Apostles

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Elgar planned a trilogy of works illustrating the founding of the Church, but only composed two: this one, and its successor, The Kingdom. With its largely biblical text and flamboyant orchestration, there are reasons for preferring this to the much better known Dream of Gerontius, which is widely considered to be the composer's choral masterpiece. This extraordinarily brilliant performance certainly makes the best possible case for the music. Richard Hickox's vital sense of rhythm and urgent tempos go a long way to dispelling the Victorian or Edwardian cobwebs that seem to encrust music like this, and the sound quality is audiophile. If Gerontius turns you off, try The Apostles. You're in for a pleasant surprise. --David Hurwitz

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:

Very Good!

Elgar: Sacred Choral Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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

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Walton: Choral Music
Lo the Full Final Sacrifice & Other Choral Works
Stanford: Anthems and Services
Kenneth Leighton: Sacred Choral Music
Howells: Requiem; Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing

ASIN: B000260QMY
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Tracks:

Give Unto The Lord
Ave Verum Corpus
Ave Maria Gratia Plena
Ave Maris Stella
O Hearken Though
Te Deum Laudamus
Benedictus
O Salutaris Hostia
Great IS The Lord
The Spirit Of The Lord Is Apon Me
Go, Song Of Mine
Seek Him That Maketh The Seven Stars
Light Of The World

Customer Reviews:

Very Good!.......2004-11-07

This is an awesome cd of Elgars choral music. I reccomend it along with Howells Requiem under the Naxos label. This is an awesome choir and awesome music!

Celestial Light: Music Of Hildegard von Bingen & Robert Kyr

Average customer rating:

Insane or a Saint?
Peaceful, soothing, one of the best.

Celestial Light: Music Of Hildegard von Bingen & Robert Kyr

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Unseen Rain: Music by Robert Kyr
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
Secrets of God: Writings of Hildegard of Bingen

ASIN: B000003D2I
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

O Lucidissima
Novi Sideris Lumen Respenduit
O Cruor Sanguinis
Deus Misertus Hominis
O Tu Illustrata
Flos Ut Rosa Floruit
O Viridissima Virga
I. Song To The Creator
II. Song Of The Virgin To Her Son
III. Song To The Virgin
Nunc Gaudeant
O Eterne Deus
Ave Maris Stella
O Nobilissima Viriditas

Customer Reviews:

Insane or a Saint?.......2000-11-03

I first became of aware of the controversial seeress and prophetess Hildegard von Bingen a few years back and was fascinated and further explored her life. Critisized by many as nothing more than a mentally and physically tortured soul who suffered from hallucinations and hailed by many as a medieval saint whose visions, life and writings were inspired by divine intervention. Take a listen to this CD, which is based on her "Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelation" and there can be no doubt. Take a listen and you be the judge. The theme of this music is light and the sound is sheer beauty. The music is vocalized by a group of women called "Tapestry" and they weave magic with their voices. The harmonizing and solo performances are extraordinary and inspirational. Upon listening you wil forget that you are listening to four voices, the music makes you forget all as the "light' fills your mind and you transend worldly distractions. The fact that you are listening to voices only is astounding alone because the voice captures your attention and has you so focused that you do not notice the absence of musical accompanyment. Our modern ears are used to hearing musical accompanyment with vocals so it is very refreshing to hear this musical bliss. This is medieval chant that is performed with ecstatic intensity. Like much of the medieval music that uses unmeasured chants, Hildegard's music displays unique and wonderful expressions of pacing and expression. A special cycle of motets are written for "Tapestry" to perform on this CD entitled"Circling Wheel" with text by Hildegard, in Latin as she never set them to music. The hour long medieval experience is unique and an experience that is quite heavenly. As intended, "Celestial Light" fills you with light. File this under otherworldly and inspirational, music that is good for your soul.

Peaceful, soothing, one of the best........1999-06-19

An excellent way to begin sampling Hildegarde von Bingen. This is a simply luscious CD--not so soothing as to be downright bland, but serene and intricate at the same time.

