Armed Man (A Mass For Peace), The - Karl Jenkins > Reviews

Advantages: A good, basic classical piece to have in the repertoire!
Disadvantages: Some tracks very technical, not easy listening

...in a nutshell- dinner music! The Armed Man is a little more deep and was commissioned for the British Royal Armouries' Annivesary, so the them of this album and the music plots the progress of war, not necessarily a modern war. The National Youth Choirs do an awesome job, tackling some very difficult vocal arrangements accompanied by The London Philharmonic Orchestra in their usual excellence. The Suite Jenkins uses the poerty of Tennyson, ... Read review

Advantages: An excellent piece of very original music
Disadvantages: Some parts let the work down a little

...of choral works entitled 'The Armed Man: A Mass For Piece". Any Classic FM listener will be well aware of some of these pieces (notably the Sanctus, Agnus Dei and Benedictus) because they are *always* being played. However, I was curious to see what else the CD had to offer, and so when I received a ten quid Smiths gift voucher I decided to go for it. The CD comes in a stylish looking black case with a bright white bird, wings spread wide across ... Read review

I bought this album on the strength of one hearing of Benedictus on Classic FM. I was not disappointed it is an amazingly powerful piece of work. Incredible mixture of styles and techniques with Benedictus the most mind blowing. The transition from music to lyrics with the most amazing crescendo is simply breathtaking. If I need some rest from the stresses and strains of life this is the first piece of music I reach for. Not one track of this work disappointed me. I was even surprised and delighted by the insertion of a Muslim call to prayer in a traditionally Christian musical theme. Without doubt Jenkins proves his genius in this work.