Bach: Organ Chorales

Advantages: Romantic orchestral music
Disadvantages: Only 1 hour - eat quickly for a romantic dinner

...Johann Sebastian Bach, giant among Baroque composers, was a prolific writer whose versatility and creativity resulted in a wealth of musical works with a diversity ranging from sacred choral works, keyboard music to orchestra music. The CD, Concerto for Two Violins in D minor / Violin Concertos in A minor & E minor, is an orchestral recording conducted by Salvatore Accardo, in which two violins (Anne-Sophie Mutter and Salvatore Accardo) / solo violin (Anne-Sophie Mutter) are contrasted with a larger orchestra (English Chamber Orchestra) of strings and bass continuo instrument the harpsichord. Bach is often criticized for his strict attention to form. Whilst, I greatly admire Bach for his intellectual and methodical approach to composition, what I enjoy most is the harmonious and melodic music that results. This CD is a superb example... Read review

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Advantages: Breadth of choral works, expert musicianship
Disadvantages: None

...', 'Praise to the Lord' and 'O for a Closer Walk With God' - and as such allow the listener to relate much more closely to the music, bringing their own experiences of these hymns to their listening. The Bible Songs are performed with expert musicianship from both choir and organ. This CD comes highly recommended for lovers of choral music. Those with an interest in the English tradition and in the development of more recent choral music will find this a joy to listen to. As part of the Stanford collection it plays an important role in bringing his hymns and wider styles of choral pieces to the forefront - the settings of set sevrices are less dominant here. However, the settings that are chosen are of particular quality. Followers of Stanford should consider this CD and indeed the rest of the collection as an excellent purchase.... Read review

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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

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