John Sheppard: "The Western Wynde" Mass and other sacred choral music

1. Spiritum Sanctus Procedens for 5 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

2. Beata Nobis Gaudia for 7 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

3. Libera Nos, Salve Nos II for 7 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

4. In Manus Tuas Domine II for 4 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

5. Gaude Gaude Gaude Maria Virgo for 6 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

6. Audivi Vocem de Coelo for 4 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

7. Impetum Fecerunt Unanimes for 5 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

8. Dum Transisset Sabbatum I for 6 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

9. Sancte dei Pretiose for 5 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

10. Sacris Solemniis for 8 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

11. Hostis Herodes Impie for 6 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

12. Dum Transisset Sabbatum I for 6 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

13. In Manus Tuas Domine III for 4 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

14. Aeterne Rex Altissime for 5 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

15. Mass a 4 ("The Western Wynde") for 4 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

16. Second Service, the, for 5 to 8 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

17. Te Deum, Laudamus for 6 voices
Composed by John Sheppard
with Sixteen

Tracks:

Libera nos. I & II (John Sheppard)
Salva nos, Domine (plainchant)
Christe, qui lux es et dies (William Byrd)
In pace in idipsum (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas (Thomas Tallis)
Jesu, salvator saeculi, verbum (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas I (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas II (John Sheppard)
Miserere mihi, Domine (plainchant)
Miserere nostri, Domine (Thomas Tallis0
Misere mihi, Domine (William Byrd)
In pace in idipsum (Thomas Tallis)
Christe, qui lux es et dies (Robert White)
Veni, Domine (plainchant)
Nunc dimittis Gradulia I (William Byrd)
Te lucis ante terminum festal (Thomas Tallis)
Gaude, virgo mater Christi (Hugh Aston)

From the label:

On its spectacular debut recording, the exciting young British vocal group stile antico presents a program of English Renaissance music associated with the office of Compline, the service that ends the monastic liturgical day. A who's-who of 16th-century British composers--including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and John Sheppard--is represented here by hymns, antiphons, responsories, motets, and psalms: the occasion not only for music of intimacy, elegance, and reflection, but for flights of breathtaking canonic and contrapuntal invention and harmonic daring.

Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, fast gaining recognition as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. In 2005 the group won the inaugural Audience Prize at the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition, drawing critical praise for its `wonderfully vivid singing' and `perfectly focused and ideally balanced voices.' Since this success, Stile Antico has appeared throughout the UK, including at the City of London, Lake District Summer Music and Beverley and East Riding Festivals; engagements for 2007 include the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with Sting on tour in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Customer Reviews:

So very beautiful!.......2007-07-11

I'm not a student of fine music and had no idea what a "compline" was but I bought this CD after hearing a review on NPR.
I can't tell you how much I love this!
It is pure and moving; I can turn off my thinking and let my mind soak in the beauty.
I regret that it is such a high-class work, as I fear that many will miss it, expecting it to be over their heads. I hope that more of my fellow low-brows will somehow stumble upon it and have a chance to experience these most-excellent moments.

Gorgeous.......2007-03-05

The English Tudor choral composers such as Byrd and Tallis composed some glorious music. Sit and listen in a darkened room and you will be transported back to another time and place. Wonderfully atmospheric and moving. The masters of this repertoire are Peter Phillips's Tallis Scholars, but this CD makes me think that they have some serious competition.

Great Premiere from Stile Antico!.......2007-02-27

I got an e-mail from amazon recently to the effect of, "We've noticed that you've rated so-and-so, so we thought you'd be interested in the new release Music for Compline." I usually ignore such e-mails, but I thought I'd check it out. I was intrigued by the audio samples and so downloaded the album on iTunes.

I don't know how a group of young upstarts from Britain without a conductor were able to produce such a sound, but they did. "Music for Compline" focuses on music from composers in England during the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism- Byrd, Sheppard, Tallis, etc.- and as the title implies, it's music that would have been used during a compline service at the time. Compline, for those of you not familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours, is the last prayer service in the liturgical day. As such, the music is serene, contemplative, and prayerful.

The way Stile Antico has gelled as a group is amazing, especially considering they have no conductor. (Although they surely have at least a de-facto rehearsal leader) Their sound is clear and beautiful, and they display exquisite musicianship without being overly technical or icy. They are able to share their fresh (though informed) perspectives on early music with each other to create an organic sound, so not having a conductor actually turns out to be an asset for these young musicians.

Fans of the Tallis Scholars will love this CD. Arguably, Stile Antico is better than the Tallis Scholars in some ways. To elaborate, the Tallis Scholars, as good as they are, can come across as technical and icy, whereas Stile Antico never does, at least not to my ears. On the contrary, they have a warm, authentic sound. Not that I have anything against the Tallis Scholars.

In conclusion, for everyone who loves sacred choral music, or beautiful music in general, "Music for Compline" is a must-have. The musical serenity will be a refuge from stress, and will uplift your spirits.

