The Passion of St. Thomas More (Music and Libretto by Garrett Fisher)

Editorial Reviews
Gramophone, May, 2002
Hypnotic, magical, enchanting and moving...[with] touches of pure dramatic genius.

The NewMusicBox
Spectacularly eerie...infused with beautiful desperation.

Album Description
In describing this album, Classic Today's David Hurwitz writes: "The plot, familiar to many from A Man For All Seasons, concerns Thomas More's refusal to countenance Henry VIII's divorce of Catherine of Aragon and sign a statement of support for the king's subsequent schism with Rome, for which 'crime' he was beheaded. American composer Garrett Fisher (b. 1970) focuses on the moment of decision itself and its effect on three principal characters: More (who must follow his conscience knowing the penalty for refusal to renew his loyalty to the king); his daughter Margaret (who must come to accept her father's choice); and King Henry (forced to understand that his power to compel obedience is not absolute and that More has vanquished him spiritually). These singers also take on additional roles as 'dark angels', figures that elucidate the spiritual consequences and implications of the decisions that the human characters make...

"Fisher's laudable objective clearly has been to universalize the story through a ritualistic stylization that treats the music in the most traditional way possible: not as 'representation' of some abstract concept or event, but as a means of elevating the expressive impact of the text. The libretto itself, by the composer, is as simple, eloquent, and direct as his setting of it...[The work] gently touches on spiritual matters without ever becoming preachy or pretentious, telling a human story with words and music that truly work well together."

The Passion of St. Thomas More (Music and Libretto by Garrett Fisher)

Tracks:

Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, Pensiero - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Choir
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Walter Hagen-Groll
Miserere: Miserere (Abridged) - Sir David Willcocks
Cantata No. 147: Jesu Bleibet Meine Freunde (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Kantorei Der Dreikonigskirche
Ave Verum Corpus, K 618 - Stephen Cleobury
Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell: Il S'en Va Loin De La Terre - St. Anthony Singers
Pavane - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Totus Tuus (Excerpt) - John Nelson
Ein Deutsches Requiem: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Requiem: Sanctus - Charles Dutoit
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor
Song For Athene - Stephen Cleobury
La Damnation De Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies Irae... Tuba Mirum - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes - Handel Opera Society Chorus
Mass In B Minor: Sanctus - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Zadok The Priest - The Choir Of King's College
Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Ode To Joy (Fourth Movement - Excerpt) - Jessye Norman
Requiem: Dies Irae - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Die Schopfung: Die Himmel Erzahlen (The Heavens Are Telling) - Norma Burrowes
Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les Voici, Les Voici - John Alldis Choir
Elijah: Thanks Be To God - Bryn Terfel
Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lubecker Kantorei
Matthaus-Passion (Final Chorus): Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Mefistofele (Prologue): Ave, Signor Degli Angeli E Dei Santi! - London Opera Chorus
Messiah: Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Rule Britannia - London Philharmonic Choir
Jerusalem - London Philharmonic Choir
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire Immortelle - John McCarthy
Faust: Apotheosis - John McCarthy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly disapointing.......2006-12-12

The sound and mixing on these CDs are below anything. It's the type of CD where you constantly have to adjust the volume because some songs are just inaudible and then others come out blaring. Is there anything more annoying? The recording is poor quality. And the interpretations are just bland. A waste of money.

Great!.......2006-02-25

Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition. Thank you.

charming.......2005-05-25

i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time. i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!.......2004-01-11

This double CD is certainly worth the small price. The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors. Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion. But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave!

