Customer Reviews

Lights Glittering

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This is possibly the best album ever recorded by a men and boys choir. Every fan of choral work owes it to themselves to search out and buy a copy of this CD. Every single composition included is unforgettable and moving. Try to find a copy however you can -- you won't regret it. Recorded as a celebration of the completion of Washington National Cathedral in 1991, this CD is an impressive achievement in and of itself. Famous choral works are balanced perfectly with lesser-known, Nathional Cathedral-affiliated composers, all adding up to an enlightening and highly enjoyable listening experience. Be sure to listen to the powerful majesty of the Cathedral's Great Organ, displayed on this recording in all its ground-shaking grandeur.

As I have had a long personal relationship with both Washington National Cathedral and John Fenstermaker, the conductor of this disc, it would be difficult for me to find anything critical to say about it. The sound brings back memories, but that's another story. The balance of forces - an immense organ, a very large choir (two combined, actually), and a brass band - is superb for a recording in a space notoriously difficult to get a balanced sound in. I was particularly interested in the addition of the brass band to things like Finzi's "God is gone up," which (as far as I know) was not originally scored to include it. It's a big, glorious sound in a big, glorious space, but also has some more contemplative moments (e.g. Palestrina's "Sicut cervus" and Tallis's "If ye love me" ) and the unusual treat of about 45 seconds of carillon music (I'd have liked more!) at the beginning. Consider this CD an ESSENTIAL addition to the library of any fan of Anglican church music at its best.

I love every song on this CD; the music is well sung and contains some hard to find pieces on it, such as "Light's Glittering Morn," to name one. Pick it up, it's worth it!