Music for Compline.......2007-02-05

One is somewhat spoilt for choice these days when it comes to recordings of specialist 'early music' vocal ensembles. In Britain alone, 'brand' names such as 'The Sixteen' and 'The Tallis Scholars', however different their respective approach, have become equally synonymous with excellence in ensemble, intonation, balance and blend. On this basis alone, one might be forgiven for mistaking this CD for another release from one of these fine, long-established choirs. However, this debut recording from 'Stile Antico' has something rather distinctive and individual to offer the listener. Working as a vocal consort without conductor, these are performances born out of an internal commitment and universal understanding within the group, together with an obvious love for this repertoire which they perform so admirably. It is deeply refreshing, in a professional environment where 'time is money', to hear an ensemble who have so noticeably spent a great deal of time 'living' with the music, no doubt both as individuals and collectively as a group. This crucial element of music-making, so often over-looked, is perhaps above all what makes this recording stand out. In fairness, the result is not necessarily superior to that of a conducted ensemble, where a different style of direction in the performances can be attained. But whatever one's preferences - 'Stile Antico' have certainly achieved a winning combination - communicative performances which are simultaneously meditative and emotionally uplifting.

Impeccable ensemble is evident throughout the disc, and this is especially impressive when accomplished within various well-judged slow tempi. Highlights in this regard include a wonderfully ethereal and sonorous performance of Tallis' rarely heard seven-part 'Miserere nostri', and Sheppard's intoxicating 'Libera nos I & II' whose marvellous longing dissonances are given just the right amount of time to register. Byrd's 'Miserere mihi' also receives a fine performance, and the same composer's exquisite homophonic setting of 'Christe lux es et dies' serves to demonstrate these singers' aptitude for naturally shaped phrasing and beautifully paced cadences.

The programming is cohesive throughout, combining familiar, celebrated settings with some rare gems, notably Hugh Aston's giant antiphon 'Gaude, virgo mater Christi', of which this is the first recording made available on CD.

Congratulations are also due to Harmonia Mundi for their superb recording quality, which captures splendidly not only the clarity of the voices, but also the magnificent acoustics of All Hallow's, Gospel Oak. Beautiful packaging together with intelligent, informative programme notes completes this excellent debut release.

Average customer rating:

Music for Compline [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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William Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3; Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Barber: Toccata Festiva
Music for Compline
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Lighten our Darkness

ASIN: B000LXSS5K
Release Date: 2007-02-13

From the label:

Tracks:

Miserere
Ave Maria For Double Choir
Sicut Lilium I
Praeter Rerum Seriem
Pater Peccavi
Ego Flos Campi
Tota Pulchra Es
Descendi In Hortum Meum
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Salve Regina
Ave Regina Caelorum
Gloria

Tracks:

Media Vita
In Manus Tuas
O Nata Lux
Audivi Vocem
Exaudiat Te Dominus
Ah, Robin
Salve Regina
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

Great choral music CD.......2007-01-26

This CD is excellent - a "must have" for every collection. Beautiful voices, relaxing music.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

The pieces on these two discs are taken from over fifteen years of recording by the Tallis Scholars, startng with the now-famous recording of Allegri's 'Miserere' from 1980. Allegri lived well into the Baroque era, dying in 1562, Therefore, he did not write the 'Miserere' in renaissance polyphony; and his chordal structure leaned toward the Baroque.
Victoria's 8-part 'Ave Maria' and Palestrina's 'Sicut lilium' are both pieces iln a contemplative mood, the first making direct reference to the Virgin Mary, and the second indirect reference to her via the poetry of the 'Song of Songs'. The remaining selections on Disc l, maintain the consistent, intense sonority of Flemish polyphony.
Disc 2 falls into two parts. The pieces by Sheppard, Tallis,White and Cornysh come from the first half of the sixteenth century and are part of the 'English School' of writing. Here the music is made up of long lines, more notes than syllables, with the emphasis on the part-writing and not the harmonic background.
The second part of Disc 2 is Byrd's five-part Mass, which was written in the 1590's for a recusant Catholic community. Byrd's music has drawn closer to the Flemish style; that is imitative voice parts, largely syllabic in setting with the occasional examples of word-paintings, and the voice parts closer together. But the mood has a different intensity than the writing on Disc one; darker and more questioning. Never was polyphony more passionate than in Byrd's masses,of which the five-part is the crowning achievement.
The members of the Tallis Scholars vary from year to year, and the list of participating singers is included in the accompanying booklet; but it does not tell you which singers are singing each year. That bothered me somewhat because I like to know to whom I am listening specifically. It does mention, however, that the solo group in Allegi's 'Miserere' is Alison Stamp (treble), Michael Chance (countertenor) Jane Armstrong and Julian Walker.
The recording is outstanding in every way. Perfect balance between the voices, perfect emotional investment, flawless dicton and the most beautiful vocal sounds you will ever hear; just Two and One-half hours of pure pleasure!!!!!

