FROSTIANA

Track Listings

1. Frostiana - The Road Not Taken

2. Frostiana - The Pasture

3. Frostiana - Come In

4. Frostiana - The Telephone

5. Frostiana - A Girl's Garden

6. Frostiana - Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

7. Frostiana - Choose Something Like A Star

8. Princesa de Hadas - José Elizondo

9. Old Mother Hubbard - Victor Hely-Hutchinson

10. Loch Lomand - arr. Jonathan Quick

11. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - arr. William L. Dawson

12. Soon-Ah Will Be Done - arr. William L. Dawson

13. Domaredansen - Bengt Hallberg

14. Sing a New Song (Psalm 96) - Frank Bencriscutto

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
In 1958, Randall Thompson was commissioned to compose a piece celebrating the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. The townspeople suggested that Thompson set a poem by Robert Frost, the quintessential New England poet who had lived for a time in Amherst. Thompson, a friend of Frost's, agreed but rejected the town's choice of poem, The Gift Outright. Instead, he chose to compose a suite of seven poems, and titled it Frostiana. Thompson subtitled the suite Seven Country Songs, and the poems he selected certainly provide a nostalgic glimpse of rural New England life. A common thread unites the poems, emphasizing the importance of the many small choices we are called to make throughout life. Through his sensitive settings of Frost's texts, Thompson gently counsels us to take the road less traveled, to keep our promises before we sleep, to stay our minds upon something like a star. Thompson himself conducted the premiere at the Bicentennial Commemoration on October 18, 1959. The Bicentennial Chorus, comprised of singers from throughout the township, was accompanied on the piano, as Thompson didn't orchestrate the work until 1965. Robert Frost attended, and was so delighted that at the conclusion of the performance, he rose to his feet and shouted, "Sing that again!" This disc also contains other works for Chamber Choir and Orchestra.

FROSTIANA, Music, Others, Randall Thompson, Thomas D. Rossin, Exultate Chamber Choir, Orchestra, Exultate

Choose Something Like a Star
Average customer rating:

This will be "The Recording" of Frostiana for many years

Gorgeous, shimmering rendition of Frostiana

A sublime recording

A Must for American Choral Music Fans

Heartfelt tribute to a great American composer

Choose Something Like a Star
Orchestra at Temple Square , and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Thompson | Thompson, Randall | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Peace Like a River

Consider the Lilies

Love Is Spoken Here

Choral Music of Amy Beach and Randall Thompso

Thompson: Frostiana; Testament of Freedom

ASIN: B0007GP62E
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Prologue: The Last Words Of David
Frostiana: The Road Not Taken
Frostiana: The Pasture
Frostiana: Come In
Frostiana: The Telephone
Frostiana: A Girl's Garden
Frostiana: Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Frostiana: Choose Something Like A Star
The Peaceable Kingdom: Say Ye To The Righteous
The Peaceable Kingdom: The Paper Reeds By The Brooks
The Peaceable Kingdom: Have Ye Not Known?
The Peaceable Kingdom: Ye Shall Have A Song
Epilogue: Alleluia, Amen
Epilogue: Alleluia

Customer Reviews:

This will be "The Recording" of Frostiana for many years.......2005-08-06

I'm a recently born again fan of the MTC, so I had to pick this one up when it came out. I'm familiar with many of the pieces on the CD, so I was rather surprised with the orchestral arrangements that were included. (Frostiana was originally written for piano!) My surprise quickly turned into a wonderful listening experience as Craig Jessop sensitively led the choir through these beautiful standards of choral literature.

There were several places when the sheer size of the choir got in the way of me understanding the text, and there were balance issues with the orchestra and men/women in a few places. I imagine it's to be expected with a group this size, but it was distracting at times.

However, I was delighted to hear some pieces on this CD that I've never heard before. Craig Jessop and the MTC provide us with a wonderful 'greatest hits' of Randall Thompson with this recording. Bravo to the MTC for having the guts to take on such well-loved music. It's sad to me how little it is performed these days. I hope this CD brings all of these works back into high school and college performances.

