Search - Shenandoah Conservatory Choir, Robert Shafer, Benjamin Britten :: War Requiem

An extraordinary achievement for an independent chorus

02/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't believe how extraordinary this performance is. To think that Conductor Robert Shafer is creating this level of artistry and musical expression with all-vonluteer choruses (The Washington Chorus, The Shenandoah Conservatory Chorus, and the Maryland Boys' Choir)is so heartening. The War Requiem is a mammoth piece--both physically and emotionally--with two separate orchestras, three choirs, and three soloists. It is a profoundly moving testament to the horrors and iniquities of war and to the millions of soldiers who died in World War I and II trying to make sense of it all. With the ethereal tenderness of the boy choir, the purity of tone in the women's sections, and the power and weight of the men's voices, Shafer is able to draw upon the full range of vocal expression--from sheer terror to welcome tranquillity. I loved all the soloists, especially Christine Goerke, soprano. The War Requiem is a masterpiece of choral writing and Britten would be very pleased, I think, to know that his work is performed here with the virtuosity and depth of feeling it so deserves. Anybody know of other recordings by this group?"

Recent Grammy Winner Earns Award !

William | Washington, DC | 02/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recent Grammy Award Winning CD of Britten's "War Requiem", under the baton of Maestro Robert Shafer, uses the combined efforts of The Washington Chorus, The Shenandoah Conservatory Choir, and The Maryland Boys' Choir to bring us a truly full-bodied rendition of a most powerful and moving Requiem, not nearly heard or recorded enough.This under ninety-minute piece gives us the full depth and sweeping emotions of the highly sullen and foreboding sound clearly intended by the composer.From the opening quiet chanting by the choir of "Requiem aeternam", underscored by the ominous peal of bells, the Mass begins with the unsettling melodic mood, complete with diabolic connotations of medieval times. The Chorus, boys' choir and tenor, Richard Clement are blended well.Continuing the second and longest movement, the "Dies Irae", widens the horrors of war, blending baritone, Richard Stilwell, soprano, Christine Goerke, tenor Clement and the choir and chorus, in a wide sweep from ominous early stillness to portentous brass fanfares, foreshadowing the Day of Judgement, only to be concluded by the peaceful textures of the "Pie Jesu".Movement three, "Offertorium", sung only by the boys' choir and the organ at the opening, ecompasses a dramatic aura, if much shorter (10 minutes), bringing us again, the threatening harken of the tragedy to come, as highlighted by the male soloists heard in an unsettling soft and then hard rumblings of the future.The final three movements, "Sanctus", "Agnus Dei", and "Libera me" bring us fuller layers of texture to the work. "Sanctus", Movement 4, starts with a brilliant soprano statement, fully articulated by Christine Goerke, followed by the chorus, reminding the faithful that God's covenant with them shall be fulfilled. It then chillingly goes to a "blast of lightening from the East", as sung desparingly by the full rich baritones of Stilwell, concluding the movement.Movement 5, "Agnus Dei", blends tenor with soft and hope-filled sounds of the chorus, before the moving final solo prayer, "Dona nobis pacem".In "Libera Me", the 6th and final movement, starting as a slow march, it gradually progresses. The performance forces are united for the first time in the final transcendant glory of "May the angels lead you into paradise" ( "In Paradisum deducant te Angeli" ), as the work moves tranquilly to the final "May they rest in final peace" ( "Requiescent in pace. Amen" )Full credit for this master re-creation goes to all, but, particularly, to Washington Chorus Conductor, Robert Shafer, who put this inspiring award-winning work together with his own orchestra and chorus, in conjunction with The Shenandoah and Maryland Boys' Choirs, and the three marvelously well-blended soloists aforementioned. I have truly enjoyed repeated listens to this welcome re-release (from April 14, 1995), which was lovingly brought to us and dedicated specifically to the memory of John R. Ross, a fallen Air Force combat veteran and beloved former Washingon Chorus member; and to all those who have or will have to face the horrors of war. Bill Ritchie"

Worthy of a Grammy

William | 02/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I ordered this CD because I found out that it had been nominated for the 2000 Grammy Awards in the Best Choral Performance category - if I could vote, this CD would definitely be the winner. You would never believe that this is a live recording - the soloists (especially the soprano)and orchestra are spectacular and the chorus is phenomenal. I own a copy of Shaw's recording that is technically brilliant and I think that this recording not only matches that technicality but also has far more feeling and emotion. This is a wonderful recording and I highly recommend it."