Customer Reviews

Amazing Grace: American Hymns and Spirituals

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Amazing Grace is a very appropriate title for this recording. For those of you who love Sacred Harp , Southern Harmony and Spirituals, you will revel in the folk traditions of this album. Parker and Shaw arrangements, and sometimes just one or the other are so well done. The singers, of course, do an excellent job of making music under Shaw's direction. "Hark I Hear.." arr. by Parker is becoming a standard for choruses and this album will help you hear why. "If I've got my ticket" by Shaw is a wonderful exchange between solo and chorus. You will be playing this CD over and over once you hear it.

This is an absolute must!!! I have never heard such passionate singing of spirituals from non-black choirs. Perhaps that is attributed to Shaw's minister roots. As usual, the sonority of Shaw's singers is second to none. This is a fun CD that all can enjoy...not just the choral buffs who know just how good Shaw and his choirs are!!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this CD. The thoughtful and meditative, "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul" sends the listener awe-struck to the foot of the cross. The triumphant "Ride on King Jesus!" reminds the listener of final victory. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates musical and cultural heritage or for anyone who appreciates religious music.

Robert Shaw recorded many of the selections on this album with his Chorale when he recorded for RCA Victor. Since those performances are, for the most part no longer available, this is a more-than-adequate substitute. I think the Robert Shaw Festival chorus is larger than the Chorale, and the collective voices sound younger. The balance between the 4 sections is good and the diction impeccable. I would highly recommend this CD.

In my opinion the Shaw Chorale recordings of the 50s and 60s are superior because the talent of the singers is more mature sounding. I am not thrilled with so many recordings being made in ultra-resonant halls. Cathedral sounds hide a multitude of musical/vocal sins and also take away the warmth of voices. I am happy to have this recording because I do not have some of the selections otherwise. Ed Palmer

Shipment was faster then I expected and the CD was in excellent condition. I am very pleased with the product.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this CD. The thoughtful and meditative, "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul" sends the listener awe-struck to the foot of the cross. The triumphant "Ride on King Jesus!" reminds the listener of final victory. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates musical and cultural heritage or for anyone who appreciates religious music.

I have heard this number so many times by so many different artists and believe this one to be the very best!lighthouselil@webtv.net

Maybe just personal taste. I don't find the arrangements and vocalizing as interesting and satisfying as "Sea Chanties" and "23 Glee Club Favorites", the latter setting a standard never equaled.