Ignis

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Swiss violinist and composer Paul Giger is a versatile musician at home in the styles of many periods, genres, and national idioms, from Estonian to Tibetan. All the pieces on this record are sacred in character, whether or not they employ words; all are Giger's own compositions or arrangements, the latter using originals going back 1,000 years. The title piece is based on a hymn of Hildegard von Bingen, others on monophonic melodies of the Benedictine monks of the Abbey at St. Gallen. Much of the music is very beautiful. Predominantly slow and sustained, it is full of repetitive figures and drones; sometimes agitated syncopations in the strings are pitted against held chords in the voices. Since the pieces lack form and direction, they tend to feel static and long; several seem to end many times. "O Ignis," in tonal C minor, is the longest and most elaborate; going from devout and peaceful to intense and pleading, it rises to a passionate climax, with the sopranos soaring way up against emphatic basses. Giger inventively exploits the instrument's resources of color, inflection, and accentuation, as well as a large range of esoteric sound effects, while using the voices almost like a church choir. The resonant acoustics of Tallinn's Niguliste Church, where the recording was made, enhances the otherworldly quality of the music. The playing and singing are excellent; the sound is pure, the intonation perfect, and the performers' deep involvement never flags. --Edith Eisler

Tracks:

O vis aeternitatis - Sequentia
Nunc aperuit nobis
Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit
Cum processit factura digiti Dei
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Ave Maria, O auctrix vite
Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite
O ignis spiritus Paracliti
Caritas habundat in omnia
O virgia mediatrix
O virdissima virga, Ave
Instrumental
O Pastor Animarum
O tu suavissima virga
O choruscans stellarum
O nobilissima viriditas

Amazon.com

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of her music for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is right for the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumes released by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendary visions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religious community of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes an unobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmonies of the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple, direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerily accompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Simply awe inspiring and amazing.......2007-05-20

One would have to listen to this music to understand the power it will hold over you. Ethereal and almost eery, yet full of power, grace and triumph, this will be a mainstay in your collection. The only thing resembling it that the mass public would be aware of is Gregorian Chant, although this is it's own beast and so much more. It's not expensive, buy it and see for yourself.

Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed........2007-05-13

I had first heard this performance of St. Hildegard of Bingen's "Canticles of Ecstasy" on sound cassette and loved it.

The music is sublime. The female voices are heavenly, without a hint of sentimentality.

When you listen to "Canticles of Ecstasy" you will know how this medieval nun and composer felt about things.

Caution. They could make a believer of you.

canticles of Ecstay.......2007-03-23

This is a very good CD I highly recomend it if you love chant. I am glad to have it in my collection.

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy.......2006-07-25

This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts.......2006-02-23

I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations

Average customer rating:

Amazing, but not what I was looking for
Outstanding music and performances!
Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations ~ Hildegard of B
STERENCE SINGS FOR EUCHARIUS AND DISIBOD
delightfully pure

Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
Luminous Spirit
Hildegard von Bingen: Symphoniae (Spiritual Songs) - Sequentia

ASIN: B00000141Q
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

O Euchari
Alleluia - O Virga Mediatrix
Ave Generosa
Laus Trinitati
Kyrie
O Presul Vere
O Ignis Spiritus
Procession From 'Ordo Virtutum'
O Pastor Animarum
O Viridissima Virga
O Virga Ac Diadema

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, but not what I was looking for.......2006-10-06

I bought this album to explore more tracks by Hildegard after listening to one of her songs on an anthology. This music crosses centuries, languages, and religions, I feel. I am not a Christian, and the reason I listen to Georgian Chant is to study, because it focuses my thoughts exponentially. It completely drowns out the noise of the world and helps to gather my ideas. This did not get 5 stars because it wasn't what I was looking for. I wanted to hear tracks with a mixed gender choir but this album only goes from single male/male choir to single female/female choir, on alternating tracks.

This is still an excellent study aid and should be recommended for use as much as pencils and pens.

Outstanding music and performances!.......2005-08-31

The music in this CD is simply outstanding! I was very surpised when I bought this CD and discovered that it surpasses many other more "colourful" recordings of Hildegard's music (regardless of the price.)

For those who are not interested in aesthetic, artistic or musical merit but who are simply looking for "relaxing" music for contemplation, meditation etc, I am very pleased to say that this is probably the most relaxing and peaceful music I've ever heard (and I've tried many.) Its healing effect on my mind and nervous system is almost instant and that in a very balanced and harmonious way.

Highly higly highly recommended.

Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations ~ Hildegard of B.......2005-05-11

To the modern ear and mind Hildegard of Bingens sounds very different. There are no instruments and the vocals are sung in unison and not as seperate to vocals but united as one. This might sound simplistic and many would say that because she lacked formal training. This is based on feelings rather logic and one can sense that they are jelous of her natural ability to write music. The lyrics are amazing, the vocals are not as easy to sing as they sound and Hillegard of Bingen was and is still today an amazing composer and lyricist.

STERENCE SINGS FOR EUCHARIUS AND DISIBOD.......2004-01-26

It was a distressing surprise to find that my Oxford Companion to Music does not even contain an entry for Hildegard of Bingen. I had half-heard some broadcast discussion of her a few years back, but anything I know about her really comes from the liner notes with this disc, fortunately among the better specimens of their kind that I have encountered recently.

Hildegard was abbess of a distinctly upmarket Benedictine convent located near Bingen-am-Rhein in the early 12th century. She was clearly a formidable woman, being a seer and visionary consulted by Popes and potentates, a writer on scientific matters and a poet and composer as well. This disc contains 55 minutes or so of selections from her `Symphony of the Harmony of Divine Revelations', a collection of poems in her own highly individual and vigorous version of the Latin of the time, set to her own music. The music has a distant resemblance to the Gregorian chant, believed to have originated around the 8th century. It is all monody, though some of the numbers are accompanied by a sustained background note, originating exactly where and how I could not be sure. The music contains some flourishes that would have been out of place in the plainsong but which seem natural enough in the context of her spiritual-carnal imagery. This can be downright weird here and there. My recollection is still boggling at

Nunc sit laus Deo
In forma pulchre tonsure
Viriliter operante

`Now let there be praise to God in the form of a beautiful tonsure working in manly mode'.

There is an excerpt from her musical morality-drama the Ordo Virtutum, in which an assemblage of Virtues battle with the devil for control of a woman's soul, but most of the numbers are in praise of either the Trinity, the Blessed Virgin, or saints Eucharius and Disibod. I have not in my life so far encountered anyone named after these saints, but one of the admirable Oxford Camerata rejoices in the first name Sterence, so I suppose there may be some Eucharii and Disibods out there too. The words are given in full, with English translation, both absolute essentials as far as this music is concerned. The liner note is admirably honest in refusing to take a critical position regarding the real quality and worth of such unfamiliar stuff, and I propose to follow its example. I bought this disc for curiosity, for my own education and out of a general wish to support the production of out-of-the-way music. Rating it in the matters where I feel competent to rate it, I am happy to report that the singing is of the highest order of professionalism, exactly what one has come to expect from any Summerly production, and that the recording is admirable too.

delightfully pure.......2000-04-02

for someone interested in early music this is a good place to start- von bingen's visions speak to us across nine centuries.

liner notes are minimal, as is the case with most NAXOS titles, but lyrics in latin and english are provided, which is nice.

oxford camerata is amazing- many of the solo sections for female voice soar with great beauty. the choice of recording location (chapel of hertford college, oxford) adds a tiny bit of acoustic abience without being distracting.

Tracks:

Hymn - Veni Creator Spiritus
Sequence - Veni Spiritus Eternorum
Antiphon - O Quam Mirabilis Est
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Vision 1 - The Fire Of Creation
Sequence - O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Vision 2 - Wisdom And Her Sisters
Responsory - O Felix Anima
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Vision 3 - The Fiery Spirit
Hymn - O Ignee Spiritus
Vision 4 - Love
Vision 4 - Love
Antiphon - Caritas Habundat In Omnia
Antiphon - O Eterne Deus
Hymn - Beata Nobis Gaudia

Amazon.com

The bad news is that this is Anonymous 4's final recording. The good news is that it's one of their best. Aside from a pair of brief 9th-century chants that flank the main program, the disc focuses on the music of Hildegard von Bingen, the 12th-century Benedictine nun whose liturgical works broke new ground in their visionary texts, rich imagery, and melodic range. The selections here relate to themes associated with the Holy Spirit--the fire of creation, wisdom, the life-giving spirit, and love. The imagery of Hildegard's visionary texts is replete with references to the basic elements--air, earth, fire, and water. The results are boldly original, at least within the restricted confines of chant, which offer compelling listening experiences as performed in the lustrous tones of Anonymous 4. The program includes a pair of Hildegard's most-rhapsodic extended visionary pieces, the consoling "O spirit of fire, bringer of comfort," and "I am the great and fiery power," whose soaring opening musical lines still can shock. Harmonia Mundi, as usual, captures the purity of Anonymous 4's singing in vivid sonics and provides deluxe production values, including a profusely illustrated booklet, with full texts and translations. --Dan Davis

Interview with Marsha Genensky of Anonymous 4
Anonymous 4's Marsha Genensky speaks about the ensemble's swan song in our special interview.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful CD .......2007-04-29

I own 13 A-4 discs and this is my second favorite, after On Yoolis Night. The recording sounds a little muddy and they do, uncharacteristically take some liberties with the translations, but .... This was recorded in a real chapel (as were most of their later releases) and the extensive liner notes are, as usual, present. The presentation and delivery are among the best that A-4 have ever done. These 4 ladies each have wonderful voices that blend together magnificently. If you are an A-4 fan, you need to own this.

