Search - The Mantovani Orchestra :: Songs of Praise

The best Mantovani collection of inspirational music

David S. Mohler | Dayton, OH USA | 09/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been waiting for years in the hopes that this magnificent collection would finally be re-released on CD. Of all the songs in the colection, none is better than the Mantovani Orchestra performing "The Holy City". No other orchestra has ever duplciated the awesome depth of that song. The first song, "A Mighty Fortress" thunders through the speakers with an authority that raises the hair on your neck; the quietness of "Little Brown Church in the Valley" sends the mind back to quiet Sundays in years long lost. Highly recommended."

A Listening Joy and a Source of Comfort in Troubled Times

Thomas E. DeJulio | Bronxville, NY USA | 09/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In August 1961 Mantovani recorded what he considered his most important recording. There are thirteen Songs of Praise on this CD which will be pleasing to everyone, regardless of religious inclination. One will be amazed and moved by the orchestral treatment and angelic vocal adornment given by the Sammes Chorus. The ethereal Mantovani sound transcends the listener to that Beautiful Isle of Somewhere, the title of one of the extraordinary melodies on this CD. Other moving melodies include "Abide with Me", "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" and "All People that on Earth Do Dwell". United States Navy veterans will be touched by the Mantovani/Milner arrangement of "Eternal Father, Strong to Save". This CD is much more than "easy listening": it is a stirring, somber, somnolent mix of melodies that will touch the hardest of hearts and provide comfort to those in need of peace of mind and spirit. Prayerful thanks go to Mantovani, the grand master of musical magic, for taking the huge risk nearly a half century ago to record this everlasting musical tribute to faith and praise."