Elgar: The Apostles / Meditation from "The Light of Life"

Average customer rating:

The finest English oratorio

Elgar: The Apostles / Meditation from "The Light of Life"

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elgar: The Kingdom/Coronation Ode
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius - The Music Makers / Gedda, Watts, Lloyd, Baker; Boult
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
Elgar: Sacred Choral Music

ASIN: B000005GPW
Release Date: 2005-07-13

Tracks:

Prologue
And It Came To Pass In Those Days In The Mountain-Night
The Dawn
Morning Psalm
The Lord Hath Chosen Them
II: By The Wayside
And Straightway Jesus Constrained His Disciples
In The Tower Of Magdala Fantasy
This Shall Ye Have Mine Hand In Caesarea Philippi
When Jesus Came Into The Parts Of Ceasarea Philippi
And I Will Give Unto Thee In Capernaum
Turn You To The Stronghold

Tracks:

Introduction
And It Came To Pass
Then Gathered The Chief Priests And Pharisees
Hail, Master! In The Palace Of The High Priest
Then Judas, Which Had Betrayed Him The Temple
Without The Temple
V: Golgotha
VI: At The Sepulchre
We Trusted That It Had Been He
Give Us One Heart
Meditation From The Light Of Life

Customer Reviews:

The finest English oratorio.......2003-07-20

Except for those who love all things English, most classical fans consider English music to be second rate. Austrian/German composers are grouped to the fore with Russians right behind. The fact is that most of the best music of the 20th century came from England and "The Apostles" is one of those great underrated works. The stately and pastoral themes common to most Brits are in ample evidence here and the well known talents of Sheila Armstrong and Robert Tear are showcased well. The opening sections of 'The Calling...' and 'By the Sea..' are full of peace and calm. But during 'The Betrayal,' Elgar's score erupts as Judas vents his sorrow in music easily comparable to that of Wagner's Wotan. Clifford Grant's performance in this music is one of the most incredible performances by any bass on record.
The six minute Meditation from Elgar's "Light of Life" also comes from the turn of the century. Adrian Boult provides dependably idiomatic leadership and the remastered recording from 1974 sounds excellent. The balance slightly favors the soloists. A great adventure awaits those who explore this joyful and melancholy oratorio.

New World Symphonies: Baroque Music from Latin America

Average customer rating:

Who are all these people?
* * * * * * 6 stars out of a possible 5
Exquisite, culturally broad, delightful to ears and soul
Magical Music
Some Wonderful Music at the Crossroads

New World Symphonies: Baroque Music from Latin America

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Moon, Sun & All Things
Bolivian Baroque [includes DVD] [Hybrid SACD]
Bolivian Baroque Vol. 2 [Hybrid SACD]
La Noche Buena: Christmas Music of Colonial Latin America
Mexican Baroque

ASIN: B00008OP2L
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Hanaq Pachap Kusikuynin
Kyrie (Missa Ego Flos Campi)
Gloria (Missa Ego Flos Campi)
Xicochi Conetizntle
Credo (Missa Ego Flos Campi)
Los Coflades De La Estleya
Angus Dei (Missa Ego Flos Campi)
Versa Est In Luctum
Angus Dei (Missa Ego Flos Campi)
Salve Regina
Qhapaq Eterno Dios (Symbolo Catholico Indiano)
Ut Queant Laxis
Kyrie (Missa San Ignacio)
Gloria (Missa San Ignacio)
Gloria (Missa San Ignacio)

Customer Reviews:

Who are all these people?.......2007-05-28

That was what I thought when I saw the concert's program (in Santiago de Compostela, 2007, they are also very good live performers). I had never before heard of Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra... and the repertoire, excepting three pieces, was also new to me. But the concert was a marvellous discovery.

What may have happened all this time? Why have we ignored these musical treasures? They were "buried" in cathedrals' archives, and access to them was very restricted. A group of enthusiastic musicologists and musicians, like Jeffrey Skidmore, are bringing them to life again. God bless you all!

* * * * * * 6 stars out of a possible 5.......2006-05-23

This record was my first taste of the Renaissance and Baroque music from Latin America. The dates of the pieces range from roughly 1500 to 1750.

The range of styles is quite broad - from pieces that sound very close to the masterpieces from Europe during those time periods, to pieces that have a very strong influence of native music.

The pieces with a relatively 'traditional' sound include, e.g., the Masses by Padilla and Zipoli.

In my feelings, the one thing that characterizes this music is a sense of the spirit dancing.
Note as an obvious example tr. 6: Araujo's "Los Coflades de la Estleya" - but that sense of ecstatic dancing also comes through in the other pieces.

The performances by Ex Cathedra are close to perfection.

I also highly recommend Ex Cathedra's companion album "Moon, Sun & All Things".

Exquisite, culturally broad, delightful to ears and soul.......2005-06-19

This performance by Jeffrey Skidmore's Ex Cathedra is perhaps the very best of many purchases of liturgically related music that we have made. I write not as one who is musically trained, but just one who knows when he hears something that is absolutely excellent. One can discern in these pieces the development of Church music throughout the ages, the distinctive influence of the Baroque period, and the strong Latin American flavor derived from the Spanish and native cultures. It is simply uplifting, and we don't tire of listening to it again and again. I would not have known about this recording, or even Ex Cathedra, had I not heard the first track, "Hanaq pachap kusikuynin" on London's Classic FM station on the internet. I am surprised that this work is not yet more popular in here in the States. Certainly it deserves to be.