Great music; interesting group.......2007-01-05

The music of Hildegard Von Bingen is, without question, some of the most important we have from the Middle Ages. This album has a very capable set of performances by Anonymous 4, but the drawback is the very sameness of sound to each and every track. Yes, they sing well, but where is the variety of timbre? Where are the percussion instruments that have been used in other recordings and performances of these works? They could have used some help from some men's voices, too. Otherwise, it's perfectly recorded, but with repeat listenings becomes more trying.

My humble opinion............2005-12-28

I gave this CD an above average rating. I did so because this is the 3rd CD that I have purchased from Anonymous 4 and to be quite honest they all sound the same to me. I personally feel that the style of Hildegard is heavy, crisp, intentional and complicated. It is unique compared to other styles of anicent choral music. Anonymous 4 has a very light, airy almost contemporary feel to whatever they sing. In the CD insert Anonymous 4 goes on to express how they prepared to sing the medeival music in latin with a German accent because that is where Hildegard was from, and that this is how she would have sung her music. But honestly I don't think one can tell. Like I said, this is my third CD from them and they all sound the same. Don't get me wrong ladies. You 4 have gorgeous voices but I have found that the albums by Sequentia that sing in Hildegard's von Bingen tradition to be more authentic. I recommend to those interested to try Chanticles of Extasy by Sequentia or any of Sequentia's albums. You'll understand what I mean after you compare them for yourselves.

Completely beautiful.......2005-11-08

This musical is relaxing uplifting, simple yet complicated. A total mental experience filled with beauty.

The Origins of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen.......2005-08-14

If you enjoy the music of Anonymous 4, you'll be thouroughly impressed with this presentation of Hildegard's music to God. Excellent is not enough praise for this interpretation.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Extraordinary Music
Voice and spirit of the angels!
Work stress reliver
A wonderful sonic/spiritual experience
Spiritual elegance and simplicity

Luminous Spirit
Rosa Lamoreaux
Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Feather on the Breath of God
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B00000DBQM
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Luminous Spirit: Hodie aperuit - (Antiphon)
Luminous Spirit: O Gloriosissimi Lux - (Antiphon)
Luminous Spirit: O Viridissima Virga - (Sequence)
Luminous Spirit: Caritas Habundat - (Antiphon)
Luminous Spirit: O ignis spiritus - (Sequence)
Luminous Spirit: O tu illustrata (Instrumental)
Luminous Spirit: O lucidissima - (Responsory)
Luminous Spirit: O eternae Deus - (Antiphon)
Luminous Spirit: Ave Maria - (Responsory)
Luminous Spirit: Deus anim rorem (Instrumental)
Luminous Spirit: Vos flores rosarum - (Responsory)
Luminous Spirit: Cum erubuerint (Instrumental)
Luminous Spirit: Ave generosa - (Hymn)
Luminous Spirit: O Ecclesia - (Sequence)

Amazon.com

This might just be the Hildegard CD you're having if you're having only one. Unlike CDs by the better-known Sequentia and Gothic Voices--all superb and highly recommended--here we get Hildegard sung by one voice, that of the lovely Rosa Lamoreaux, whose natural, warm, unaffected, but dramatically involved presentation keeps the listener riveted. She is supported by Tina Chancey and Scott Reiss (known collectively as Hesperus), who entwine the vocal lines with music for recorders, hammered dulcimer, vielle, viola da gamba, and other instruments--as well as performing three solos. Recorded in a soft-focus acoustic, this disc surrounds you with delicacy, devotion, and elegance--much the way Hildegard might have wanted it. Highly recommended to all lovers of beautiful music. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Extraordinary Music.......2005-07-22

This cd contains some of the most beautifully crafted and "luminous" music that I have ever heard. The quality of the musicianship is exquisite; the vocals and arrangments are superb. Is it possible to give a product ten stars? If so, then this recording deserves, at the very least, that rating.

