Customer Reviews

All Is Calm

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The Truce of 1914 is the type of story that one wants to remember forever. And with this All Is Calm CD, the ensemble as a whole created something timeless. I have not heard a better representation of this story yet. Although Joyeux Noel, the movie about the truce that arrived several years ago, does a good job of incorporating the heaviness of the act, it doesn't allow for accuracy. Almost all of the quotes and songs on this CD are found within diaries, journals, and other sources specifically tied to troops who were there at the event. A much more satisfying piece of theatre when I realize it's nearly 100% from the soldiers themselves!
The 3 actors did a fine job connecting with the inner souls of these men, and added so much to the product. Cantus, one of the United States' premier vocal ensembles, connected with the war songs, Christmas Carols, and beautifully arranged pieces in an amazing way. To create in one second a sense of camaraderie and an almost untrained ear, and in the next second emit some of the most beautiful choral sounds ever heard is just unreal.
Overall, it is a fantastic album, and though I would prefer to see it live, a CD is not a bad compromise.

I had heard exerpts of this a couple Christmas' ago and was frozen in my tracks. I had to have the entire performance. When I finally heard the entire CD I was not dissapointed. This blend of history and the art of singing is extremely powerful.