Magical Music.......2003-12-17

For those who enjoy early baroque music, (especially that of Spanish origin), this is magical stuff. The accompanying notes and translations are interesting and helpful. The performance by Skidmore & Ex Cathedra is professional and exciting. The melodies and rhythms are infectious. A previous review (which seems to have been removed) strongly criticized this CD because the reviewer claimed that this music glorifies the actions in the New World of the 16th century Spanish invaders and missionaries. If you hold rigid PC views about the impact of Christianity on indigenous cultures then maybe you might agree with that view. People with a knowledge of history recognize that much evil has been done in the name of the Christian God, but that is not the issue here. If you enjoy beauty, open your mind and ears and listen. You will hear music of great beauty and originality that will uplift you.

Some Wonderful Music at the Crossroads.......2003-10-24

Here is superb compendium of works from the Latin American Baroque that shows how well composers of the New World melded the art music of Europe with native strains. Juan de Araujo, Gaspar Fernandes, Juan Zespedes, and the ubiquitous Anonymous supply the native elements, some of the music based on words and undoubtedly melodies of the native Indian people of Latin America, while Araujo and Zespedes look to the folk dances of Africa to commemorate the Nativity in a beguilingly earthy fashion.

Interspersed with this folk-inspired music are the liturgical works of Juan de Padilla, Hernando Franco, and Domenico Zipoli, including all of Padilla's dignified "Missa Ego flos campi" and the lovely Kyrie and Gloria from Zipoli's "Missa San Ignacio." Franco's "Salve Regina" is a little classic of the late Renaissance, complete with mannerist harmonies in the fashion of Gesualdo or Monteverdi.

Juan Zespedes' "Convidando esta la noche" comes last on the disc. Skidmore and his producers know what must be the musical highpoint of the CD no matter how sophisticated the efforts of the European-trained musicians, like Zipoli and Padilla, represented here. Short though it may be (only four minutes), "Convidando" is the perfect little Christmas cantata. It starts with a tender hymn to the new-born Jesus sounding very much like the Reformation folksong-turned-Christmas carol "Es ist ein Ros ensprungen." The hymn gives way repeatedly to celebration in the form of the guaracha, a dance of African origin apparently still popular in Cuban today. Accented with traditional Latin American rhythm instruments and high "yip-yips" from the chorus, it is a joy to the ear and to the heart, as it must have been to listeners when it was written over three hundred years ago.

Tracks:

Prolougue
The Calling Of The Apostles (In The Mountain - Night)
The Dawn
Morning Psalm
Chorus The Lord Hath Chosen Them
I By The Wayside - II By The Sea Of Galilee
In The Tower Of Magdala
O Lord Almighty, God Of Israel
This Shall Ye Have Of Mine Hand
When Jesus Came Into The Parts Of Cawsarea Philippi
And I Will Give Unto Thee
Turn You To The Stronghold

Tracks:

Introduction - IV. The Betrayal
And It Came To Pass In Those Days
Then Gathered The Chief Priests And Pharisees
In Gethsemane - In The Palace Of The High Preist
Then Judas, Which Had Betrayed Him - The Temple
Without The Temple
V. Golgotha
VI. At The Sepulchre - VII. The Ascension
We Trusted That It Had Been He
Give us One Heart, And One Way

Amazon.com

Elgar planned a trilogy of works illustrating the founding of the Church, but only composed two: this one, and its successor, The Kingdom. With its largely biblical text and flamboyant orchestration, there are reasons for preferring this to the much better known Dream of Gerontius, which is widely considered to be the composer's choral masterpiece. This extraordinarily brilliant performance certainly makes the best possible case for the music. Richard Hickox's vital sense of rhythm and urgent tempos go a long way to dispelling the Victorian or Edwardian cobwebs that seem to encrust music like this, and the sound quality is audiophile. If Gerontius turns you off, try The Apostles. You're in for a pleasant surprise. --David Hurwitz

Average customer rating:

Great Christian Metal!