Voice and spirit of the angels!.......2004-02-27

This CD is a most heavenly creation of voice and music with Soprano Rosa Lamoreaux having the voice of an angel. It was like being lifted to heaven on angel's wings. I took this CD with me to the hospital when I had serious surgery recently. When the pain was at it's worst, I put this CD in my CD-walkman and was peacefully lulled into a most calm state. This was one of two CD's that I listened to while in the hospital, the other was Hildegard von Bingen: Ecstatic Chants, which was truly a CD of healing voice and music as well and also one that I highly recommend.

Work stress reliver.......2001-09-23

I have it on my computer at work. People come it and ask me 1) where's the music coming from and 2) what is that? It's gorgeous!

A wonderful sonic/spiritual experience.......1998-11-20

Soprano Rosa Lamoreaux has the voice of an angel and takes the listener to another plain in this magical recording. Hildegards music is universal and combines the wonderful detail of medieval precision with the soothing elements of chant.

This recording should be bought by anyone who enjoys early music or chant or the lyrical tones of a beautiful voice.

Spiritual elegance and simplicity.......1998-11-17

If one wishes to hear a spirit sing, if one wishes to steep in profound praise and prayer and peace, if one wishes to hear the sound of excellence...this is your best choice.

Average customer rating:

A winter"s night
horrible
Lovely indeed
Uplifting

Mnemosyne / Garbarek, Hilliard Ensemble

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Officium
In Praise of Dreams
Witchi-Tai-To
Officium - Jan Gabarek & The Hilliard Ensemble
I Took Up the Runes

ASIN: B00000K2AC
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

Quechuna Song - Anonymus
O Lord In Thee Is All My Trust
Estonian Lullaby
Remember Me My Dear - Anonymus
Gloria
Fayrfax Africanus
Agnus Dei
Novus novus - Anonymus
Se je fayz dueil
O ignis spiritus

Tracks:

Alleluia nativitatis - Anonymus
Delphic Paean
Strophe and Counter-Strophe
Mascarades - Anonymus
Loiterando
Estonian Lullaby
Russian Psalm - Anonymus
Eagle Dance
When Jesus Wept
Hymn To The Sun

Amazon.com

It's been six years since these same performers got together to create one of the decade's more unusual experiments in musical alchemy. Beginning with the raw materials of early music and modern jazz, the four male voices of the Hilliard Ensemble joined with jazz saxophonist Jan Garbarek to see what would happen when the proper measure of old music and new style were combined, shaped by the performers' considerable experience and collective aesthetic vision. The success of that recording, titled Officium, and subsequent concert performances paved the way for this second effort, continuing the performers' search for artistically meaningful, musically satisfying combinations of written music and improvisatory elements. The odd title of the new recording comes from a mystical poem by Friedrich Hölderlin, quoted in the liner notes and accompanied by pictures from Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal. Officium aficionados will notice that Mnemosyne is even more adventurous in its explorations, which range farther and farther from the printed page. Musical fragments and a general outline are the starting points for several pieces. Improvisation is more frequently and freely employed, but always adheres to an agreed stylistic framework. Alongside a Tallis hymn or a chant by Hildegard, we hear Iroquois and Peruvian song fragments, an ancient Greek tune, and a beautiful lullaby by Veljo Tormis. Garbarek's tasteful improvisations are appropriate additions, inspired commentaries. The Hilliards are even better than on Officium; their awareness and sensitivity brings everything together into a truly unified expression that shows the timelessness of music and reminds us that where rhythm, melody, and musical imagination join, different styles, centuries, and genres are not necessarily obstacles to compatibility. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

A winter"s night.......2005-07-23

Though I am not much of an expert in music as to write a good review, I have enjoyed Jan Garbarek's saxo for many years now, and most recently his previous work with the Hilliard Ensemble, "Officium".
What else can I say?
Just imagine a cold winter's night (and nights are cold these day in the Southern Hemisphere), cudled inside your home, by the fireplace, with the company of a good book, smoking your pipe, sipping some good french brandy and listening this marvelous music.
What else can compare to such an experience?
Tomás Linn

horrible.......2005-01-13

Cheesy saxophone and Gregorian chants do not go together, or if they do, they'll end up sounding like this. The Hilliard Ensemble is wonderful and I love to listen to it, but not with a bunch of tacky and unnecessary smooth jazz lines over top.

