Customer Reviews

Brubeck: To Hope! A Celebration

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

 

 

This CD truly shows the diversity of the genius composer Dave Brubeck. Also credit should to be given to Russell Gloud, the conductor for this CD. This working is one of the greatest pieces by Mr. Brubeck. I recommend this CD to any classical music or jazz fan

"To Hope!" is Dave Brubeck's attempt at composing a mass, or Christian liturgy. The result is mixed. Unlike Vince Guaraldi's masterpiece "Grace Cathedral Concert," this is not a jazz piano mass. Instead, it is largely a contemporary-classical work, focused on vocals and traditional arrangements. It does, however, include several jazz passages, including one that swings almost like a '50s surf-rock record. Not everyone will like this recording, but every fan of jazz or contemporary sacred music should listen to it.

This music may throw some people for a loop, as it did me at first, because it is a choral Mass and most of us don't realize that Dave composed choral pieces, with his wife writing the lyrics. This Mass was commissioned by 'Our Sunday Visitor' many years ago. It is absolutely beautiful! The operatic choral sections move into the jazz sections and are truly inspirational. My favorite songs are 'the Desert and the Parched Land/The Peace of Jerusalem' and 'All My Hope', which I can't get out of my head all day! Give them a listen.

Brubeck's Mass setting using his signature 5/4 time is a successful marriage of traditional and contemporary, worship and celebration. The "Alleluia" alone is an incredible musical achievement. Brubeck her is clearly God's instrument - and a rare and virtuoso instrument he is!

I was very disappointed in this CD. This piece in no way compares with Brubeck's "Gates of Justice", which is spectacular. There are a few worthwhile moments for the soloists, but for the most part, the writing is uninspired.