Axe of the Apostles
Final Axe
Manufacturer: Retroactive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Beyond Hells Gate
The Seventh Power (featuring Robert Sweet of STRYPER)

ASIN: B000GB3HTO
Release Date: 2006-10-30

Tracks:

Heads Will Roll
Burn in Hell
Ball and Chain
Hangin by a Thread
Dealing with Death
Vengeance Is Mine
Slaves
Metal Missionaries
We're Not Heroes
Worlds Away

Product Description

In his review of this album, HM editor Doug Van Pelt writes, "...those of you who remember Final Axe (who go all the way back to the late 80's) will be glad to know that this is easily their best album. If Saint were to win 'Comeback of the Year' for 2004's In the Battle, then this album would win it this year." In fact, some might say that with The Axe of the Apostles, Final Axe has captured heavyweight status by showcassing their catchiest, most accessible set of tune available yet. Even while retaining the precision guitar assault and the quasi-Rob Halford vocals, the band proves they are masters at being melodic, without losing any of their intensity and edge. In true metal form, The Axe of the Apostles rarely gives you a chance to come up for air, displaying a real penchent for stadium ready anthems. Drums are handled by Christian metal icon, Robert Sweet (STRYPER), whose busy, virtuosic rhythmic base pushes Bill Menchen (guitar) and Simon Tyler (vocals) to their most energectic and impassioned performance of their considerable careers. With The Axe of the Apostles, Final Axe provide us an album that truly towers above pretenders as the genuine article of heavy metal greatness.

Customer Reviews:

Great Christian Metal!.......2007-01-19

This is a band who isn't afraid to talk about their faith. They don't try to straddle the fence. This is retro metal, not metal-rap or emo.

Average customer rating:

An excellent source for Brittens' Folk Song Collection
This second volume of Britten's folksongs is more fun

Britten: Folk Song Arrangements, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Britten: Folk Song Arrangements
Roger Quilter: O Mistress Mine; To Daisies; Julia's Hair; Go, Lovely Rose
Gerald Finzi: I Said to Love; Let Us Garlands Bring; Before and After Summer
Bryn Terfel - The Vagabond & other songs by Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Finzi & Ireland

ASIN: B0009SQC8M
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

Lord! I Married Me A Wife - Osian Ellis
She's Like The Swallow - Osian Ellis
Bonny At Morn - Osian Ellis
Lemady - Osian Ellis
Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn - Osian Ellis
Dafydd Y Garreg Wen - Osian Ellis
The False Knight Upon The Road - Osian Ellis
Bird Scarer's Song - Osian Ellis
The Holly And The Ivy - Margaret Feaviour
King Herod And The Cock - Philip Langridge
The Twelve Apostles - Philip Langridge
The Bitter Withy - Philip Langridge
Le Roi S'en Va-t'en Chasses - Thomas Allen
Fileuse - Thomas Allen
Eho! Eho! - Thomas Allen
La Belle Est Un Jardin D'amour - Thomas Allen
Quand Jetais Chez Mon Pere - Thomas Allen
The Salley Gardens (String Orchestration) - Thomas Allen
Little Sir William - Thomas Allen
The Bonny Earl O' Moray - Thomas Allen
O Can Ye Sew Cushions? - Thomas Allen
Oliver Cromwell - Thomas Allen
The Plough Boy - Thomas Allen
O Waly, Waly - Thomas Allen
Come You Not From Newcastle? - Thomas Allen
The Salley Gardens (Orchestration For Strings, Bassoon And Harp) - Thomas Allen

Customer Reviews:

An excellent source for Brittens' Folk Song Collection.......2007-05-28

The price is right, and the quality is good (notice I didn't say great, but the price brings it back to a "5"). In my opinion, you can never go wrong with Britten.

This second volume of Britten's folksongs is more fun.......2006-06-24

In 1995 Collins Classics issued a comprehensive 3-CD set of Britten's many folksong arrangements. Now that they're on Naxos, you can buy all 52 solo songs on two CDs or this one, a single CD devoted to various orhcestrations, choral arrangements, and other oddments.

Frankly, even though this catch-all is considered an addendum, I found it more fun than the more famous solo songs. Britten had lots of interesting things to say via the orchestra, and the varied textures allow for moe diversity than piano alone. I'm not fond of boy choirs, but Britten was, so we get a handful of those settings, which are either charming or twee depending on your viewpoint.

As before, Philip Langridge bears the brunt of almost all the songs--they were originally set for Britten's life partner, tenor Peter Pears. Langridge's lyric voice is easier to listen to than Pears's, but he's not nearly the artist. For all that, everything about this CD, including the conducting by Simon Joly, adds to the listener's pleasure. The only defect is that for the orchestral songs the singre is placed much too far back.