Average customer rating:

Hallelujah: 35 Great Sacred Choruses

Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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

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ASIN: B0001KL4OU
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Vivaldi
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
And Then Shall Your Light Break - Mendelssohn
If Ye Love Me - Tallis
Hallelujah - Beethoven
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
The Heavens Are Telling - Haydn
Panis Angelicus - Franck
Magnificat - J.S. Bach
Ave Verum Corpus - Byrd
How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place - Brahms
Miserere Mie, Deus - Allegri
Hallelujah, Amen - Handel
How Lovely Are The Messengers - Mendelssohn
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Handel
Lacrimosa - Mozart
Laudate Dominum - Mozart
Hallelujah Chorus - Handel

Tracks:

Zadok The Priest - Handel
Sanctus - Gounod
He, Watching Over Israel - Mendelssohn
O, Sacred Head, Sore Wounded - J.S. Bach
Thine Be The Glory - Handel
Ave Maria - Rachmaninov
Gloria - Haydn
God So Loved The World - Stainder
Rejoice In The Lord Always - Purcell
I Was Glad - Parry
O Taste And See - Vaughan Williams
O Clap Your Hands - Vaughan Williams
Song For Athene - Tavener
The Old Hundredth - Vaughan Williams
Thou Knowest, Lord - Purcell
Ode To Joy - Beethoven
A Gaelic Blessing - Rutter

The Passion of St. Thomas More (Music and Libretto by Garrett Fisher)

Average customer rating:

Astonishingly and Provocatively Original
A truly beautiful CD
Enchanting

The Passion of St. Thomas More (Music and Libretto by Garrett Fisher)
Garrett Fisher , Anna Vinten-Johansen , and Olle Persson
Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Requiem For My Friend - Preisner / Rewakowicz, Kasprzyk, Sinfonia Varsovia, et al

ASIN: B00005TNBB
Release Date: 2001-11-27

Tracks:

The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Prelude - Anna Vinten-Johansen
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Instrumental Prelude - Garrett Fisher
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Dedication - Olle Persson
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act I, Scene 1 - Anna Vinten-Johansen
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act I, Scene 2 - Christina Hogman
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act I, Scene 3 - Olle Persson
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Masque - Garrett Fisher
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act II, Scene 1 - Olle Persson
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act II, Scene 2 - Anna Vinten-Johansen
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act II, Scene 3 - Olle Persson
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act II, Scene 4 - Anna Vinten-Johansen
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Act II, Scene 5 - Olle Persson
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Epilogue - Christina Hogman
The Passion Of St. Thomas More: Postlude - Anan Vinten-Johansen

Album Description

In describing this album, Classic Today's David Hurwitz writes: "The plot, familiar to many from A Man For All Seasons, concerns Thomas More's refusal to countenance Henry VIII's divorce of Catherine of Aragon and sign a statement of support for the king's subsequent schism with Rome, for which 'crime' he was beheaded. American composer Garrett Fisher (b. 1970) focuses on the moment of decision itself and its effect on three principal characters: More (who must follow his conscience knowing the penalty for refusal to renew his loyalty to the king); his daughter Margaret (who must come to accept her father's choice); and King Henry (forced to understand that his power to compel obedience is not absolute and that More has vanquished him spiritually). These singers also take on additional roles as 'dark angels', figures that elucidate the spiritual consequences and implications of the decisions that the human characters make...

Customer Reviews:

Astonishingly and Provocatively Original.......2004-06-15

In a field cluttered with releases that are derivative and mundane, The Passion of Saint Tomas More is astonishingly and provocatively original. Fisher has left his score free of ostentation, allowing his music to be the unaffected narrative voice of the drama. This remarkable reserve perfectly communicates the protagonist's resignation to the inevitable while reinforcing the philosophical maxim that there can be no such thing as a Christian tragedy. If you find yourself inured to the usual musical offering and want something to truly cleanse your palate, The Passion of Saint Tomas More is a must buy.

A truly beautiful CD.......2002-06-18

This is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard. Fisher employs small forces - three singers (each playing a character in the More tragedy and also doubling as a Dark Angel), together with a guitar, cor anglais, an indian harmonium drone and a small amount of tabla-like percussion - to create a slow-moving ritual that depicts and comments on the issue of Thomas More's integrity. Should he agree to sign a statement of support for Henry VIII and compromise his principles, or should he "hold his pen" and sacrifice himself?