Lovely!!!.......2006-06-02

This set of CDs is truly wonderful. I am fond of sacred choral music and purchased the CD mostly to obtain the recording of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere Mei." This song alone is worth buying the set. I heard it live by an excellent college choir in my hometown and immediately set out to find the best recording of it. Most buyers recommended this recording over the others. (By the way "Miserere Mei: by Gregorio is hard to find.) Additionally the other songs are also so relaxing, flowing, and meditative. I will be honest . . .the Tallis Scholars sing well but not as flawlessly as the Cambridge Singers. You will note that not every consanant is hit in unison, but this is not overly disturbing. (Still that is the only reason for giving four stars instead of five.) The sound is still lovely and the songs gorgeous. In Media Vita is another gorgeous song (first on second CD). If you haven't heard it, I'm sure you'll love the flowing melody!

Beautiful, but a little cold.......2006-02-06

The Tallis Scholars are the zenith of this type of singing, but sometimes they lack the vocal warmth that they probably could achieve if they were guided to do so. Still, this is a great CD, and even better for the 2 CDs of fine and uplifting singing.

The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble.......2005-09-27

For years, Tallis Scholars have been quietly revolutionizing our recovery of sacred music. This is their "greatest hits" collection and quite great indeed. The Miserere which begins the set is alone worth the price of the set. The only fault with it is that it is so startling, so obviously genuine, that you will still be hearing it as you play through the rest of the set. The Scholars' ongoing recovery project only proves how integral music is to the human psyche, how essential the sacred is to basic human sanity. And how the severence of the two in the public space and the popular imagination -- the sacred from music -- has severely damaged us all en masse.

Average customer rating:

Choral work at it's finest.
Love it
Light and shadows
Cambridge Singers = Quality
American Gramaphone, please reissue this title.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Gregorian Chant , William Byrd , John Taverner , Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina , Samuel Scheidt , John Sheppard , Maurice Durufle , Robert White , Cambridge Singers , Gerald Finley , and John Rutter
Manufacturer: American Gramaphone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Brother Sun, Sister Moon
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Francis of Assisi

ASIN: B0000005MF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Music Of The Morning Rite: a. Alleluia - b. Haec Dies
Music Of The Morning Rite: Easter Sequence
Dum Transisset Sabbatum
Sanctus
Exsultate Deo
a. Easter Acclamations b. Surrexit Christus Hodie
Music Of The Evening Rite: Before The Ending Of The Day
Music Of The Evening Rite: In Pace
Music Of The Evening Rite: Into Thy Hands, O Lord
Music Of The Evening Rite: Ubi Caritas
Music Of The Evening Rite: Keep Me As The Apple Of An Eye And Nunc Dimittisa
Music Of The Evening Rite: O Christ, Who Art The Light And Day
Music Of The Evening Rite: a. We Will Lay Us Down In Peace b. Libera Nos, Salva Nos

Amazon.com

A brief glance at the packaging for this recording might make you think New Age, and indeed this label normally offers recordings in that vein. The disc's cover tells nothing about the music inside--all we see are the ruins of an ancient abbey, the moon in the sky on the front, the sun on the back. But wait. If you get far enough to listen to the recording, you'll find one of the most beautiful and beautifully programmed choral recordings in the catalog. The compositions, organized into the categories "Music of the Morning Rite" and "Music of the Evening Rite," are mostly from 16th- century composers--Byrd, Taverner, Sheppard, White--with a few Gregorian chants and a gorgeous rendition of the 20th-century motet by Duruflé, "Ubi caritas." Conductor/choral music legend John Rutter has assembled a program that's both uplifting and restful; the performance is faultless. One could only complain about the short (39 and a half minutes) playing time. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Choral work at it's finest........2007-06-03

I really enjoyed this work. I was first introduced to this title through American Gramophone's website and was also my first introduction in the works of John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers. You do not have be religious to enjoy this work. I find the music uplifting and very sublime. I have listened to it many times, and I find that my favorite period to play it is in the morning hours. .

I have since purchased many other Rutter titles including "Images of Christ", and more recently "Lighten our Darkness"

Love it.......2007-05-02

13 years ago, I had the tape of brother sun, sister moon and as a teenager and I would play it every night as I slept, I loved it. I dont know what happened to it and I have ever sence been looking for it, and I just baught the CD and am so excited.

Light and shadows.......2003-07-29

Recorded in the Great Hall of University College School, London, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a true masterpiece in 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' in 1988. The title derives from a famous prayer by St. Francis of Assisi, and is inspired by liturgical music from (or derivative of) the Middle Ages and Renaissance polyphony and Gregorian chant. The music is meditative, uplifting, and elegant in simplicity and stunning vocal quality.

--Brother Sun--
The first half of the disc is largely composed of pieces from the liturgical Morning Prayer cycle, concentrating on texts from Easter, the most important of Christian days. From the Alleluia to the Acclamations and Surrexit Christus Hodie (Christ is risen today), the flow from Gregorian Chant to compositions by Byrd, Taverner and Palestrina (giants of this type of music) in increasing energy and glory, as befits both a Morning service (time to wake up!) as well as a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Perhaps of particular note here is the cantoring of bass Gerald Finley in the Easter Acclamations.

--Sister Moon--
The second half of the disc concentrates on music of the evening; in particular, the Compline service, a service of unwinding and sombre meditation with which monastic communities conclude their days of work and worship. Many churches have reincorporated Compline into a regular cycle of services; some have even done so as a result of exposure to this recording. The music here is softer and less energetic than that of Morning prayer. This includes music from Whyte and Sheppard (also masters of the Medieval-to-Renaissance liturgical polyphony) as well as a brilliant motet by twentieth century composer Duruflé for the Ubi Caritas.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words, in both Latin and English, for each of the pieces recorded here. It has an excerpt from a prayer by St. Francis, and a basic introduction to the music relating it historically and liturgically. One thing conspicuously missing is any biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the basic listing of singers.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. For this particular recording, the choir consisted of eleven sopranos, six altos, six tenors, and six basses.

Cambridge Singers = Quality.......2002-05-23

I do love this cd, but tend to play certain tracks as my first love is chant. I play the Victimae Paschali Laudes in the car and sing along - it is so very beautiful that this rendition of this Easter Chant is worth purchasing this cd alone. I love that one track so much, my only criticism of the cd is that I wish they'd centered the entire cd on chant - and I hope they will do one like that in the future because the quality of the voices is stunning.

American Gramaphone, please reissue this title........2000-03-30

I originally obtained this CD through Minnesota Public Radio. The first time I listened to the Ubi Caritus, I was moved to tears. The CD became my favorite to play at Christmas and other times. I gave the CD to a friend who has moved to Oregon, deeply regret that it is no longer in production.

Tracks:

No. 1 In F Major 'La tempesta di mare' RV 433: I. Allegro
No. 1 In F Major 'La tempesta di mare' RV 433: II. Largo
No. 1 In F Major 'La tempesta di mare' RV 433: III. Presto
No. 2 In G Minor 'La notte' RV 439: I. Largo
No. 2 In G Minor 'La notte' RV 439: II. Presto (Fantasmi) - Largo
No. 2 In G Minor 'La notte' RV 439: III. Presto
No. 2 In G Minor 'La notte' RV 439: IV. Largo (Il sonno)
No. 2 In G Minor 'La notte' RV 439: V. Allegro
No. 3 In D Major 'Il gardellino': I. Allegro
No. 3 In D Major 'Il gardellino': II. Cantabile
No. 3 In D Major 'Il gardellino': III. Allegro
No. 4 In G Major RV 435: I. Allegro
No. 4 In G Major RV 435: II. Largo
No. 4 In G Major, RV 435: III. Allegro
No. 5 In F Major RV 434: I. Allegro ma non tanto
No. 5 In F Major RV 434: II. Largo e cantabile
No. 5 In F Major RV 434: III. Allegro
No. 6 In G Major RV 437: I. Allegro
No. 6 In G Major RV 437: II. Largo
No. 6 In G Major RV 437: III. Allegro
No. 1 In D Major RV 549: I. Allegro
No. 1 In D Major RV 549: II. Largo e spiccato
No. 1 In D Major RV 549: III. Allegro
No. 2 In G Minor RV 578: I. Adagio e spicatto
No. 2 In G Minor RV 578: II. Allegro
No. 2 In G Minor RV 578: III. Larghetto
No. 2 In G Minor RV 578: IV. Allegro
No. 3 In G Major RV 310: I. Allegro
No. 3 In G Major RV 310: II. Largo
No. 3 In G Major RV 310: III. Allegro

Tracks:

No. 4 In E Minor RV 550: I. Andante
No. 4 In E Minor RV 550: II. Allegro assai
No. 4 In E Minor RV 550: III. Adagio
No. 4 In E Minor RV 550: IV. Allegro
No. 5 In A Major RV 519: I. Allegro
No. 5 In A Major RV 519: II. Largo
No. 5 In A Major RV 519: III. Allegro
No. 6 In A Minor: I. Allegro
No. 6 In A Minor: II. Largo
No. 6 In A Minor: III. Presto
No. 7 In F Major RV 567: I. Andante
No. 7 In F Major RV 567: II. Adagio
No. 7 In F Major RV 567: III. Allegro
No. 7 In F Major RV 567: IV. Adagio
No. 7 In F Major RV 567: V. Allegro
No. 8 In A Minor RV 522: I. Allegro
No. 8 In A Minor RV 522: II. Larghetto e spiritoso
No. 8 In A Minor RV 522: III. Allegro
No. 9 In D Major RV 230: I. Allegro
No. 9 In D Major RV 230: II. Larghetto
No. 9 In D Major RV 230: III. Allegro
No. 10 In B Minor RV 580: I. Allegro
No. 10 In B Minor RV 580: II. Largo - Larghetto
No. 10 In B Minor RV 580: III. Allegro
No. 11 In D Minor RV 565: I. Allegro - Adagio spiccato e tutti - Allegro
No. 11 In D Minor RV 565: II. Largo e spiccato
No. 11 In D Minor RV 565: III. Allegro
No. 12 In E Major RV 265: I. Allegro
No. 12 In E Major RV 265: II. Largo
No. 12 In E Major RV 265: III. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

appréciation artistique & technique.......2007-01-21

Artistiquement parlant, une bonne interprétation d'une oeuvre trop peu enregistrée à ce jour.
Techniquement, un enregistrement moyen, trop de présence pour les violons,
manques d'assise dans le bas du spectre, pas assez subtil dans le haut et image un peu tassée.