Gorgeous, shimmering rendition of Frostiana.......2005-06-29

I bought this CD because I wanted a decent recording of Randall Thompson's Frostiana. It surpassed all my hopes. I was somewhat suspicious about whether the MTC could carry off the mystical, secular music of "Choose Something Like a Star," "Come In" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." I shouldn't have worried. The MTC is staffed, directed and conducted by true musicians, and its use of orchestration added even more to the performance. Initially, I was bothered by the flautist's rhythmic interpretation of the wood thrush in "Come In" -- it seemed like the flute wasn't coming in on cue -- but then I realized that this was probably a deliberate artistic interpretation. Of course one wouldn't expect a bird to sing on cue. Sheer genius.

A sublime recording.......2005-06-25

In the past, I have often been critical of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It seemed to me that, regardless what type of music they performed, it all sounded the same. When Craig Jessop took over the podium five or six years ago, it was obvious that the choir's musicality and technique began to change for the better.

In my opinion, this recording is the culmination of that change. The choir's transformation to a Robert Shaw-like sound is marvelous. The soprano section has shed its vibrato and is now capable of proucing that elusive "white" sound that all modern choir directors seek to emulate from Robert Shaw. And the tenor section is now all that it can be. Wow!

With a superb collection of Randall Thompson's mystical and melodic choral music, this recording has become my all-time favorite. Along with The Los Angeles Master Chorale's "Lux Aeterna, this music is other-worldly. It is a huge landmark in choral singing and you should run, not walk, to get this recording.

It is simply fabulous!

A Must for American Choral Music Fans.......2005-04-30

There have been a number of recordings of Randall Thompson's beautiful choral music of late, but this one is really sublime.
Beautiful, refined choral singing from one of the nation's premiere choirs.

Perhaps the most important thing, however, is as far as I know, this is the only recording of Thompson's orchestral version of The Last Words of David. For a work less than 4 minutes long, it packs an incredible wallop in this version. The performance here is worth the price of ten CDs!!!

Grab this before it disappears!

Heartfelt tribute to a great American composer.......2005-02-17

This brand-new recording by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, under the direction of Dr. Craig Jessop is a labor of love.

A heart-felt tribute to renowned American composer Randall Thompson, "Choose Something Like A Star" gathers together some of his most beloved works, including "Frostiana" "The Peaceable Kingdom" "Alleluia" and "The Last Words Of David" and gives them richly sympathetic readings. Dr. Jessop was priviledged to meet Mr. Thompson many years ago, and has maintained a profound respect and admiration for the composer's music throughout his career.

If you are not familiar with Randall Thompson's works, you are in for a treat - his music is both subtle and profound, from the grand declamatory opening "The Last Words Of David" to the cool, peaceful "The Paper Reeds by the brooks;" from the idiomatic Americana of the "Frostiana" song cycle, to the shimmering eloquence of "Alleluia," Mr. Thompson was a master at matching musical phrases with the lyrics he was writing for. Listen to the playful give-and-take of "The Telephone" or the slow walking rhythm of "The Road Not Taken" and you'll understand. The more you listen to this CD, the more it grows on the listener.

The Tabernacle Choir sounds grand here, and no one else would be able to fully convey the power of "The Last Words Of David" or sustain the shimmering, smooth "Ye Shall Have A Song" like they can. Recorded in the Tabernacle (before it closed for extensive renovation) the sound is rich and full, matched note for note with the Orchestra at Temple Square.

I gave this CD to a friend who sang for years with the Utah Symphony Chorus, and he absolutely loves it. I recommend it for those who have sung or otherwise enjoyed the music of Randall Thompson, and for those who haven't, what are you waiting for?

Thompson: Frostiana; Testament of Freedom

Average customer rating:

Strong agreement with Ryan Kelly's review.
Great works, lackluster performance
Thank You, Randall Thompson!
A Testament to Thompson
Mostly excellent, but a few problems . . .

