Choose Something Like a Star

Orchestra at Temple Square (Artist), Mormon Tabernacle Choir (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mormon Tabernacle
• ASIN: B0007GP62E
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,481 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. The Last Words of David, for chorus & orchestra

2. Frostiana, cycle for chorus & piano (or orchestra): The Road Not Taken

3. Frostiana, cycle for chorus & piano (or orchestra): The Pasture

4. Frostiana, cycle for chorus & piano (or orchestra): Come In

5. Frostiana, cycle for chorus & piano (or orchestra): The Telephone

6. Frostiana, cycle for chorus & piano (or orchestra): A Girl's Garden

7. Frostiana, cycle for chorus & piano (or orchestra): Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

8. Frostiana, cycle for chorus & piano (or orchestra): Choose Something Like a Star

9. The Peaceable Kingdom: Say Ye to the Righteous

10. The Peaceable Kingdom: The Paper Reeds by the Brooks

11. The Peaceable Kingdom: Have Ye Not Known?

12. The Peaceable Kingdom: Ye Shall Have a Song

13. The Place of the Blest, songs for chorus: Alleluia, Amen

14. Alleluia, for a cappella chorus

Editorial Reviews

Choose Something Like a Star

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt tribute to a great American composer, February 16, 2005

By 

The Music Man "If I Cannot Fly, Let Me Sing" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Choose Something Like a Star (Audio CD)

This brand-new recording by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, under the direction of Dr. Craig Jessop is a labor of love.

A heart-felt tribute to renowned American composer Randall Thompson, "Choose Something Like A Star" gathers together some of his most beloved works, including "Frostiana" "The Peaceable Kingdom" "Alleluia" and "The Last Words Of David" and gives them richly sympathetic readings. Dr. Jessop was priviledged to meet Mr. Thompson many years ago, and has maintained a profound respect and admiration for the composer's music throughout his career.

If you are not familiar with Randall Thompson's works, you are in for a treat - his music is both subtle and profound, from the grand declamatory opening "The Last Words Of David" to the cool, peaceful "The Paper Reeds by the brooks;" from the idiomatic Americana of the "Frostiana" song cycle, to the shimmering eloquence of "Alleluia," Mr. Thompson was a master at matching musical phrases with the lyrics he was writing for. Listen to the playful give-and-take of "The Telephone" or the slow walking rhythm of "The Road Not Taken" and you'll understand. The more you listen to this CD, the more it grows on the listener.

The Tabernacle Choir sounds grand here, and no one else would be able to fully convey the power of "The Last Words Of David" or sustain the shimmering, smooth "Ye Shall Have A Song" like they can. Recorded in the Tabernacle (before it closed for extensive renovation) the sound is rich and full, matched note for note with the Orchestra at Temple Square.

I gave this CD to a friend who sang for years with the Utah Symphony Chorus, and he absolutely loves it. I recommend it for those who have sung or otherwise enjoyed the music of Randall Thompson, and for those who haven't, what are you waiting for?

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, shimmering rendition of Frostiana, June 29, 2005

By 

A non-reader (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Choose Something Like a Star (Audio CD)

I bought this CD because I wanted a decent recording of Randall Thompson's Frostiana. It surpassed all my hopes. I was somewhat suspicious about whether the MTC could carry off the mystical, secular music of "Choose Something Like a Star," "Come In" and "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." I shouldn't have worried. The MTC is staffed, directed and conducted by true musicians, and its use of orchestration added even more to the performance. Initially, I was bothered by the flautist's rhythmic interpretation of the wood thrush in "Come In" -- it seemed like the flute wasn't coming in on cue -- but then I realized that this was probably a deliberate artistic interpretation. Of course one wouldn't expect a bird to sing on cue. Sheer genius.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This will be "The Recording" of Frostiana for many years, August 5, 2005

By 

CecilyK (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Choose Something Like a Star (Audio CD)

I'm a recently born again fan of the MTC, so I had to pick this one up when it came out. I'm familiar with many of the pieces on the CD, so I was rather surprised with the orchestral arrangements that were included. (Frostiana was originally written for piano!) My surprise quickly turned into a wonderful listening experience as Craig Jessop sensitively led the choir through these beautiful standards of choral literature.

There were several places when the sheer size of the choir got in the way of me understanding the text, and there were balance issues with the orchestra and men/women in a few places. I imagine it's to be expected with a group this size, but it was distracting at times.

However, I was delighted to hear some pieces on this CD that I've never heard before. Craig Jessop and the MTC provide us with a wonderful 'greatest hits' of Randall Thompson with this recording. Bravo to the MTC for having the guts to take on such well-loved music. It's sad to me how little it is performed these days. I hope this CD brings all of these works back into high school and college performances.