The Complete Hildegard von Bingen, Volume Three: O Nobilissima Viriditas

Average customer rating:

The Complete Hildegard von Bingen, Volume Three: O Nobilissima Viriditas

Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Complete Hildegard von Bingen, Volume Two: Aurora
The Complete Hildegard von Bingen, Volume One: Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations
Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Feather on the Breath of God

ASIN: B00005YFTT
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

O Beata Infantia
Columba Aspexit
O Nobilissima Viriditas
O Cohors Milicie Floris Virge
O Viridissima Virga Ave
Hodie Aperuit Nobis
O Euchari
O Successores Fortissimi Leonis
O Successores (Instrumental)
O Bonifaci
O Speculum Columbe
O Presul Vere Civitatis
O Mirum Admirandum
O Vos Felices Radices
Mathias Sanctus Per Electionem

Album Description

O nobilissima viriditas is the third volume of The Complete Hildegard von Bingen, following Symphony of the Harmony of Celestial Revelations and Aurora, released in 1996 and 1999 respectively.

Hildegard von Bingen was born in 1098 as the tenth and last child of a noble family. In 1106 at age eight she was entrusted to Jutta of Spondheim's convent which was attached to the Benedictine monastery of Disibodenberg on the mountain of St. Disibod. After Jutta's death in 1136, Hildegard became abbess and she subsequently established her own convent on the Rupertsberg near Bingen in the late 1140s.

Although she had had visions since childhood, it was only after 1141, following a divine call, that she dedicated herself to document her visions in the book Scivias. During her mature life she produced a prolific and varied range of writings, including two more books of visions, and she continued to compose the music and the poetry of her songs.

At a time when few women were accorded respect, she lived to become a highly respected writer, poet, composer and visionary, much sought-after for her counsel by popes, regents and bishops.

Viriditas was to inspire some of Hildegard's most imaginative and passionate song poetry and music. Her lyrics are all in Latin and they abound with images from nature, using leaves, branches and flowers to communicate overlapping themes of energy, vigour, blooming, manhood, virginity and virtue.

Tracks:

Introit - 'The Lord Is In His Holy Temple'
Improvisation
Preces - Rector And The Choir
Psalm 133 - Ecce, quam bonum!
Psalm 134 - Ecce nunc
Isaiah 35 - First Lesson
Hymn - We Sing Of God
Magnificat - The Evening Service In A Minor
John 17:13-23 - Second Lesson
Nunc Dimittis - The Evening Service In A Minor
The Apostles Creed
Responses - Rector And The Choir
Anthem - O God, My Heart Is Ready (Text From Psalm 108)
Prayers
Blessing
Hymn - Abide With Me (Eventide)
Anthem - Judge Eternal
Anthem - Christ, Whose Glory
Organ Voluntary - Magnificat (Organbook II)

Amazon.com

Next time you're in New York, treat yourself to an Evensong service at St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue. The next best thing is this recording, which gives you a satisfying taste of the church's atmosphere and choral excellence. It's got everything, from readings of lessons and choral psalm singing, to hymns with descants, organ solos, and anthems by Ned Rorem, Gerre Hancock, and Frederick Candlyn. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Marvelous music, marvelous music, mediocre recording............2004-03-10

Who said America doesn't have a fantastic boy-choir tradition?

He should be slapped in the face....

First of all, I've always admired Gerre Hancock for his bold music selections. He may be dismissed as a "modernist" by the more conservative choral conducters, but one who has an ear for good music will know what makes an outstanding musical performance. I'm very happy Hancock has decided again to perform something of Ned Rorem, wich suits the sound of the 5th Avenue choir very well. One would also want to mention Hancocks own musical compositions, like Judge Eternal, wich are marvelous work of art! His improvisation on the organ however is a little bit a of a disappointment (what you wouldn't expect of somebody who was a protegé of Jean Langlais for crying out loud). But he makes up for that in other CD's. The last piece on the CD, performed by Peter Stoltzfus (an outstanding young talent) is Rorem's Magnificat from organbook II, an organsolo wich absolutly MINDBLOWING!

I would have almost rated this CD 4-stars because of the mediocre (but not bad) recording, but one should hold in mind that the recording opperandi for such a broad space as St.Thomas can be very demanding. Still, an overall must for music, choral and organlovers alike!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

This Isn't Me

Karl Böhm & Yehudi Menuhin in Concert

Johannes Brahms: Trios Op. 40 & 41

Crossings [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Keep Duty Free V.1 [Import]

Message

Journey of the Dolphin

Let's Live for Today/Feelings [Import] [Live]

Express [Import] [Limited Edition]

Matins for the Virgin of Guadeloupe

Here 'tis [Import]

La Güera Consentidas

Historias Musicales

Shout, Rattle and Roll

Ian Hunter