(100) Masterpieces of Choral Music

Advantages: This is a recording containing excellent content, with wonderful sound quality due to top-notch recording technique, and the presence of stellarly talented artists.
Disadvantages: It is often disappointing to be listening to a wonderful piece of music only to discover that merely a portion of the piece is contained on the recording.

...This is an eclectic and, at the same time, fascinating recording. It contains some of the more interesting repertoire of one of the USA's most famous and talented symphony orchestras, along with an assortment of conductors long-attached to the CSO. In short, my favorite piece among all of those contained in this collection, is the Mahler Symphony No. 8. For anyone who knows this piece, they will be more than pleased by this performance. The conducting, orchestra playing, choral singing and preparation, and soloist singing is almost unmatched. Especially notable is the performance of the Mater Gloriosa, a somewhat thankless role, performed especially beautifully by soprano Jann Jaffe. Of course, anyone who knows the piece cannot help but be drawn to this music. This famous "Symphony of a Thousand" is a masterpiece whose listening... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Some outstanding works, a balanced album
Disadvantages: None

...view of Stanford's earlier work, and as such make this compilation more representative of the scope of choral music in this period. 'The Lord is My Shepherd' is simply beautiful, and again, shows Stanford's ability to bring new life and meaning to such familiar words. This CD is the first in a collection and therefore should be seen in this light. In its attempt to show off Stanford's earlier works it more than achieves its goal. Such is the strength of this composer, that the CD also holds together as a single album as well, providing enough balance and contrast between similar and different types of choral work. The choir of Winchester Cathedral and their organists bring real quality to the musicianship. This CD would be a great purchase for any lover of English choral music. It is also a great listen for those who are more familiar... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Well-balance compilation, excellent artistry, well-recorded
Disadvantages: None

...Charles Stanford is one of the great English choral composers and this third volume of his sacred works continues to pay great homage to this. Sung by the choir of Winchester Cathedral the musical capability of the artists is not in doubt, and they do great justice to the works. Throughout these pieces the organ accompaniment of Stephen Farr is exemplary, and well balanced with the choral sound. This compilation contains a nice mix of tracks. As well as the Evening Services, there are a number of anthems and several extended pieces (St. Patrick's Breastplate, For Lo, I Raise Up). The Evening Services in C and B flat reflect Stanford's great ability to bring life to the magnificat and nunc dimittis. With such frequently sung words this is a difficult enough achievement, yet here we hear voices that soar with dynamism and grace... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful