Verdi: Quattro Pezzi Sacri; Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Robert Shaw was a splendid choral conductor--indeed, possibly the greatest of the 20th century (in America at least). When confronted with works for chorus and orchestra, however, he could be either very exciting or very dull. Like so many great choral trainers, his concern with problems of balance, intonation, and pronunciation in the chorus parts often led to a neglect of the orchestra, and an inability to "let go" when the music demanded it. Fortunately, this particular collection shows Shaw at his best. Like his superb recording of the Verdi Requiem, the Four Sacred Pieces really come alive in his hands--with the "Te Deum" particularly grand. Similarly, his Symphony of Psalms balances the objectivity of the composer's vocal and instrumental writing with an unaccustomed warmth and grace. Add to this Telarc's excellent sonics, and the results are very fine indeed. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

I. Ave Maria
II. Stabat Mater
III. Laudi Alla Vergine Maria
IV. Te Deum
Part I
Part II
Part III

Amazon.com

Robert Shaw was a splendid choral conductor--indeed, possibly the greatest of the 20th century (in America at least). When confronted with works for chorus and orchestra, however, he could be either very exciting or very dull. Like so many great choral trainers, his concern with problems of balance, intonation, and pronunciation in the chorus parts often led to a neglect of the orchestra, and an inability to "let go" when the music demanded it. Fortunately, this particular collection shows Shaw at his best. Like his superb recording of the Verdi Requiem, the Four Sacred Pieces really come alive in his hands--with the "Te Deum" particularly grand. Similarly, his Symphony of Psalms balances the objectivity of the composer's vocal and instrumental writing with an unaccustomed warmth and grace. Add to this Telarc's excellent sonics, and the results are very fine indeed. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Oil & Vinegar.......2002-01-31

Despite being superbly executed, this disc is a little bit strange. The pairing of Verdi and Stravinsky is as improbable as a fish needing a bicycle. However, aside from my programming reservations, this is another fine example of what Robert Shaw can do when he gets in front of a chorus. Verdi's hushed, a cappella Ave Maria seems atypical of Verdi's buoyant, expressive style - it is reverent but almost inelastic. The Stabat Mater rings out with a glorious grandeur only Verdi could produce. The Laudi is a beautiful yet simple piece with clear and beautiful lines for the Sopranos. It is so gentle it would not be out of place in the Abbey from the Sound of Music. The Te Deum is worth the 20 minute wait just to hear it explode from your speakers. The Symphony of Psalms is delicate, beautiful, powerful and full of Stravinsky's free-range woodwinds. I love his music, but I must argue that the Symphony of Psalms would have been better paired with any number of the other great sacred pieces of Stravinsky. This is my only complaint, that there is a disconcerting gear-shift moving from the grandiose Verdi to the sparse Stravinsky. However, if you enjoy both composers, you will not be disappointed with Shaw and his forces on this recording.

The concert of a lifetime!.......2000-11-17

I have heard this CD and let me tell you it brings me excitement and a glorius feeling every time I hear it! I sang all these pieces in high school and all these songs were just rewarding to sing and hear! The Atlanta Symphony Chorus and its sister the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra combine again to make a unique blend like no other two ensembles I ever heard together. I definately gave this CD the perfect 5 stars. From the haunting beauty of Igor Stravinsky's "Symphony of Psalms" to the well-written, glorious sounds of Giuseppe Verdi's "Quattro Pezzi Sacri", this is a CD that will bring you joy and pleasure.

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