- Audio CD (Oct 24 2000)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Compilation
- Label: Windham Hill Records
- ASIN: B00004YBZS
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#59,002 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
- #44 in Music > New Age > Compilations
- #66 in Music > Miscellaneous > Compilations > Holiday Music
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Product Details |
Track Listings
| 1. Vent Redemptor Gentium - Lisbeth Scott |
| 2. Amazing Grace - Lisbeth Scott |
| 3. Miserere - The Joyful Company Of Singers |
| 4. Veni Creator Spiritus - Lisbeth Scott/Gavyn Wright |
| 5. Auguries Of Innocence: Part 1 - Gavyn Wright/David Theodore |
| 6. Auguries Of Innocence: Part 2 - Gavyn Wright/David Theodore |
| 7. Be Still My Soul - Lisbeth Scott/Paul Schwartz |
| 8. Angelica - Lisbeth Scott/Gavyn Wright/Jonathan Williams |
| 9. Simple Gifts - Lisbeth Scott/Andrew Findon/Dirk Campbell |
| 10. State Of Grace/Miserere (Remix) - Gavyn Wright/Paul Schwartz |
Product Description
From Amazon.co.uk
Producer and composer Paul Schwartz thanks many people on State of Grace, but there is one notable exclusion, 12th-century nun Abbess Hildegard von Bingen. Although these aren't her compositions, echoes of her ecstatic hymns and sequences resound throughout Schwartz's latest electronica-classical opus. He composes his own 21st-century gothic chants sung by the impassioned soprano, Lisbeth Scott. Scott is a powerful singer who brings a more emotional, perhaps even lustful, tone to these electro-Gregorian evocations, gliding over synthesiser ministrations and violin from the durable Gavyn Wright. Paul Schwartz was also responsible for the Aria CDs, on which he updated operatic arias with dance beats. State of Grace benefits from the less oppressive rhythmic regimentation, letting these soaring melodies ring out. When Schwartz deviates from his gothic inspirations, State of Grace flags, notably on a predictable rendition of "Amazing Grace", a misguided Celtic take on the Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts" and a trio of instrumentals. --John Diliberto
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Thanks For The Introduction To Mehdi
Jun 25 2004
Format:Audio CD
I've always enjoyed Paul Schwartz and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this page I discovered an artist by the name of Mehdi (pronounced meddie). After some investigation I found his site (SoothingMusic.Com) and listened to the samples...I also downloaded some of the free MP3 downloads that are available on Amazon.com.
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to his CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Paul Schwartz fan I find Mehdi to be a tad more interesting. I have them both in my multi-disc CD player and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to his CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Paul Schwartz fan I find Mehdi to be a tad more interesting. I have them both in my multi-disc CD player and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.
What was I thinking?!
Jan 30 2004
Format:Audio CD
I already wrote a review for this back in 2001. I just wish I would have given it 5 instead of 4 stars. Listening to State Of Grace is a beautiful, uplifting experience that exults the spirit into higher places, and the multi-talented Paul Schwartz has quickly become one of my all-time favorite musicians. He composes and orchestrates all the music while Lisbeth Scott's angelic voice glides like softly felt wings that radiates a deep sense of majesty over the ambient beats and the glorious strings and church choirs that sing their heavenly praises to the mighty forces that we must first believe in order to perceive. But fear not. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this. Just open your mind and, most importantly, your heart and let it wash over you... That's all I ask.
This is now one of my top 20 most cherished albums and that's saying a lot since I currently own over 500 cds!
Intense, intriguing and cool
Jan 1 2004
Format:Audio CD
A compelling collection of compositions by innovative composer and keyboardist Paul Schwartz. The mood of the album varies, but minor keys predominate and a mysterious, brooding reflectiveness pervades many of the selection to good effect. Christian lyrics in both Latin and English are sung by a soloist, accompanied by programmed groove beats and a lush orchestra of synthesized sound. Clear-voiced Lisbeth Scott does a nice job of emulating a boy soprano for the Latin numbers, the Joyful Company of Singers provides a full, if muted, choral sound in "Misere", and violinist Gavin Wright offers soaring descants and sweet leads on several numbers. But it is composer Schwartz who gives distinctive voice to this music with his multilayered programming. He is at his best in sweeping tracks like "Veni Redemptor Gentium", the choral "Misere", the symphonic "Auguries of Innocence, Part 2" and the delicately brooding "Angelica". Songs I could have done without, however, are "Amazing Grace" and "Simple Gifts", tunes that do not lend themselves to the groove beat phenomenon. While that seems to work well for plainchant and some symphonic and operatic selections, these already-metered folk songs would have been better off left in their traditional state. Nonetheless, "State of Grace" is a good listen--evocative, stirring, and generally well-matched in its fusions. If you like religious plainchant fused with modern musical elements, you might also enjoy "Vision: The Music of Hildegard of Bingen" by Richard Souther, Libera's self-titled debut album, and anything by Enigma.
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Most recent customer reviews
Rare, exquisite and beautiful
If you're not a Christian, don't be put off...
I love this CD and listen to it frequently despite the fact that I am not a Christian (it is not at all "preachy"). Read more
Published on Sep 5 2003 by Olivia Worthy
Maximum excellence in a CD!!
This is the type of CD that one happens upon and cherishes forever. Words cannot describe the way the haunting beauty of most of the songs on this CD. Read more
Published on April 4 2003 by Michelle J. Lampkin
i adore this music, could listen to forever
Highly recommended, along with Bill Douglas's Eternity's Sunrise. I stumbled on these two in Tokyo and bought them because of the beautiful covers and was not disappointed with the... Read more
Published on Dec 17 2002 by Jeanmarie Todd
Very soothing and relaxing to listen to
I recently found a copy of this album on one of my excursions to my favorite record store. I have been awfully curious to hear this album since I am also a big fan of classical/pop... Read more
Published on Nov 30 2002 by Erica Anderson
Graceful Simplicity
Having received Revolution and Aria as gifts from my Manager while I worked at a local Music store, I was enthused when I discovered Paul Schwartz had released another compilation... Read more
Published on April 29 2002 by J. L. Shipp
Incredible female vocals
If you are looking for female vocal tracks that will make your jaw drop, look no further. Well recorded, well produced.
Published on Mar 20 2002
Beautiful CD - Best in My Collection
I have many New Age albums. This is my favorite. It is peaceful, yet powerful. Its instrumentals and vocals combine to produce perfection. Read more
Published on Dec 3 2001 by Charles H. Helms
Very contemplative...but one song does not belong
O.K. I seem to be one of the few reviewers who actually LIKED Schwartz's Celtic take on the classic Shaker song "Simple Gifts. Read more
Published on Oct 3 2001 by Christian Wheeler
Ethereal recording based on spiritual themes.
State of Grace is an ambitious project. However, the CD succeeds admirably in exuding grace. One is reminded of angels or heavenly choruses when listening to this CD. Read more
Published on July 22 2001 by "musicnu"
Well Done
Paul Schwartz, the creator of Aria and Aria 2, has put together yet another masterpiece, this time reaching up into the spiritual realm of heaven. Read more
Published on July 1 2001 by Clarissa
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