Search - Henryk Gorecki, Arvo Part, Frank [1] Martin :: Evocation of the Spirit

Haunting, Insistent, Beauty

NotATameLion | Michigan | 10/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc is a soaring masterpiece of truly sublime music. These five pieces of twentieth century choral music shine with the beauty of the moon on a cloudless winter night. Each piece is distinctive; yet they all have a certain quality in common. Robert Shaw and his singers give stunning performances of every one of these pieces."Totus, Tuus" a motet by Henryk Gorecki leads off the disc. It is stunningly simple. It is also subtly insistent. It is an excellent vehicle by which to be drawn into the rest of the disc.Arvo Part's "Magnificat" has an earthier sound dwelling underneath the gently whispering soprano. The liner notes dub the style as being the result of the composer's use of "primitive" materials in the composition of the work. I don't know much about that, but I certainly like the sound of the finished product. The Mass for double chorus a cappella by Frank Martin is the centerpiece of this disc; a worthily so. Martin probably was, until recently, the least known of these composers. This disc and a few others have been rectifying that situation. Sometimes likened to the work of Palestrina (a favorite of mine) Martin's mass is truly dynamic. This mass has a charged yet timeless feeling to it. The haunting Gloria alone is worth the price of this disc. Speaking of the price of this disc...Whatever you feel about the other music contained on this recording, I urge you to get a copy just to listen to The Agnus Dei by Samuel Barber. It is based on his mournful Adagio for Strings. To hear this is to hear sheer beauty.Rounding out the songs on this disc is Friede auf Erden by Arnold Schoenberg. It is probably the least accessible of the pieces; but is also a thing of beauty.This disc is wonderful. It is great music for using in times of contemplation. It is also great just to listen to for the sheer beauty. I recommend it."

Shaw Does it Again

D. Seymour | 03/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The late Robert Shaw shines with his Festival Singers in this most luminescent recording. Shaw has done much to bring twentieth century music to the forefront of the choral repertoire, and this recording is a fine example of his efforts. The entire recording reaches to the heart of the listener, reminding us exactly what the performance of music is all about. The Schoenberg "Friede auf Erden" is particularly touching, noting the idea of "Peace on Earth" in our troubled times. -MCR"

Beautiful and moving!!!

D. Seymour | 09/24/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The highlight of this CD is Agnus Dei which is the choral adaptation of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The Adagio, already a moving piece, is brought to a new level of emotion using chorus as opposed to strings. The human element makes Agnus Dei a winner."