December Stillness

The Dale Warland Singers (Artist), Igor Stravinsky (Composer), Herbert Howells (Composer), Steven Heitzeg (Composer), Krzysztof Penderecki (Composer), Arvo Part (Composer), Stephen Paulus (Composer), Alf Houkom (Composer), Trond Kverno (Composer), Dale Warland (Conductor) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Conductor: Dale Warland
• Composer: Igor Stravinsky, Herbert Howells, Steven Heitzeg, Krzysztof Penderecki, Arvo Part, et al.
• Audio CD (September 30, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: American Choral
• ASIN: B000003M4S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,427 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #50 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Magnificats

Editorial Reviews

Review

Although this is not a new release (it was first issued in 1995, in the days pre-Classicstoday.com), its program and performances are very worthy of the attention of choral music fans. The Christmas-themed repertoire, an enduring collection of mostly newer works coupled with several classics, brings us top-notch renditions of Stravinsky's Ave Maria and Poulenc's motet Quem vidistis pastores dicite as well as the rarely heard Herbert Howells piece Long, long ago (choirs usually opt for his A spotless rose) and Arvo Pärt's increasingly popular Magnificat. Stephen Paulus' Evensong (a setting of an obscure 19th-century German poem by Matthias Claudius) is a highlight, as is Basque composer Javier Busto's lovely Ave Maria (which should be in the standard repertoire of every choir!). There's more, much more, and I'll leave it to you to discover the many delights of this well-chosen program. Of course, the Dale Warland Singers invariably offer first-rate singing and interpretations, especially in their performances of more modern repertoire, and they do so here, complemented by very fine sound from (appropriately) The Church of the Nativity in St Paul, Minnesota. Highly recommended! --David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-compiled and sung lesser-known works for the holidays., August 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: December Stillness (Audio CD)

This is a very well-conceived collection of mostly lesser-known choral gems for the holidays, combined with a few more famous selections. For years, Warland has championed the cause of otherwise obscure choral works, as well as choral composers whose works deserve a broader audience. The benefit to these composers, their works, and the discerning listener, is the consummate professionalism, musicianship, artistry, and craftsmanship with which Dale Warland, his singers, and even the recording engineers and technicians lend to their album projects.

As a former student of Dr. Alf S. Houkom, composer of "The Rune of Hospitality" (found on this recording), and a choral conductor myself, I rejoiced in the knowledge that this work, and others like it, are finally getting the exposure, as well as the professional treatment, that they so richly deserve. Bravo, Mr. Warland, and thank you for the gift of this album. This is truly in the spirit of the season.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great choral recordings, April 19, 2002

By 

Bruce Hodges (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: December Stillness (Audio CD)

Minneapolis-based conductor Dale Warland directs this superb chorus that specializes in 20th-century music. The collection here is an outstanding demonstration of the group's artistry, with some compositions by well-knowns such as Stravinsky and Arvo P'rt, and others that are relatively unknown.

It's hard to choose favorites from such a line-up, but the vocal and artistic highlight for me is Penderecki's "Song of Cherubim" - an absolutely stunning piece sung with the precision that is one of the hallmarks of this group. Alf Houkom's "The Rune of Hospitality" has a gorgeous melody that resonated in my head for days afterward. I also like Trond Kverno's magnificent "Corpus Christi Carol," and Stephen Paulus' quietly moving "Evensong." But every single track is a gem, and throughout the program, this remarkable group demonstrates impeccable technique and ensemble unity.

American Choral Classics has done this project justice with sound of crystal clarity and presence. When coupled with such artistry, the result is one of the finest choral recordings I have ever heard.

Don't be deterred by the "holiday" nature of the collection. The music and the performances are of such a high caliber, you'll want to listen to it year-round.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must!, September 25, 2005

By 

Benjamin L. Filippone (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: December Stillness (Audio CD)

One of the most beautiful, well-made choral CDs to be released anywhere in recent memory. A must for any choral enthusiast. Wonderfully fresh, gorgeous, and challenging program. One or two of the tracks, such as Busto's Ave Maria and Part's Magnificat are slightly below the choir's standard of excellence, but it is easy to forgive considering the incredible performances on the rest of the CD. The Penderecki, Houkom, and Paulus in particular are absolutely ravishing; I truly don't think choral singing has ever gotten closer to perfection.