Lots of beautiful music, incl. the A minor concerto from Suzuki vol 4 and 5.......2006-03-03

I bought this double CD solely so that my young violinist daughter could listen to the Vivaldi A Minor Violin Concerto of Suzuki vols. 4 and 5. We not only got that concerto - beautifully performed - but also eleven more violin concertos and six flute concertos. The playing is exquisite, which is quite what one would expect from Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music.

I recommend these CDs to all who like Vivaldi, and especially to those who are intermediate violinists working on the Vivaldi A Minor. It's a treat to hear the music performed with a great orchestra, rather than the usual piano accompaniment found on the Suzuki CDs.

Great performance,gorgeous style,a must.......2006-02-22

Very good taste,perfect style,unique sound,a must for the one that knows!

A Refreshingly Brisk and Atmospheric Recording of Two Vivaldi Collections.......2005-11-08

Vivaldi's 'L'Estro Armonico', a series of twelve concerti strings and continuo with various soloists - 1 to 4 violins, violins and cello in all combinations of numbers - are presented here in its entirety with the added pleasure of Vivaldi's six flute concerti. The result is a most satisfying 2 CD issue that grows more beautiful with added listenings.

The performances are conducted by Christopher Hogwood with the Academy of Ancient Music, a partnership well coordinated both in performance and on recordings. Needless to say the performances are accurate for the period, immaculately played and enjoy a full, rich sound from the recording engineers. Various soloists step out of the group as necessary and the integration of the solo parts with he ensemble is consistently well-balanced and in fine conversation as only Vivaldi could achieve.

The addition of the six flute concerti might seem too much of a good thing when reading the label, but the performances are so exhilarating with Stephen Preston that are far from repetitive and are individual jewels.

For a treasure trove of Vivaldi this set is generous and brilliantly performed. Grady Harp, November 05

Easily Five Stars; The one to get!.......2003-04-04

This is the 1980 recording of L'Estro Armonico (originally released, I believe, in 1981). This double-decker cd also includes the 1977 recording of the Six Flute Sonatas op.10, making this a great bargain. Compared to the boring recording by Marriner (which also featured Hogwood performing) and other "romantic" interpretations, it's a joy to hear Vivaldi played with such joy and vigor. The previous reviewer reported that he had the 1981 Decca recording by Hogwood and wasn't sure if this was the same: rest assured, this is the same 1980 recording (released in '81) and remains the best. One would by hard pressed to find a brighter, more vibrant recording of L'Estro Armonico.

Average customer rating:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest.
The grand tradition of English music
music of great beauty
Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance
Best all-in-one English music CD ever

Treasures of English Church Music

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000031I6
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave Maria
Music Of The Latin Rite: Loquebantur variis linguis
Music Of The Latin Rite: Miserere mei
Haec dies
Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave verum corpus
Music Of The Reformation: If Ye Love Me
Music Of The Reformation: Hide Not Thou Thy Face
Music Of The Reformation: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
Music Of The Reformation: O Clap Your Hands
Music Of The Reformation: Bow Thine Ear
Music Of The Reformation: Hosanna To The Son Of David
Music Of The Restoration: Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
Music Of The Restoration: Thou Knowest, Lord
Music Of The Restoration: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Beati quorum via
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: This Joyful Eastertide
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Sing Lullaby
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Spotless Rose
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: What Cheer?
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: O Taste And See
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Hymn To The Virgin
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Faire Is The Heaven
Anthems And Introits: Rejoice In The Lord
Anthems And Introits: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Anthems And Introits: Come, Let's Rejoice
Anthems And Introits: When David Heard
Anthems And Introits: I Sat Down Under His Shadow
Anthems And Introits: These Are They That Follow The Lamb
Latin Motets: Christe Jesu, pastor bone
Latin Motets: O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
Latin Motets: Nunc dimittis
Latin Motets: O vos omnes
Latin Motets: Factum est silentium
Latin Motets: Justorum animae
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hail, Gladdening Light
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Hymn To The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: They Are At Rest
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Litany
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Nolo mortem peccatoris
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: O nata lux
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Loving Shepherd Of Thy Sheep
Prayer Settings: The Lord's Prayer
Prayer Settings: In manus tuas
Prayer Settings: Bring Us, O Lord God

Customer Reviews:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest........2005-10-06

Whether you have a couple dozen albums of English choral music or whether you're looking for an introduction to English choral music, this two CD collection is a must. Here you will find a wide selection of sacred favorites, from Gregorian chant to Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's a misnomer to call it "Anglican," since this would exclude (in addition to, of course, the pre-Reformation Latin hymns) the likes of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd -- both Catholics that kept to the ancient faith despite Elizabeth's (albeit relatively mild) persecutions. Tallis and Byrd set the standard in the 16th century for the distinctive "Englishness" (as opposed to Continental European) style of English choral music, with its soaring majesty yet somehow coupled with a subtle and sustained beauty (as opposed to the Continental ups and downs and often tiresome exaggerations). For those of us in the English-speaking world, this is our heritage. Let's treasure it. As for the recording itself, the mixing is superb. While listening, it's quite easy to imagine yourself in the beautiful King's College Chapel or perhaps heaven itself.