Lovely indeed.......2002-02-25

I was fortunate enough to see Garbarek and the Hillard Ensemble perform pieces from this disc in Tokyo; one of the true surprises and delights of the evening (which I haven't found on the CD yet) was Garbarek's decision to quote from Albert Ayler's "Ghosts" on one piece. You might wonder with a classical vocal group who focus on early music and modern avant-garde choral composition have to do with Albert Ayler -- it seems a difficult gap to bridge. Hearing this two disc set will do much to make it clear. There is something genuinely spiritually uplifting in this music; it never approaches the New Agey wallpaper of Garbarek's weakest disc, VISIBLE WORLD, however -- it's not a tritened, mass-consumable spirituality at work here. There is grief, suffering, sorrow, pain, and fear acknowledged and embraced in this music; and yet it is still life affirming and inspiring (and beautiful to dream to). The spiritual aspect of Ayler's music, of free jazz itself, deserved the acknowledgement; Ayler was one of the most spiritually uplifting jazzmen of the movement, which often spoke in the idiom of the spiritual -- it would have been just as well (though far less moving, somehow, and far less musically appropriate) to quote "A Love Supreme"). Don't be worried by the unusual combination of jazz and classical elements; as another reviewer notes, Garbarek's voice blends in perfectly with the rest of the group, sounds a part of the whole. You'll forget that choral music usually doesn't include a soprano sax in a surprisingly short time. (Note - Garbarek brought a tenor to do the Ayler bit; I really don't know if it's on these discs, as I haven't listened to them in completion yet, but he does play tenor sax on them, so we can hope). Highly recommended stuff. The art for the booklet, by the way, is taken from Ingmar Bergman's SEVENTH SEAL, which is very, very appropriate. People who like and admire Meredith Monk's music (particularly BOOK OF DAYS, her finest work, by me) will appreciate this greatly, too. And vice-versa.

Uplifting.......2000-02-21

A fantastic journey through time and space, ranging from ancient Greece to present-day compositions by Garbarek. No less spirited than Officium, but much more varied. Whereas Officium was very much the Hilliards with Garbarek adding (at times rather exhibitionist) comments, here they play together almost as a band - and what a band! With beautiful packaging and stunning production, this is immensely enjoyable and uplifting.

Average customer rating:

Heavenly
The Holy Grail of Choral Recordings
One Small Correction
Gorgeous music, gorgeous performances
Stunning collection suitable for music nuts or newbies alike

Choral Moods

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Choral Masterpieces
Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony
The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need
Tears from Heaven
Agnus Dei II: Music to soothe the soul

ASIN: B00000DFKO
Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

Miserere Mei, Deus
Deutsche Messe D.872: Sanctus
Hear My Prayer, Oh Lord
Timor Et Tremor
Videntes Stellam
Psalm 13, OP.27
O Salutaris Hostia
Salvette Flores
Evening Hymn
L'enfance du Christ: Shepherd's Farewell
Ave Maria
Advent Responsory
Ave Maria OP.93
Edi Beo Thu, Hevene Quene
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Kyrie
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Gloria
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Sanctus & Benedictus
Missa Cum Iubilo (Gregorian Chant): Agnus Dei
Requiem: In Paradisum
Agnus Dei

Tracks:

Nunc Dimittis
Mass In G: Agnus Dei
Ave Verum Corpus Op. 65 No. 1
O Ignis Spiritus Paracliti
Hear My Prayer
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Eternal Father
Vom Himmel Hoch
Ave Maria
Messe basse: Kyrie
Messe basse: Sanctus
Messe basse: Benedictus
Messe basse: Agnus Dei
Rejoice, Rejoice
Salve Regina, Op. 67 No. 1
Ave, Verum Corpus
Laudi Alla Vergine Maria
Tenebrae Facta Sunt
O Sacrum Convivium

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly.......2007-03-29

This is the most uplifting music I have encountered. The angelic sounds of this choral group help me stay sane on California highways!

The Holy Grail of Choral Recordings.......2006-07-03

This was the first choral CD I've ever purchased when I started becomming involved with choir during my senior year of high school five years ago. My director was telling the choir that he had finally found his copy at a music store and referred to it as the "Holy Grail" of choral recordings. So, I went out to find my own copy and I'm still blown away by it today. I've even given copies as gifts. The music is certainly relaxing and such, but what I most value from it is the spiritual magic. The Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge (then and now my favorite choir in the world) brings every composition to life in such a way that's pure, elegant, and deep. Listening to this music and enjoying this choir has allowed me to set my own standard of singing and compositional excellence.

One Small Correction.......2004-03-06

I keep finding new things to love on this CD, including the fact that it has the first recording I found of Gabriel Faure's beautiful Soprano (or Soprano/Alto) duet Ave Maria., Opus 93. The same recording appears on another CD where the singers are named. The above description of this selection unaccountably adds a baritone. Incidentally, Faure also composed a shorter SATB Ave Maria, which John Rutter has recorded.