The music is slow-moving, tonal and austerely beautiful. The performances are flawless, and the recorded sound is spacious and atmospheric. This CD has all the makings of a cult hit.

Enchanting.......2002-04-01

The Passion of St. Thomas More transported me to a timeless place of love, joy, integrity, life and death. The music is atmospheric and great story telling. I felt touched by another's life and more connected to my own. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Excellent Choice to Sample Composers and Musicians
Makes you feel like your in heaven
Yee haw whut fine moosic

More Tears from Heaven

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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000I9LX
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

St. Matthew Passion: Kommt, Ihr Tochter, helft mir klagen - Tolzer Knabenchor
Vocalise - Norman Luboff Choir
Messiah: Surely He Hathe Borne Our Griefs - Royal Philharmonic Chrorus
Messiah: And With His Stripes We Are Healed - Royal Philharmonic Chrorus
Messiah: All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray - Royal Philharmonic Chrorus
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Mass In B minor: Crucifixus - Robert Shaw Chorale
Angus Dei - Richard Marlow
Jephte: Plorate Filii Jerusalem - Konrad Junghanel
Raquiem: Lacrymosa - George Solti
St. Matthew Passion: Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Tolzer Knabenchor
Spem In Alium - Musica Sacra Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Choice to Sample Composers and Musicians.......2004-11-26

World class musicians performing masterpieces. So many sampler CDs offer mediocre performers, but the musicians here are the cream of the crop. The choice of composers is also inspired. This is a great way to test the waters on choral music and find favorites without having to break the bank. One of my all time favorite CDs.

Makes you feel like your in heaven.......2002-02-23

I wish I could hear these musical pieces live. This, though, is the closest thing to doing that.

Yee haw whut fine moosic.......2000-05-11

ah pow'ful injoy this hyar CD. It soun's fine an' ah love th' sin'in' an' sco'es. A fine colleckshun af'er th' fust CD. ah particularly liked th' rendishun of that there Sergei Rachmaninov boys tune.

Average customer rating:

Very powerful and moving

The Greatest Choral Show on Earth

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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

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Release Date: 1999-07-20

Tracks:

Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, pensiero - Chicago Symphony Orhcestra And Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich gefuhrt ziehet dahin - Wiener Philharmoniker
Miserere (Abridged) Allegri - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.
Cantata No. 147: Jesu bleibet meine Freunde - Orchestra Of The Collegium Musicum
Ave verum corpus, K. 618 - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.
Canatique de Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
L'enfance du Christ: Shepherd's farewell: Il s'en va lion de la terre - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.
Montesquiou: Pavane
Totus tuus (excerpt) - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.
Ein deutsches Requiem: Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt darf nun dich - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.
Requiem: Sanctus - Choeur et Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.
Song For Athene - The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
La Damnation de Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Zurich Tonhalle Orch; Zinman, D.

Tracks:

Requiem: Dies irae ... Tuba mirum
Il trovartore: Anvil Chorus: Verdi! le forsche
Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes
Mass In B minor: Sanctus
Zadok The Priest
Symphony No. 9 'Choral': Fourth Movement - Excerpt
Requiem: Dies irae
Die Himmel erzahlen
Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les voici, les voici
Elijah: Thanks Be To God
Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, frohlocket
Matthaus-Passion: Wirsetzen uns mit Tranen nieder
Ave, Signor degli angeli e dei santi!
Messiah: Hallelujah
Rule Britannia
Jerusalem
Carminia Burana: O Fortuna
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire immortelle
Faust: Apotheosis

Customer Reviews:

Very powerful and moving.......2000-04-10

These two CD's, one titled Music Sublime and the other Music All-Powerful, bring together some of the greatest choral masterpieces ever composed. The All-Powerful CD, by the way, is not easy listening.