The grand tradition of English music.......2005-09-23

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a duo of discs dedicated to Music of the English Church previously issued as two separate discs, 'Hail, Gladdening Light', and its companion piece, 'Faire is the Heaven'. The discs here are straight copies of those discs; hence, if you have those already, there is no need to purchase this - on the other hand, if you do not have the other discs, this is a bargain.

--Music--
This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. The first disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

On the second disc, there are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church.

The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

music of great beauty.......2005-04-24

Pop one of these CDs into your car stero, turn up the volume and feel yourself drift into a sublime peace. Can music manifest the existence of God?

Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance.......2004-07-28

This two-CD compilation by the Cambridge Singers is truly very good. The repertoire is very diverse and only the best representations of composers and time periods are performed. ALthough most of the pieces were not written with a mixed choir in mind, the Cambridge Singers sing it so well you would not have had any idea. Their performances are careful and exquisite.

Best all-in-one English music CD ever.......2004-04-20

This is a re-release, as one set, of two of my favorite CDs ever: "Faire is the Heaven" and "Hail Gladdening Light" by the Cambridge singers. This is a fabulous compilation of everyone's favorite works from the English Cathedral tradition, all the way from Taverner (16th century) to Tavener (21st century). The selection of works is great and touches all the most important genres. The performance is exquisite, elegant, faultless. The Cambridge Singers have a softer, less edgy sound than the Tallis Scholars, and are more expressive, which may make them easier for some people to listen to, especially for the more recent works. They are no less musical. The Parsons Ave Maria alone brings one to tears. If you want an introduction to English church music, this is the CD to start with. Also makes a great gift, if you already love this music and want to introduce someone else to it.

Vivaldi - Concertos / New London Consort, Pickett ~ AAM, Hogwood

Average customer rating:

Vivaldi - Concertos / New London Consort, Pickett ~ AAM, Hogwood
Antonio Vivaldi , Christopher Hogwood , Philip Pickett , The Academy of Ancient Music , New London Consort , Bach Ensemble , Michael Laird , Lain Wilson , Anner Bylsma , Anthony Pleeth , Nicholas McGegan , Stephen Preston , Monica Higgett , Catherine Mackintosh , Tom Finucane , John Holloway , Monica Huggett , Susan Sheppard , Elizabeth Wilcock , and Stanley Ritchie
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Sopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0000042HL
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Concerto In G Major For 2 Mandolins, RV 532: Allegro
Concerto In G Major For 2 Mandolins, RV 532: Andante
Concerto In G Major For 2 Mandolins, RV 532: Allegro
Concerto In D Major For Lute, RV 93: Allegro giusto
Concerto In D Major For Lute, RV 93: Largo
Concerto In D Major For Lute, RV 93: Allegro
Concerto In A minor, RV 108: Allegro
Concerto In A minor, RV 108: Largo
Concerto In A minor, RV 108: Allegro
Concerto In F Minor For Recorder 'La notte', RV 439: Largo
Concerto In F Minor For Recorder 'La notte', RV 439: Presto 'Fantasmi'
Concerto In F Minor For Recorder 'La notte', RV 439: Largo
Concerto In F Minor For Recorder 'La notte', RV 439: Presto
Concerto In F Minor For Recorder 'La notte', RV 439: Largo 'Il sonno'
Concerto In F Minor For Recorder 'La notte', RV 439: Allegro
Concerto In D Major For Violin ' Grosso Mogul,' RV 208: Concerto in D major, RV 208 - Allegro
Concerto In D Major For Violin ' Grosso Mogul,' RV 208: Recitativo: Grave
Concerto In D Major For Violin ' Grosso Mogul,' RV 208: Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto In C Major For 2 Trumpets, RV 537: Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Concerto In D Major 'madrigalesco', RV 129: Adagio
Concerto In D Major 'madrigalesco', RV 129: Allegro
Concerto In D Major 'madrigalesco', RV 129: Adagio
Concerto In D Major 'madrigalesco', RV 129: Allegro
Concerto In G Minor For 2 Cellos, RV 531: Allegro
Concerto In G Minor For 2 Cellos, RV 531: Largo
Concerto In G Minor For 2 Cellos, RV 531: Allegro
Concerto In C Major For 2 Flutes, RV 533: Allegro molto
Concerto In C Major For 2 Flutes, RV 533: Largo
Concerto In C Major For 2 Flutes, RV 533: Allegro
Concerto In G Major 'alla rustica' RV 151: Presto
Concerto In G Major 'alla rustica' RV 151: Adagio
Concerto In G Major 'alla rustica' RV 151: Allegro
Concerto In D Major For 2 Violins & 2 Cellos, RV 564: Allegro
Concerto In D Major For 2 Violins & 2 Cellos, RV 564: Largo
Concerto In D Major For 2 Violins & 2 Cellos, RV 564: Allegro
Concerto In G Minor , RV 153: Allegro - II. Anddante - III. Allegro assai
Concerto In C Major 'per flautino', RV 443: Allegro
Concerto In C Major 'per flautino', RV 443: Largo
Concerto In C Major 'per flautino', RV 443: Allegro molto
Concerto In B Minor For 4 Violins & Cello, RV 580: Allegro
Concerto In B Minor For 4 Violins & Cello, RV 580: Largo - Larghetto
Concerto In B Minor For 4 Violins & Cello, RV 580: Allegro

