Search - Morten Lauridsen :: Lauridsen: Northwest Journey

One word: WONDERFUL!

Eric McCalla | Denver, COLORADO | 02/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was given a copy of NORTHWEST JOURNEY for Christmas. Probably the best gift of music I've received ever. The opening song, Where Have All the Actors Gone, with Sunny Wilkinson singing and Shelley Berg on piano, is I think one of Lauridsen's finest. Ms. Wilkinson's voice is warm and expressive, fitting the song's lyrics and mood perfectly. The piano playing is also marvelous.On Dirait-On which can also be heard in its choral version on the Lauridsen album, LUX AETERNA, is to my ear more beautiful as a duet. While the choral version is lovely, it's hard to match Jane Thorngren and James Drollinger's performances. The song cycle A Winter Come is finely sung also. My favorite of the Madrigali is track #16: the chorus is well-blended and their singing is uplifting as well as solemn.To finish the album, Jane Thorngren leaves us with the MOST INSPIRING rendition of O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM I have and will have ever heard. I leave this track on repeat several times in the car driving home from work, and every moment is a joy.This album has been playing daily in my car. I cannot say enough to recommend it."

Inspired and Insightful Work!

Robin Currier | 11/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very interesting CD! Using a small group or soloists to perform works that are usually done with large choral groups gives an entirely different sound and feel to this music. I'm very familiar with O Magnum Mysterium, one of the great modern choral works, having sung it myself or heard it performed many times. But sung with a single soprano soloist, it has an intimate, emotional appeal that I've never experienced before! A small group performing Ubi Caritas also gives an astounding clarity to the work that is quite different! I would definitely recommend this CD to any classical music lover.Morten Lauridsen is a treasure!"

Today's choral music master showcased

vamusicbuff | Arlington, VA United States | 11/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A nice soothing disc of concordant sounds!This disc has alternate versions of "Dirait-on" (So They Say) and "O Magnum Mysterium" which are done by the composer. The first is done as a duet, and works nicely for soprano and baritone with piano. The second is done as a soprano also, and while it captures the soaring melodic line, we lose something of the choral body of the piece. The opening cut, "Where Have All the Actor's Gone?" is a hoot. It's more of a number from the Broadway stage, than from a classical composer. No doubt, this composer will not starve. "Ubi caritas" is a nice work--I would love to sing it with my choir. The Madrigals and the Winter song cycle also showed promise, kind of Ned Rorem in style. I was less impressed than the first disc on RCM, but Morten Lauridsen writes in a simple (but not simplistic) melodic style that shines with beauty, vitality, and depth."