I only wish the recording included the complete text of Psalm 50/51 from Gregorio Allegri's Miserere Mei Deus. This might come from John Rutter's recently edited score, published by Oxford Press, if I'm not mistaken. I, for one, do not find this selection (or indeed the entire recording) too long and I believe that the embellishments at the end (mentioned in another review) are probably correct when considering performance conventions of the time of its composition.

Gorgeous music, gorgeous performances.......2003-06-19

I am a semi-professional singer with a BA in Music, and I bought this CD with some trepidation because it looked like one of those dreadful "pop classical" compilations that are everywhere lately. But it had lots of great repertoire all in on place, so I decided to risk it, and I was not disappointed! In fact, this is now one of my favorite choral CDs.

As usual, the Choir of Trinity College delivers stunning performances, and the music itself is just gorgeous. Lots of "church" favorites from a wide range of musical periods. The mood of the CD is definitely on the mellow side, but it's perfect for those quiet moods. I love this CD -- highly recommended!

Stunning collection suitable for music nuts or newbies alike.......2002-03-18

Even as an avid fan of classical music with very picky tastes, there was just so much good music packed on these two (cheap!) discs for me to take in at once!
The perfectly balanced and locked chords can really give you chills.

Customer Reviews:

Best of the Hildegard recordings so far.......2007-01-13

I own nearly all of the recordings of Hildegard von Bingen's work, some on LP, CD, and SACD. Origin of Fire has rapidly become my favorite. First, it contains some of her best (to my ears) works. Second, the performance is top notch - flawless, involved singing. Third, the SACD layer (sorry, have not listened to the red book layer yet) is fabulous. Bottom line: I never get tired of listening to it. Yesterday, it came up as the next disc in the 5 I had loaded in my player, right after some nice mellow Bill Evans. It stopped me in my tracks: I sighed and noticably relaxed. If Hildegard is your cup of tea, this particular cup is extremely tasty.

Nicholas Lens: Flamma Flamma (The Fire Requiem)

Average customer rating:

perfect.
Perfect.
Expensive!
exciting
An Incredible Merger of Rock & Opera

Nicholas Lens: Flamma Flamma (The Fire Requiem)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

I Will Not Be Sad in This World

ASIN: B000002AQ5
Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

Hic Iacet I
Hic Iacet II
Sumus Vicinae
Tegite Specula
Complorate Filiae
Vale Frater
Amice Mi
Corpus Inimici
Deliciae Meae
Flamma Flamma
Ave Ignis
In Corpore
Agnus Purus
Ardeat Ignis

Customer Reviews:

perfect........2004-07-01

if you're into Orff style things, this one is the culmination.
enjoy. I certainly did.

Perfect........2004-07-01

If you've enjoyed Carl Orff, this is his legitimate successor.
Nicholas Lens is perfectionism not over but cross professionalism.
This is one of the few CDs these days that you ought to pay
money for. It is really worth every cent.

Expensive!.......2003-11-12

I believe this recording is very good. Still $999.99 for a used copy seems quite expensive. Or $1,002.48 with shipping - as I just found out. Don't you think?

exciting.......2003-03-04

This is very compelling, dynamic music, & so idiosyncratic. Definitely unique, & moves in a very modern & brilliant way, especially with the interesting ways it makes use of different vocal lines...

An Incredible Merger of Rock & Opera.......2002-04-16

When I first heard this piece, it reminded me of the soprano solo from "The Fifth Element." This CD spans quite a range of music, from beautiful laments for lost loved ones to almost annoying choruses harping about the darker side of death. Unlike most requiems, which are straight laments, this one is more of a commentary on death. This one gets better with each listen. I particularly recommend the second-to-last track, Agnus Purus -- what an incredible choral movement and key change at the end. I could easily see this as the foundation for a movie soundtrack, or a new TV drama.

Leopold Godwosky: Studien über die Etüden von Chopin, Vol. 1: Nos. 1-20

Average customer rating:

This music requires an almost supernatural technique...
Nonsense.
Good Godowsky.
The Definitive Performance of these Murderous Pieces

Leopold Godwosky: Studien über die Etüden von Chopin, Vol. 1: Nos. 1-20

Manufacturer: Altarus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003IYG
Release Date: 1995-12-01

Tracks:

Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 1 Op.10 No.1 C Major-diatonic
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 2 Op.10 No.1 D Flat Major-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 3 Op.10 No.2 A Minor-Left Minor
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 4 Op.10 No.2 A Minor-'Ignisfatuus'
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 5 Op.10 No.3 D Flat Major-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 6 Op.10 No.4 C Sharp Minor-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 7 Op.10 No.5 G Flat Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 8 Op.10 No.5 C Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 9 Op.10 No.5 A Minor-'Tarantella'
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 10 Op.10 No.5 A Major-'Capriccio'
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 11 Op.10 No.5 G Flat Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 12 Op.10 No.5 G Flat Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 12A Op.10 No.5 G Flat Major-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 13 Op.10 No.6 E Flat Minor-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 14 Op.10 No.7 C Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 15 Op.10 No.7 G Flat Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 15A Op.10 No.7 E Flat Major-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 16 Op.10 No.8 F Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 16A Op.10 No.8 G Flat Major-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 17 Op.10 No.9 C Sharp Minor
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 18 Op.10 No.9 F Minor-Imitation Of Op.25 No.2
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 18A Op.10 No.9 F Sharp Minor-Left Hand
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 19 Op.10 No.10 D Major
Studies After The Etudes Of Chopin: 20 Op.10 No.10 A Flat Major-Left Hand

Customer Reviews:

This music requires an almost supernatural technique..........2001-07-15

Composer Godowsky has beautifully augmented the Etudes of Chopin, adding textures and even extra melody lines, with just two hands expected to somehow play it all. Carlo Grante is a very good pianist, but this music requires amazing dexterity. This is a noble attempt, but too often Grante is forced to break the rhythm and fluidity of the pieces in order to accomodate the extra material. Many of the pieces are simply played too slowly. Imagine Chopin etudes plodding like dinosaurs, like someone's got a thumb on the record! Marc-Andre Hamelin has the supernatural technique to play these pieces well. Grante plays some of the studies well enough. It's interesting to hear him attempt some of the most complex pieces ever written. But perhaps he needs another few years of practice. Someone wrote that Grante has re-recorded these pieces for release this year. It should be VERY interesting to see what eight extra years of practice has yielded!

Nonsense........2001-05-22

Grante has no idea at all of style appropriate to this idiom. Most of these are unrecognizable. No sense of texture, tone, legato, or anything else that would have meant anything to Godowsky. Check out Godowsky's American records, e.g. the Berceuse, (not the Columbias) to hear what I mean. As bad as I've heard since Szidon's hysterical Scriabin or Pollini's brutal Chopin. No bueno. Really no stars at all.

Good Godowsky........2000-12-15

Good performances, but inferior to this very same pianist's second recording of these studies found on Music & Arts... Also, a bit over-priced.

The Definitive Performance of these Murderous Pieces.......2000-02-12

Carlo Grante shows that he has the heart of a lion by tackling these fiendish pieces. One would be hard pressed to find more difficult music for the piano. The intellectual and technical demands are titanic. Mr. Grante shows that he is more than equal to them. There is no finer recording of these pieces available. This recording alone would catapult Mr. Grante to the front rank of today's best pianists. Only Arcadi Volodos, Marc-Andre Hamelin, and Jack Gibbons deserve to be mentioned in the same breath with him. The music itself is delightful. Godowsky has an odd art deco sensibility that makes his music the sonic analog of a Tiffany stained glass window. All three volumes of this set are well worth having.

Average customer rating:

Holy Fire
A decent beginning, showing high musical talent
Great Drummer- Great Everything
Exellent Progressive Metal band!
Drummer Dirk Bruinenberg excels

Sanctus Ignis
Adagio
Manufacturer: Lmp
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Underworld
The 1st Chapter
Dominate
V: The New Mythology Suite
Dominate

ASIN: B00005B534
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Tracks:

Second Sight
The Inner Road
In Nomine...
The Stringless Violin
Seven Lands Of Sin
Order Of Enlil
Sanctus Ignis
Panem Et Circences
Immigrant Song
Niflheim

Customer Reviews:

Holy Fire.......2006-05-03

The instrumentals and the vocals of this CD contain plenty of fire, however, the lyrics are all smoke. But if you are like me, you can't understand what they are saying anyway, so don't look at the insert for the words and simply turn up the volume and enjoy! My review titles are what I consider the best lyric in the compilation, but I couldn't find anything that moved me in this one. Thus the translated title, which was the first thing about the CD that caught my attention. The lyrics of the 3rd track, In Nomine, are somewhat comprehensible, which probably has something to do with it being my favorite. (Please see my profile for a brief discussion of my rating philosophy.)

A decent beginning, showing high musical talent.......2005-06-26

Stephen Forte's Adagio project begins with this album. The liner notes for this album state that Forte relentlessly studied and practiced the style of Ynjwie Malmsteen, and the similarity is evident. The band bears some resemblence to the more well-known Symphony X, but there are some differences. Adagio incorporates far more classical/baroque passages in their songs. Often these will even be played with a piano or harpsichord (or a keyboard that is emulating the sound).

