performances of stirring music

English Song Series 3
Vaughan Williams , Rolfe , Johnson , and Duke Quartet
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Vaughan Williams: Songs of Travel
Roger Quilter: O Mistress Mine; To Daisies; Julia's Hair; Go, Lovely Rose
Duparc: Chansons
English Song Series 1
Bryn Terfel - The Vagabond & other songs by Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Finzi & Ireland

ASIN: B00007FKQL
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

It Was A Lover And His Lass
The Lawyer
The Splendour Falls
The Water Mill
Tired
Silent Noon
Searching For Lambs
Nocturne
Joy, Shipmate, Joy!
Lord, Come Away
Come Love, Come Lord
Five Mystical Songs: I. Easter
Five Mystical Songs: II. I Got Me Flowers
Five Mystical Songs: III. Love Bade Me Welcome
Five Mystical Songs: IV. The Call
Five Mystical Songs: V. Antiphon
On Wenlock Edge: I. On Wenlock Edge
On Wenlock Edge: II. From Far, From Eve And Morning
On Wenlock Edge: III. Is My Team Ploughing?
On Wenlock Edge: IV. Oh, When I Was In Love With You
On Wenlock Edge: V. Bredon Hall
On Wenlock Edge: VI. Clun
Dirge For Fidele

Customer Reviews:

Fine Contribution.......2006-09-03

A fine compilation of Vaughn Williams' songs. Sung very well indeed by Johnson and Keenlyside with excellent accompaniment. This CD really shows the full range of Vaughn Williams vocal writing. This whole series is an admirable undertaking.

lovely performance.......2006-03-24

This is a very nice compilation of Vaughan Williams' vocal music, some of which is not easy to find on CD. The performers do an excellent job. Nice voices, and the music is sensitively sung. A really good value.

Wonderful performances of stirring music.......2003-04-27

This CD contains some of Vaughan Williams' best vocal music. The singers are superb and the accompanist is sensitive.

I love the whole CD, but adore
Searching For Lambs, which is a touching love song, set for violin and tenor duet
Silent Noon
It Was A Lover and His Lass
Antiphon, the last song in the set of Five Mystical Songs. It is a great song of faith, set by an infamous agnostic. The Church would be the poorer without Vaughan Williams wonderful hymns and arrangements of hymns. [I also recommend Vaughan Williams' Hymnal and Pilgrm's Progress.].

I bought this set to hear On Wenlock Edge and am not disappointed. It is a great song cycle.

By the way, this bargain-priced CD includes all the song texts.

One of my favourite vocal CDs. Highly recommended.

Hymns for Life
Average customer rating:
Hymns for Life
Vestal Goodman
Manufacturer: Yell Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vestal Goodman: A Lifetime of Favorites

ASIN: B000MTPARW
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

Blessed Assurance
Medley: Jesus Saves/Jesus Breaks Every Fetter/We're Marching To Zion
I Must Tell Jesus
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Medley: Near The Cross/I Am Thine Oh Lord
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Medley: Rock Of Ages/'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus/The Haven Of Rest (I've Anchored My Soul)/God Leads Us Along
The Comforter Has Come
Pass Me Not O' Gentle Savior
Medley: At The Cross/Standing On The Promises
Oh Come All Ye Faithful
Just As I Am

Average customer rating:

A must have ...

