Customer Reviews

Ikos - Choral Music by Gorecki, Tavener, Pärt - interleaved by Plainchant

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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Once again Stephen Cleobury and the Choir of King's College, Cambridge bring intelligence and scholarship along with excellent performances to the recorded literature. This enchanting survey of Gregorian chant/plainsong includes not only superb examples of this vocal form, it also brings to our contemporary ears the works of three important composers who are deeply moved and inspired by this most pure form of singing.

Like turning leaves of a book, each plainsong is followed by a work by one of the three featured composers writing today - Henryk Gorecki, Arvo Pärt, and John Tavener. The comparisons are not only interesting, they are also mutually enhancing. And this is a chance to understand the writing styles of Gorecki, Pärt and Tavener for those not familiar with their works. The choral singing (and occasional use of the organ) is of the highest order and the acoustic of King's College chapel makes this listening experience mysterious and elegant. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

It is a shame this recording has been discontinued, as once again, the Choir of King's College, Cambridge has created a top-notch piece of art.