Thompson: Frostiana; Testament of Freedom

Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Testament
Randall Thompson: Symphonies 1 - 3
Choral Music of Amy Beach and Randall Thompso
An American Voice: The Music of Randall Thompson
Choose Something Like a Star

ASIN: B000001SHZ
Release Date: 1995-06-20

Tracks:

The Testament Of Freedom (1943): The God Who Gave Us Life
The Testament Of Freedom(1943): We Have Counted The Cost
The Testaments Of Freedom(1943): We Fight Not For Glory
The Testament Of Freedom(1943): I Shall Not Die Without A Hope
Frostiana(1959) -Texts By Robert Frost: The Road Not Taken
Frostiana(1959)- Text By Robert Frost: The Pasture
Frostiana(1959)- Texts By Robert Frost: Come In
Frostiana(1959)- Texts By Robert Frost: The Telephone
Frostiana(1959) - Texts By Robert Frost: A Girl's Garden
Frostiana(1959) - Texts By Robert Frost: Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
Frostiana(1959) Texts By Robert Frost: Choose Something Like a Star

Customer Reviews:

Strong agreement with Ryan Kelly's review........2004-01-01

I sensed that this music was good, possibly very good - but it was hurt so much by the detrimental performance on this CD. The diction and musicality in the Jefferson is grading, plodding, and difficult to listen to. A performance of the masterful words of Jefferson should have been more thoroughly thought out, directed to emphasize the important words, unique cadence, etc.

Great works, lackluster performance.......2003-12-14

The other reviewers here have done well discussing the quality of the works represented on this CD. I will not endeavor to add more.

The recording, however, features VERY lackluster performances by choir and orchestra. The choir sings without giving to the text any sense of connection or textual phrasing. For example, the choir sounds like: "THE - GOD - WHO - GAVE - US - LIBERTY...," instead of: "The God who gave LIBERTY." Every quarter note should not sound the same; rather, the text should be sung musically with a sense of oratory. All quar-ter-notes-should-not-be-equal.

The orchestra sounds pretty, but doesn't have much spark or energy to give the performance an engaging sense.

If you can, find another recording for these great works. You'll be glad you did.

Thank You, Randall Thompson!.......2003-07-03

THANK YOU, RANDALL THOMPSON! I love this recording. Especially "The Road Not Taken" from Frostiana. I heard "Frostiana" for the first time at a church concert recently and it has been one of my favorite works ever since. I usually just like really ancient music (medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque), but Randall Thompson's music is the exception; I love it even though it is modern. I choose something like FIVE stars to rate this recording.

A Testament to Thompson.......2002-12-04

It is evident that the reason for purchasing and listening to this recording is not to hear the Manhattan Chamber Chorus or the skilled work of Richard Clark, but to have a record of, and an emotional experience with, what may be two of the most important American compositions written in the 20th century. Randall Thompson wrote both of these pieces under commission. "Testament of Freedom" was written in 1939 for the University of Virginia Men's Glee Club and "Frostiana" was written in 1959 for the bicentenial of the Township of Amherst, Massachusetts. Thompson wrote in Gstaad, Switzerland and it was there where he immersed himself in the text of each work. He is, without doubt, one of the most skilled crafters of setting text to music throughout all time. "Testament of Freedom" and "Frostiana" are two very different compositions and the reason for their commission is evident in their overall sound. Firstly, "Testament" was written to inspire nationalism during a time when our country was on the brink of war. Thompson had a strong emotional connection with various areas of Central Europe and his compositions often reflected this. (His now famous "Alleluia" was composed in five days only and a day after Hitler invaded Paris.)"Frostiana" was set to the texts of Robert Frost and though the two of them were in communication a great deal, it is not known to what degree Frost had input in this work. The selection of the poetry and the setting of the music to the text was completed in Switzerland and delivered to Amherst at the end of August in 1959. In looking upon the original scores, it can be seen that meticulous thought was placed into capturing the essence of each poem. Thompson managed this beautifully and at the premier of the piece the following October, Robert Frost stood at the end, after the choir had stopped but before the audience could reasct and said, "May we hear that again please?" Both of these compositions are brilliant and deserve five stars when even nothing more than existing on paper.
Clark's rendition of these works is admirable. There is great detail to the choral work, each and every entrandce begining with the same vowel; all releases occuring preciesly where Thompson put them. Despite the feeling that the choir was out of tune, I have not heard this ever. I have listened to this recording dozens of times and felt that any tiny blips within the recording and performance were nothing more than that. I am not one who favors a flawless digital recording, particularly with such rich material. Clark, his choir and orchestra, did a remarkable job at preserving and presenting both of these pieces. Given the fact that Thompson is, arguably, the finest American choral composer to have lived, it is a must to own this recording simply for archival purposes. the fact that the recording is a joy is a plus.