Bel Canto - Magnificat

Manufacturer: NCC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works
Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001

ASIN: B0000V8G28
Release Date: 2003-10-01

Tracks:

Magnificat
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Psalm
Dixit Dominus
Dixit Dominus
Dixit Dominus
Magnificat
Magnificat
Magnificat
Magnificat
'Agnus Dei' From Winter's Dream
Ave Maria
Jubilate Deo
O Vivens Fons
In Paradisum
'Agnus Dei' From Coronation Mass
There Is No Rose
Magnificat
Agnus Dei
Lauda Sion
Ave Verum
God Of Fire (To Agni)

Tracks:

Magnificat
Alleluja
Ave Maria
Jaakobin Pojat
Inscription Of Hope
The Lord Bless You And Keep You
Missa Brevis
Missa Brevis
Magnificat
'Ombra Mai Fu' From Serse
'O Pastorelle Addio' From Andrea Chenier
'Verdi Prati' From Alcina
'Dome Epais' From Lakme
'Witches Chorus' From Macbeth
Under The Greenwood Tree
Weep No More
Les Nymphes Des Bois
The Paint Box
Trepute Martele

Album Description

A Classics Today Feature Selection! If you've heard this choir before, you know what to expect here: lustrous ensemble sound, crisp, clear, clean articulation, irresistible rhythmic energy, keen intonation, and impressive command of some very challenging music. In this two-disc program (35 works) we're treated to five Magnificats, all different in style--from chant and early-20th-century settings to more "modern" versions by Herbert Sumsion, Swedish composer Agneta Sköld, and conductor Z. Randall Stroope--as well as a widely varied array of original and arranged works for treble voices. A chamber orchestra and various other instruments (harp, organ, saxophone) accompany the choir for some selections, and an adult ensemble joins Bel Canto for what may be the best-on-disc rendition of the oft-performed Ave Maria by Franz Biebl. Just listen to these young virtuosos nail every note and rhythm of Holst's furious little gem God of Fire. A must for choral fans! - David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

A must have ..........2004-09-14

Simply put, this is one of the finest recordings you will ever hear in its genre. Bel Canto is a world class children's choir, as is evident on every track of this disc. The 2-disc set includes many original compositions by Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, including "There Is No Rose" and "Psalm 23", as well as "Magnificats" from several composers from both the U.S. and abroad. The recording of Biebl's "Ave Maria", in conjunction with the University of Nebraska-Omaha Concert Choir, is simply second to none. If you think you know what a children's choir sounds like, then try this CD. You're in for a surprise ...

The English Songs Series, Volume 1: Ralph Vaughan Williams

Average customer rating:

GREAT CD FOR CHEAPO!
Wonderful

The English Songs Series, Volume 1: Ralph Vaughan Williams

Manufacturer: Collins Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Tracks:

It Was A Lover And His Lass - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
The Lawyer - Louisa Fuller/Simon Keenlyside
The Splendour Falls - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
The Water Mill - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
Tired - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Silent Noon - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Searching For Lambs - Louisa Fuller/Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Nocturne - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Joy, Shipmate, Joy! - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Lord, Come Away - John Metcalfe/Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Come Love, Come Lord - John Metcalfe/Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Five Mystical Songs: i Easter - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Five Mystical Songs: ii I Got Me Flowers - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Five Mystical Songs: iii Love Bade Me Welcome - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Five Mystical Songs: iv The Call - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
Five Mystical Songs: v Antiphon - Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson
On Wenlock Edge: i On Wenlock Edge - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
On Wenlock Edge: ii From Far, From Eve And Morning - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
On Wenlock Edge: iii Is My Team Ploughing? - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
On Wenlock Edge: iv Oh, When I Was In Love With You - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
On Wenlock Edge: v Bredon Hill - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
On Wenlock Edge: vi Clun - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Graham Johnson
Dirge For Fidele - Anthony Rolfe Johnson/Simon Keenlyside/Graham Johnson

Customer Reviews:

GREAT CD FOR CHEAPO!.......2004-01-03

Usually Naxos is hit or miss, but Anthony Rolfe Johnson and Simon Keenlyside pull off a great recording of a great selection of some of Vaughn Williams. Best 7 dollars I ever spent, really. On Wenlock Edge is particularly good, but really its all superb.

Wonderful.......2002-08-28

Beautiful settings by Vaughan Williams, Splendid singing by both Anthony Rolfe Johnson and Simon Keenlyside. Atmospheric recording. Bliss! All lovers of art songs, rejoice!

