Most helpful customer reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Very fine collection - well sung, Jun 12 2003
At times I have not been terribly impressed with albums like this from American choirs, but this one is very good indeed. It's certainly an eclectic collection, including music from around the world. The singing is almost always exceptional, with some outstanding interpretations of the lesser-known works. My favourites would have to be the two settings of 'Ave Maria' by Stravinsky and Javier Busto (a Basque composer, who has developed a wonderful choral-writing style). Also of note are Part's 'Magnificat' and Poulenc's 'Quem Vidistes Pastores'. I highly recommend this recording - as other reviewers have said, it's worth playing all year round (in New Zealand, the stillness is in July anyway - not December!).
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5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the great choral recordings, April 19 2002
Minneapolis-based conductor Dale Warland directs this superb chorus that specializes in 20th-century music. The collection here is an outstanding demonstration of the group's artistry, with some compositions by well-knowns such as Stravinsky and Arvo Pärt, and others that are relatively unknown. It's hard to choose favorites from such a line-up, but the vocal and artistic highlight for me is Penderecki's "Song of Cherubim" - an absolutely stunning piece sung with the precision that is one of the hallmarks of this group. Alf Houkom's "The Rune of Hospitality" has a gorgeous melody that resonated in my head for days afterward. I also like Trond Kverno's magnificent "Corpus Christi Carol," and Stephen Paulus's quietly moving "Evensong." But every single track is a gem, and throughout the program, this remarkable group demonstrates impeccable technique and ensemble unity. American Choral Classics has done this project justice with sound of crystal clarity and presence. When coupled with such artistry, the result is one of the finest choral recordings I have ever heard. Don't be deterred by the "holiday" nature of the collection. The music and the performances are of such a high caliber, you'll want to listen to it year-round.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Well-compiled and sung lesser-known works for the holidays., Aug 26 1999
By A Customer
This is a very well-conceived collection of mostly lesser-known choral gems for the holidays, combined with a few more famous selections. For years, Warland has championed the cause of otherwise obscure choral works, as well as choral composers whose works deserve a broader audience. The benefit to these composers, their works, and the discerning listener, is the consummate professionalism, musicianship, artistry, and craftsmanship with which Dale Warland, his singers, and even the recording engineers and technicians lend to their album projects.As a former student of Dr. Alf S. Houkom, composer of "The Rune of Hospitality" (found on this recording), and a choral conductor myself, I rejoiced in the knowledge that this work, and others like it, are finally getting the exposure, as well as the professional treatment, that they so richly deserve. Bravo, Mr. Warland, and thank you for the gift of this album. This is truly in the spirit of the season.
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