Mostly excellent, but a few problems . . ........2002-03-06

I really wanted to like this CD, as I'm very fond of Randall Thompson's choral music. And in many ways I thoroughly enjoyed the performances here.

Let's start with what's right:
1. The balance in the chorus in quite good.
2. The orchestra is excellent.
3. Diction is excellent -- entrances and cut-offs likewise. Vowel-matching has obviously been stressed, and it really helps with the blend.
4. The Testament of Freedom is sung with passion and fire -- precisely what this glorious piece needs. Very well done, indeed.
5. "A Girl's Garden" is utterly delightful! Wonderful clarity, you get a sense of a group of friends telling you a charming story about a village "legend," which is exactly how it should be done, in my opinion.

Now, for some of what I believe are deficiencies:
1. The balance between the orchestra and the chorus in the Testament is off in places. The orchestra overpowers the chorus in some of the quieter parts.
2. As someone else pointed out, the chorus is very noticably FLAT in "The Road Not Taken" -- especially at the end. We're not talking just a minor drift -- it's more like 1/4 tone or more. Surely someone during recording would have noticed?

Tracks:

Behold Man
Song of Democracy
The Pasture (Frostiana)
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening (Frostiana)
Allelujah
The Promise of Living (The Tender Land)
Simple Gifts
Make Our Garden Grow
The Testament Of Freedom: The God Who Gave Us Life
The Testament Of Freedom: We Have Counted The Cost
The Testament Of Freedom: We Fight Not For Glory
The Testament Of Freedom: I Shall Not Die Without A Hope

Customer Reviews:

Testament of Freedom.......2007-07-12

I sung the Testament in a men chorus in 1966.Most of the men were veterans as was I. I only wish the powers to be would include it in the July celebration in Washington D.C.

Wonderful Piece of Americana.......2007-01-27

I bought, and was very disappointed in, the New York Choral Society's recording of "Testament of Freedom" a couple of years ago. The diction was indisctinct, the voices were overpowered by the instruments, and the sound in general left a lot to be desired. I was delighted when I accidentally stumbled on this CD and found out that "Testament of Freedom" was included.

The Turtle Creek Chorale does an excellent job with the title piece. The vocal sound of the group is wonderfully rich, and the balance between the instruments and voices is about as good as you can get with a piece that calls for such a large instrumental ensemble. Plus, I prefer the men's choir arrangement of "Testament," largely because I remember singing it for Region Choir auditions over 10 years ago. My only complaint is that in some parts of "We Have Counted the Cost," it's hard to understand the words if you don't already know them; same thing with "We Fight Not For Glory." But these are minor quibbles.

"Testament" is a must-own CD for any American music lover, as it feautures the work of a criminally-underperformed composer. It's worth buying for the performance "Testament of Freedom" alone, although all the tracks are excellent, particularly the "Alleluia". 5 out of 5.

A Great Recording of Great Choral Works.......2006-01-02

I had to write this review because it is a crime that this wonderful CD has a ho-hum overall rating just because one of the two previous reviewers didn't bother to find out what it was before he ordered. Yes, Amazon had it mislabled (it's better now, but still misleading by putting Bernstein's name first), but I had no trouble figuring out that it was a men's ensemble. In fact, that's the primary reason I chose this CD.

The feature work on this CD is the "Testament of Freedom" by Randall Thompson. For this work, Mr. Thompson chose to set various writings of Thomas Jefferson to music. In doing so, he has helped preserve these sometimes forgotten texts and at the same time, demonstrated why he is one of America's best loved choral composers. Unfortunately, there are not many recordings of this work, and many of those you'll find are sung by mixed choirs. This work was intended for, and sounds best when sung by, a men's chorus. That alone sets this CD apart.

The biggest weakness of this recording is the balance between the wind ensemble and the chorus. In the forte sections, the chorus gets drowned out a bit. That's always a danger in master works, particularly when you pit voices against winds. However, I found this to be a minor flaw and have heard much worse examples.