The Soul of Eternal Russia: Russian Orthodox Hymns and Chants

Average customer rating:

The Soul of Eternal Russia: Russian Orthodox Hymns and Chants

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DNFR
Release Date: 1996-03-12

Magnificat: The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Music

Average customer rating:

Magnificat: The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Music

Manufacturer: Guild
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

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

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

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

Keys of Life: Piano Music from Celestial Harmonies

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly consistent

Keys of Life: Piano Music from Celestial Harmonies

Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Minimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music

1980s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000007W5
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

Spirit Of Peace: Part 1 - Florian Fricke
Spirit Of Peace: Part 2 - Florian Fricke
The Book Of Sounds: Part 7 - Hans Otte
Transpersonal - Peter Michael Hamel
Hymns From A Great Temple: Hymn 1 - Herbert Henck
Hymns From A Great Temple: Hymn 2 - Herbert Henck
Hymns From A Great Temple: Hymn 3 - Herbert Henck
Prelude Op.74 No.1 - Cecil Lytle
Prelude Op.74 No.2 - Cecil Lytle
Prelude Op.74 No.4 - Cecil Lytle
Prelude Op.17 No.6 - Cecil Lytle
Prelude Op.32 No.1 - Cecil Lytle
Prelude Op.65 No.2 - Cecil Lytle
The New Albion Chorale - Terry Riley

Album Description

Keys of Life represents the finest of contemporary piano music. This release offers an excellent sampler of the music of Celestial Harmonies' most celebrated artists. According to Stephen Hill and Anna Turner from Music From the Hearts of Space, "Keys of Life is an elegant collection of solo piano music selected with great care and understanding from the last five years of Celestial Harmonies releases". Without any intellectual pretensions toward doing so, Keys of Life documents the twentieth century European post-Romantic attempt at the direct stimulation of consciousness (rather than emotion) through music. From Cecil Lytle's sensitive performance of six miniatures by Russian mystic composer Alexander Skryabin, through the enormously dignified pan-Eurasian temple music of G.I. Gurdjieff and his pupil Thomas de Hartmann, to the latest just intonation piano experiments of Terry Riley, we hear a living artistic tradition unfolding through time. Florian Fricke's spacious and beautiful Spirit of Peace, Hans Otte's hypnotic, delicate music from The Book of Sounds, and the rippling, minimalistic patterns of Peter Michael Hamel's Transpersonal complete the collection. For those who appreciate clarity, intelligence, and the unique aesthetic world of refined subtlety, Keys of Life will completely satisfy.

Listeners will enjoy this beautiful combination of styles and artists that celebrates music as the key to life.

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly consistent.......2007-06-21

I purchased this CD simply because it was cheap, it had a piece by Hans Otte played by Hans Otte and I was unaware of the other composers. I have since purchased music by Peter Michael Hamel and, no doubt, will investigate the other composers. Each time I play the CD I am amazed. It is moody, dark but strikingly beautiful. Any CD with a piece from the sublime Book of Sounds is aspiring to great heights and the other pieces on this particular compilation do not leave that Hans Otte masterpiece alone in the dark.

Average customer rating:

Jericho Project

Manufacturer: Life Size
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAEFRC
Release Date: 2004-12-28

The Way to Heaven: Choral Music by James Cook

Average customer rating:

The Way to Heaven: Choral Music by James Cook

Manufacturer: Divine Art
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002PZJ0Y
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Blessed Assurance
2. Medley: Jesus Saves/Jesus Breaks Every Fetter...
3. I Must Tell Jesus
4. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
5. Medley: Near the Cross/I Am Thine Oh Lord
6. Sweet Hour of Prayer
7. Medley: Rock of Ages/'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus...
8. Comforter Has Come
9. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour
10. Medley: At the Cross/Standing on the Promises
11. O Come All Ye Faithful
12. Just as I Am