There is something missing from this band, and I have a bit of difficulty placing it. Perhaps it needs a stronger emotional connection. Or perhaps it is that the emotional feel throughout the album is fairly constant, and there isn't enough variety.

There are some great songs here and some great parts of songs. The Stringless Violin is probably the best song on the album, featuring some beautiful piano work, remarkable chorus melody, and Forte also plays with some soul (I hate when guitar players only shred).

The talent here is undeniable. Just in his mid-twenties, Forte demonstrates a level of technical skill on the guitar, combined with some knowledge of when to show restraint (which I am sure he will learn more about as he grows older), that places him in the same calibre of much more famous guitarists like Yngwie. The other musicians also show their stuff fairly well. The drumming stands out, as do the powerful, rich vocals.

I would give this album a rating of 7.2/10. I translate this to a 3-star rating here (Worth having in your collection, but it won't be something you listen to all that often).

Great Drummer- Great Everything.......2005-06-08

I was expecting a real major breakthrough after reading so many favorable reviews. However, I honestly couldn't find anything absolutely original here, except for the highly complex drum structures. To me, the album sounded almost identical to Symphony X, but without soul, melody and musical texture characteristic in the prog/power metal genre.

Overall, I rate this 9.5/10 for overall musicianship (drummer Dirk Bruinenberg gets 10+!), but only 7/10 for composition and originality. Good music is not about how many notes you can play at a time.

David Readman's voice is flat. The guitar sound is almost a copy of Yngwie's, although Stephen Forte's composing abilities are much better than Malmsteen's. Remember: the best lead guitar solos are the ones one can sing along with. Lastly, the keyboards sound totally computer generated, fake and without feel.

Something very unique about Sanctus Ignis is the spectacular performance of drummer Dirk Bruinenberg (Elegy / Consortium Project). I mean, how can anybody come up with those thunderous and imaginative double bass beats, is beyond me. The fast tempos are often offset by beautifully crafted slower patterns. Bruinenberg's drum lick repertoire and odd timing bag of tricks is endless. Nevertheless, his best stuff can be heard with Elegy, not here. Elegy to me is (was?) a much better band.

Most reviews here highlight Forte's guitar performance. However --for a change-- it is very important to acknowledge the astonishing level of drumming accomplished by Bruinenberg. This album is a must for any drummer or musician willing to learn how to push the envelope into un-chartered territory. Get his stuff from Elegy (sadly, a very underrated band)... their music is in a league of their own and much better than Adagio's

Exellent Progressive Metal band!.......2005-04-19

I must say I am very impressed with Adagio. They have everything I look for in epic Metal. They have that classical element, a good combination of guitar and keyboard solos, the singer is okay, but the drummer is really good. My favourite songs on this album are: "The Stringless Violin", "Forte, Stephan Lands of Sin", and "Santus Ignis". Overall this band is a great buy and highly recommended for fans of "Blind Guardian", "Kamelot", "Symphony X", "Rhapsody", and "Dragon Force".

Drummer Dirk Bruinenberg excels.......2004-11-10

I was expecting a real major breakthrough after reading so many favorable reviews. However, I honestly couldn't find anything absolutely original here except for the highly complex and amazingly beautiful drum structures played by Dirk Bruinenberg. To me, the album sounded almost identical to Symphony X, but without soul, melody and musical texture characteristic in the prog/power metal genre.

Overall, I rate this 9.5/10 for overall musicianship (drummer Dirk Bruinenberg gets 10+!), but only 7/10 for composition and originality. Good music is not about how many notes you can play at a time.

David Readman's voice is flat. The guitar sound is almost a copy of Yngwie's, although Stephen Forte's composing abilities are much better than Malmsteen's. Remember: the best lead guitar solos are the ones one can sing along with. Lastly, the keyboards sound totally computer generated, fake and without feel.

Something very unique about Sanctus Ignis is the spectacular performance of drummer Dirk Bruinenberg (Elegy / Consortium Project / Rondat). I mean, how can anybody come up with those thunderous and imaginative double bass beats, is beyond me. The fast tempos are often offset by masterfully crafted slower patterns. Bruinenberg's drum lick repertoire and odd timing bag of tricks is endless. Nevertheless, his best stuff can be heard with Elegy, not here. Elegy to me is (was?) a much better band.

Most reviews here highlight Forte's guitar performance. However --for a change-- it is very important to acknowledge the astonishing level of drumming accomplished by Bruinenberg. This album is a must for any drummer or musician willing to learn how to push the envelope into un-chartered territory. Get his stuff from Elegy (sadly, a very underrated band)... their music is in a league of their own.

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