I recommend this CD for all who love choral music and particularly for those who have yet to experience the music of Randall Thompson. It is also interesting to note that the words of Thomas Jefferson, written so long ago, still ring true in these trying times (especially the third and fourth passages).

(The following acquired from http://www.turtlecreek.org/music/linerpages/testament.htm)
Lyrics:

The Testament of Freedom
Text: Thomas Jefferson

The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy but cannot disjoin them.

---A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774)

We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. Honor, justice, and humanity forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive them from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail heredity bondage upon them. Our cause is just. Our union perfect. Our internal resources are great...We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the Divine favor towards us, that His Providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy until we were grown up to our present strength, and been previously exercised in warlike operation, and possessed of the means of defending ourselves. With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers which we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live as slaves.

---Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (1775)

We fight not for glory or for conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of offense. They boast of their privilege and civilization, and yet proffer no milder conditions than servitude or death. In our native land, in defense of the freedom that is our birthright and which we ever enjoyed until the late violation of it; for the protection of our property, acquired by the honest industry of our forefathers and ourselves; against violence actually offered; we have taken up arms. We shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors and all danger of their being renewed shall be removed, and not before.

---Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (1775)

I shall not die without hope that light and liberty are on steady advance... And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them... The flames kindled on the 4th of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

---Letter to John Adams, Monticello (1821)

One of my favorite CD's.......2005-08-10

The actual title of this CD is Testament, and the principle performing group is the Dallas-based Turtle Creek Chorale. I am perplexed by Amazon's listing this magnificent recording under a generic descriptive title and then naming the accompanying Dallas Wind Symphony as the only "performer." Someone must have been asleep at the wheel.

Now to the recording itself -- I love choral music, and am especially drawn to male voices. I even enjoy hearing all-male college glee clubs singing their boisterous drinking songs. What a joy then to happen upon this recording which features strong, well trained voices in addition to exquisite pieces of music, some of which are among my favorites. The highlight of the CD for me is Randall Thompson's, "Testament of Freedom." The CD is worth its price just for this one 24-minute jewel. The rest is like tasty icing on a cake.

Disappointing.......2002-02-20

I was disappointed with this album. First, it did not notice that the Turtle Creek Chorale is an all male ensemble. ... Secondly, the quality of the recording is poor. The sound is muddy and lacks brightness. I had to turn my stereo way up just to hear it. The orchestra sounds great, but the mix of the voices is very poor. I definately do not recommend.

The Road Less Traveled: Byways of American Music

Average customer rating:

More!

The Road Less Traveled: Byways of American Music

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Music of Stephen Shewan

ASIN: B000ARTMZW
Release Date: 2005-09-01

Tracks:

Celebration Overture
Frostiana
Te Deum Laudamus
For Dancing Hearts and Tunes
Light
Land of Rest
Psalm 150

Product Description

This is a wonderful collection for fans of American composers and choral works alike. Stephen Shewan writes music in all media but has a special affinity for vocal and ensemble works (these can be heard on an earlier Albany release, TROY149). The Celebration Overture, written in honor of the 50th anniversary of KUHF-FM, Houston, Texas, is both celebratory and optimistic. Much of the same spirit carries over to For Dancing Hearts and Tunes while the two other choral pieces reflect a more meditative mood. Randall Thompson didn't compose a particularly large catalog of works but his choral works (which can be heard by these same forces on TROY362) and his beloved Symphony No.2 have assured him a place in the American repertoire. Frostiana, based on Robert Frost poems, is as perfect an example of his charm and nationalistic spirit as one could hope to hear. Ron Nelson writes some of the most exuberant music for band ever composed, and you might remember his wonderfully breezy Savannah River Holiday recorded so many years ago by Howard Hanson. The Te Deum was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants. It is a work full of color, splendor and rich sonorities. Finally we have a work by the Czech-born Nelhybel, a truly prolific composer (over 400 published works) who really deserves greater exposure. The Psalm 150 is a rich, reverent work. The Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale is noted for its unique sound and performs regularly with the Rochester Philharmonic in a wide-ranging repertoire.