Chicago the Musical [Karaoke/accompaniment]

Average customer rating:

Bland Chicago Musical Karoake
HORRIBLE BEYOND WORDS!
Not the best... but still fun
If you love to sing, and you want to sing the Chicago songs.
hooray

Chicago the Musical [Karaoke/accompaniment]

Manufacturer: Stage Stars
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Karaoke | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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A Chorus Line
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ASIN: B000056KLK
Release Date: 2000-12-06

Tracks:

All That Jazz
Funny Honey
Cell Block Tango
When You're Good To Mama
All I Care About
A Little Bit of Good
We Both Reached for the Gun
Roxie
My Own Best Friend
Me and My Baby
Mister Cellophane
Razzle Dazzle
Class
Nowadays

Product Description

This is a new recording of selections from the Broadway musical Chicago, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. The show was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 1976, including Best Musical and Best Score. This album features two versions of each song: tracks 1-14 contain the background music and guide vocals, tracks 15-28 contain the accompaniment music alone. All songs are in the original show key, and show tempo.

The album is recorded in the CD+G format. When played in a karaoke machine, lyrics will appear on-screen. In a conventional CD player no lyrics will appear onscreen, however a booklet of the lyrics is enclosed in the CD jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Bland Chicago Musical Karoake.......2007-01-10

I thought it was a very bland istrumental version of the songs from the Chicago musical. I ended up finding and buying another karoake version which was a much more entertaining version.

HORRIBLE BEYOND WORDS!.......2006-10-19

Do NOT BUY THIS CD! The singers are off-tune and lousy and sing with no feeling. The music in the backround dull and boring and sounds nothing like the actual soundtrack. Some wrong notes are hit and the rhythm is difficult to follow. THE MINUTE I LISTENED TO IT I THOUGHT IT WAS HORRIBLE AND WONDERED WHY THESE PEOPLE WERE HIRED TO MAKE THIS CD!!! Do not waste your money and time in buying this CD. I know I already did.

Not the best... but still fun.......2003-09-06

The music quality is ok. Better than I was expecting; however, it does sound like a MIDI file in some places.

My biggest criticism is that when the song breaks into parts, it only puts one part on the screen. For example, in "Funny Honey" at the end, it only has Amos' spoken part on the screen. Roxie's part is written in the booklet, but it would be better if that had both parts on the screen simultaneously. Also, on "We both reached for the Gun" the voices of the reporters are recorded, and I would have rather they weren't. And thirdly, the MC introductions aren't there on any song!

But other than these three things it is fun to get to sing along with a great musical.

If you love to sing, and you want to sing the Chicago songs........2002-10-08

If you love to sing, this is a must-buy for your collection.
I saw Chicago on Broadway with a top cast, and loved it. Then I bought the soundtrack,and sang along with it, and really enjoyed it. But when I found the karaoke CD, I bought it also because I love to sing, and with all of the words to all of the songs, I enjoy being accompanied by an orchestra, and not having to try to sing over the cast album. Although the performers voices on the karaoke are not those of the quality on the soundtrack from the show, the orchestral tracks allow me to sing, record, and listen to how I sound on my own (pretty good, I must say modestly)! And I just heard that the movie of Chicago is coming out later this year, and I can't wait! So this CD should be a great one to enable me to learn all of the words and melodies, without trying to sing over the voices of the soundtrack.Both are musts if you like Broadway shows, and super-musts if you love the music from the show as much as I do!

hooray.......2002-10-08

This album is a lot of fun. The recordings give listeners a sense of how they should sing along with the karaoke, and being able to have a track with just instruments for singing along is an innovative idea and I am glad this album is around. It's fun if you just feel like singing along, or if you are practicing for some sort of audition with a song from Chicago. Definitely worth the money

The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)

Average customer rating:

A MUST BUY!!!
Great music, Excellent Value!
This truly is essential!

