Customer Reviews

Hymnody of Earth

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I have had a copy of this CD for a couple of weeks purchased through this site. I have enjoyed the hammered dulcimer artistry of of Malcolm Dalglish for some time and took a chance in purchasing this offering. My first impression was that it was sort of unusual but had a certain delight in the rich harmonies which reminded me of a group called the Free Design I listened to years ago. But, it also has hints of "Shape Note" style singing which, to some who do not know it's history, can be a bit irritating as this type of hymn singing prefers vocal strength to purity and beauty. The CD comes with liner notes and words to songs and is best enjoyed by listening and reading to get a better interpretation of the themes and messages. This will make the whole album come alive. Once in a while one finds a gem and this is definately a gem.

I have bought at least six copies of this cd to give to friends. The dulcimer accompaniment is lovely, but it is the vocal arrangements of the "hymns," both the poetry of Wendell Berry and some original lyrics by Dalglish, that make this music soar. Our college library owns an earlier version recorded with a boy's choir that I like even better, because the voices are even lighter, and I had visited this site hoping to find that it was being reissued, so that I could have BOTH versions to listen to. The pieces on this album have great beauty as well as depth and subtlety. One of my favorites is "Lay Me Low," a lament for the souls of the children (old and young) lost at Hiroshima. There isn't a sentimental note on the whole album. This is not your mother's new age muzak.

Anyone who puts Wendell Berry's poetry to music has a heart that is full! The boys choir voices bring Wendell's words to a whole different experiential plateau. Sounds from heaven!

I have owned this album for a number of years and never tire of it. The hammer dulcimer is lovely and the young voices of the Oolites soar. How can you not be moved to tears by "Paradise?

I sang two of Dalglish's pieces in my choir, and they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!