Customer Reviews:

More!.......2005-12-29

When listening to the first track on the recording, I was struck by the resemblance to an American composer not even represented on the album, Aaron Copland. It is always dangerous to say this - I do not mean the the composer has in any way copied Copland, but that the celebratory spirit evident reminds me of the spirit present in Copland's work. My only complaint about this wonderful performance is that it leaves one wanting more - I could wish for a large work/suite. I also must single out Shewan's "For Dancing Hearts and Tunes" as another such example of Americana.

The performance by the Roberts Wesleyan Chorale is exemplary, although the voices seem somewhat muted, almost background to the instruments (this being the reason that I rated the recording 4 stars instead of 5).

The performances on the remainder of the compositions are very good to excellent, particularly on "Choose Something Like Star" from Randall Thompson's "Frostiana" and Ron Nelson's "Te Deum Laudamus".

This recording would certainly be a must-have for any collection of chorale music, let alone collections of American music.

Average customer rating:

Wow!

FROSTIANA

Manufacturer: EX-105
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Choose Something Like a Star

ASIN: B0006ZP2WK
Release Date: 2004-12-01

Tracks:

Frostiana - The Road Not Taken
Frostiana - The Pasture
Frostiana - Come In
Frostiana - The Telephone
Frostiana - A Girl's Garden
Frostiana - Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Frostiana - Choose Something Like A Star
Princesa de Hadas - Joslizondo
Old Mother Hubbard - Victor Hely-Hutchinson
Loch Lomand - arr. Jonathan Quick
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - arr. William L. Dawson
Soon-Ah Will Be Done - arr. William L. Dawson
Domaredansen - Bengt Hallberg
Sing a New Song (Psalm 96) - Frank Bencriscutto

Album Description

In 1958, Randall Thompson was commissioned to compose a piece celebrating the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. The townspeople suggested that Thompson set a poem by Robert Frost, the quintessential New England poet who had lived for a time in Amherst. Thompson, a friend of Frost's, agreed but rejected the town's choice of poem, The Gift Outright. Instead, he chose to compose a suite of seven poems, and titled it Frostiana. Thompson subtitled the suite Seven Country Songs, and the poems he selected certainly provide a nostalgic glimpse of rural New England life. A common thread unites the poems, emphasizing the importance of the many small choices we are called to make throughout life. Through his sensitive settings of Frost's texts, Thompson gently counsels us to take the road less traveled, to keep our promises before we sleep, to stay our minds upon something like a star. Thompson himself conducted the premiere at the Bicentennial Commemoration on October 18, 1959. The Bicentennial Chorus, comprised of singers from throughout the township, was accompanied on the piano, as Thompson didn't orchestrate the work until 1965. Robert Frost attended, and was so delighted that at the conclusion of the performance, he rose to his feet and shouted, "Sing that again!" This disc also contains other works for Chamber Choir and Orchestra.

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2005-12-13

I heard this group sing....I want to order all their CD's. What a refreshing sound. The music is well chosen, and listener friendly
You will enjoy this CD

Choral Music of Twentieth Century Americans

Average customer rating:

Choral Music of Twentieth Century Americans

Manufacturer: Cambria Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works

ASIN: B000003XOI
Release Date: 1993-08-23

A Feast of Praise: Choral Music of Randall Thompson

Average customer rating:

A Feast of Praise: Choral Music of Randall Thompson

Manufacturer: Arkay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DOS6
Release Date: 1993-02-19

Average customer rating:

Disappointing recording
Underrated, Underplayed
Good enough for the average bear
For fans only!!!
speechless

Alleluia: A Randall Thompson Tribute

Manufacturer: Aca Digital
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Thompson: Frostiana; Testament of Freedom
Randall Thompson: Symphonies 1 - 3
Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001
Choose Something Like a Star
Choral Music of Amy Beach and Randall Thompso

ASIN: B00000I55L
Release Date: 1999-03-02

Tracks:

The Last Words of David
Alleluia
Frostiana: The Road Not Taken
Frostiana: The Pasture
Frostiana: A Girl's Garden
Frostiana: Choose Something Like A Star
The Peaceable Kingdom: Say Ye To The Righteous
The Peaceable Kingdom: Woe Unto Them
The Peaceable Kingdom: The Noise Of A Multitude
The Peaceable Kingdom: Howl Ye
The Peaceable Kingdom: The Paper Reeds By The Brook
The Peaceable Kingdom: For Ye Shall Not Go Without Joy
The Peaceable Kingdom: Have Ye Not Known
The Peaceable Kingdom: Ye Shall Have A Song
The Testament OF Freedon: The God Who Gave Us Life
The Testament Of Freedom: I Shall Not Die Without A Hope

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing recording.......2004-01-18

I had such high hopes for this wonderfully chosen compilation of Randall Thompson's choral music, including Alleluia and Peaceable Kingdom - such masterpieces of American a capella writing. I took a risk on this unknown choral ensemble, and found a deeply disappointing recording. I agree with Mr. Taggart, the first reviewer, who noted the "shrill high end." I would add that the voices sound old but not prime quality. The acoustics are cavernous, and may help cover up some of the choir's shortcomings, but work against a "clean" sound. I wish I knew of a good recording of this same repertoire.

Underrated, Underplayed.......2003-11-09

Randall Thompson is by many standards one of the most underrated
and underplayed composers of the century.
In this wonderful CD, his music is simplistic-- to the point -- unlike Mozart, Bach, etc... his European counterparts, who are clearly more complex.
Many have rated his one-word piece "Alleluia" as a true masterpiece of subtelty and simplicity.
How many other composers can take just one word and turn it in such small ways to make it the joy that it is?
Whether it be the dramatic uplifting, timeless, and timely "Testament of Freedom", or, his "Frostiana" which humbly gives respect to the poetic works of Robert Frost, Randall Thompson has made major contributions to 20th century music. And, to think, he was an American composer!!

Bill Ritchie

Good enough for the average bear.......2003-01-07

Like one of the other reviewers, I've sung the Alleluia and the Peacable Kingdom. Maybe my ear isn't as refined as some of the other reviewers' ears, but I found the recording a great pleasure to listen to. I have another recording of Thompson's music and the choir on it is nowhere near as good as this one.

For fans only!!!.......2001-11-19

This CD is a good source for a lot of Randall Thompson's less frequently recorded choral works in their full orcestrations. Unfortunately the performances make the recording more a novelty buy for fans rather than a solid CD. The interpetations are routine, if not slow and plodding. The Michael O'Neal singers hold together a lot of the time, but lack color and sound unfinished under these expanded tempos. Nonetheless here we find a solid and touching perfomance of the "Alleluia".

speechless.......2001-06-09

When I was 16 years old, I sang "the last words of david", "alleluia", and "the peaceable kingdoms". Unless you really listen to the music, and the words, it won't capture you. It is one of the best peices I ever had the pleasure of singing. I highly recommend this cd, if you like beautiful harmonies and dark peices. It will give you goosebumps.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Miniatures 2: A Sequence of Sixty Tiny Masterpieces Edited by Morgan Fisher

Opera for a Romantic Evening

Marcel Dupré: Symphonies

Flamenco Chill Sessions: The Flamenco Chill Out Compilation [Import]

Mega Freestyle Box, Vol. 3 [Import]

Opera Sauvage

Masters of Chant V.1 [Import]

Live [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]

Live [Import]

Lost Songs of a Rhineland Harper [Hybrid SACD] [Enhanced] [Hybrid SACD] [SACD]

Menina [Import]

Mambo of the Times [Import]

Into the 90s [Import]

Open Sky

Ghost of a Rose

1. Frostiana - The Road Not Taken
2. Frostiana - The Pasture
3. Frostiana - Come In
4. Frostiana - The Telephone
5. Frostiana - A Girl's Garden
6. Frostiana - Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
7. Frostiana - Choose Something Like A Star
8. Princesa de Hadas - José Elizondo
9. Old Mother Hubbard - Victor Hely-Hutchinson
10. Loch Lomand - arr. Jonathan Quick
11. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - arr. William L. Dawson
12. Soon-Ah Will Be Done - arr. William L. Dawson
13. Domaredansen - Bengt Hallberg
14. Sing a New Song (Psalm 96) - Frank Bencriscutto