The Essential Hyperion (Label Highlight Compilation)
Henry Purcell , Charles Villiers Stanford , Sheppard, John , Haydn, Joseph , Satie, Erik , Schumann, Robert , and Shostakovich, Dmitri
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Essential Hyperion, Vol. 2
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Glass Harmonica

ASIN: B000002ZDX
Release Date: 1995-02-13

Tracks:

Concerto For Two Trumpets, 1687: Allegro
Abdelazer: Rondeau
Who Can From Joy Refrain?: A Prince Of Glorious Race
The Morning: The Glitt'ring Sun
The Ephesian Matron, Or The Widow's Tears: Vaudeville
Magnificat In G
Libera Nos
Cantigas de amigo: My Love's Coming Home
My Lady, You Do Great Wrong
Locus iste
Symphony No 14 In A: Tempo di Minuetto
Symphony No 94 In G (The 'Surprise' Symphony): Finale
Gymnopedie No. 1: Gymnopedie No. 1 (Orchestrated By Debussy)
Liederkreis op. 39: Waldesgesprach
Album Leaf In Waltz Form
Prelude And Fugue In A, Op. 87, No. 7
Phil The Fluter's Ball
Piano Concerto In C Sharp Minor, Op. 30: Allegro
O salutaris hostia
Da quel sembiante, D. 688, No. 3
Sonata In G Minor, Op. 5, No. 5: Vivace
Clarinet Quartet No 1 In E Flat, Op. 2: Rondo
String Sextet In A, Op. 48: Furiant
Sherzo In A minor, Op. 81, No. 2
Come You, Mary, Op. 21, No. 2
Chorale Prelude 'Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g' mein'
Deus in adiutorium
Sortie In E Flat

Customer Reviews:

A MUST BUY!!!.......2001-03-03

If I had to choose one CD to spend a month locked in isolation with, this would be the one. Its varied but it flows well together. It's restive and soothing. The quality is beyond excellent!!! At the price, anyone is a fool not to own it, and give it lavishly as gifts. Its gorgeous, lush and fabulous! Everyone that hears it in our home, falls in love with it!

Great music, Excellent Value!.......2000-07-26

Rarely can one buy so much good music for so little. This compilation features almost 80 minutes of high quality music.

This truly is essential!.......1999-10-23

What a brilliant idea from one of our leading record companies! On this disc, they have assembled a programme of highlights from their vast collection of choral, vocal, orchestral, and solo instrumental music that is very satisfying. As with most CDs of this sort, it is a case of some tracks not appealing as much as others- I for instance am a lover of choral music so the gorgeous renditions of Stanford's "Magnificat" by St. Paul's Cathedral Choir or John Sheppard's divine motet "Libera Nos" by the Sixteen are obvious preferences of mine. However, whether you seek dyed-in-the-wool orchestral classics as Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony, less familiar works performed by period artists (such as "'E irei Madr'a Vigo" by ancient Spanish composer Martin Codax), or snippets of breathtaking instrumental solos (such as the rousing performance of Lefebure-Wely's "Sortie in E flat" which is sadly only an excerpt), this disc is bound to have something on it for you. And all of it is finely recorded.

Average customer rating:

Bad day at work? Enter another realm
Ahhhh....

Stillness And Sweet Harmony

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000031IC
Release Date: 1996-10-10

Tracks:

Adoro te devote - Gregorian Chant
Requiem: Pie Jesu - Gabriel Faure
Visita, quaesumus Domine - William Byrd_
Draw On, Sweet Night - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
O Can Ye Sew Cushions - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
The Silver Swan - Orlando Gibbons
Down By The Sally Gardens - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
In manus tuas - The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter
Miserere - Gregorio Allegri
Tantum ergo - Gabriel Faure
Justorum animae - William Byrd_
O quam suavis - William Byrd_
Laudi alla Vergine Maria - Giuseppe Verdi
Alma Redemptoris Mater - Gregorian Chant
What Sweeter Music - John Rutter

Amazon.com

Compilations from a performer's catalog are often musically hit-and-miss and programmatically shaky. But when you have a catalog as strong, varied, and musically rich as the Cambridge Singers', the question is not how to find appropriate material but how to reduce the first-rate choices to fit on a single CD. This one offers a wide range of selections, including chant, Renaissance sacred and secular works, folk song, and 20th-century pieces. Every track contains a gem--music and performance--so it's hard to list only a few highlights. There's the Pie Jesu from Fauré's Requiem, Allegri's famous Miserere, several classics by Byrd, Orlando Gibbons's popular "The silver swan," and two masterful folk-song arrangements by Rutter. But among the 15 works featured, John Sheppard's "In manus tuas" (one of the glories of the English Renaissance) and Rutter's "What sweeter music" (his most famous piece) alone make this disc worth owning. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Bad day at work? Enter another realm.......2005-07-31

This is a wonderfully mellow selection of choral works in the English tradition, and a particularly well-balanced program: You can set the CD to play and relax with a good glass of wine.

The Cambridge Singers come across as a single, smooth instrument--not a group of belting soloists. Rutter's arrangements and orchestrations avoid here some of the cutesy movie-style effects on some of the Christmas albums.

This album is a compilation from previous Cambridge Singers recordings, so it's very suitable as a gift from someone who has expressed an early interest in English choral music, to lead them into the area. The CD is a wonderful value and highly recommended.

Ahhhh...........2004-06-30

Very pleasant music for rattled nerves. I'm no expert on choral music, but this is a calming and enjoyable CD to listen to while driving.

Music Review: