Customer Reviews

Lost Music of Early America: Music of the Moravians

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This recording truly seems to capture the spirit of the music. As someone who grew up singing in the Moravian church, this cd is a FIND. I listened with joy and surprise to this collection. The execution is tender, passionate, thoughtful. The balance between vocals and chamber orchestra is lovely, as close to perfect as one might imagine. I know many of the works on this cd as hymns and choral anthems, albeit in English. The uplifting musicality as an important part of worship was and continues to be part of the life of the Moravian church. The Moravian tradition embodies folk music in an authentic fashion, where the music of the church is truly the music of the people. Singing is a part of all activities within the church, providing a fabric through which fellowship and goodwill can flow. Somehow, the spirit of the context is captured here. The commentary by Martin Pearlman is quite informative and respectful. For individuals for whom music in the church has been more than an interlude in worship, for other Moravians out there who are far from the fold and can still hear the echoes, for those who are curious and want to listen to something slightly, pleasantly, off the beaten path, you will not be disappointed.

This is very pretty music. It reminds me in some ways of Handel's Messiah, but it has a sound all its own. The voices and instruments are supurb. I really enjoyed the accompanying insert in the CD, which gives a small biography of all the composers. There are complete lyrics in English and German as well. I would love to get the sheet music and perform it!

Martin Pearlman has done a great service through his research in the Moravian archives in North Carolina. His discoveries bring to us music of great beauty and seeming simplicity that masks subtle complexity. The quality of the orchestra and the soloists is outstanding

I just heard the Christmas section on PBS radio. "Lost music"? As one raised in the Moravian tradition, I can sing along with some of these chorales in English. Why? Because songs such as "Thou Child Divine" are sung every year at Christmas even today. I am ordering to see whether translations are provided. Also, to compare with other current reworkings of the classical Moravian composers. As a footnote, the Moravian Music Foundation publishes newly found works from the archives every two or three years. Thus many works are not lost, but newly mined.

The music and vocals are refreshing and revitalizing for the holiday season. You will be relaxed and intriqued at the same time while listening!

Martin Pearlman has done a great service through his research in the Moravian archives in North Carolina. His discoveries bring to us music of great beauty and seeming simplicity that masks subtle complexity. The quality of the orchestra and the soloists is outstanding

I grew up in the Moravian church and the treatment of these dear and familiar tunes blesses me each time I listen to this album.

This CD popped up as a recommendation from Amazon based on other purchases. I had only a passing awareness of the Moravians, but bought this anyway based on the great ratings. Wow! This will be one of my all-time favorite CDs. In fact, through some glitch with my shopping cart, I paid for and got two copies when I only (thought) I ordered one, and as I opened the box, I was thinking about how to return the extra one for credit; once I heard the music, I'll be keeping them both so I have one to give to someone else who will be blessed by this beautiful music. While most of the vocals are in German, a few are in English. With the printed words enclosed, and my high school German study [long, long ago] (Ich spreche kleine bisschen Deutsch, but not much more than that!)I'm able to follow along. If you know no German, this CD is still WELL worth having--just follow the words in the CD insert. The instrumentalists and vocalists are outstanding, the music is "large" and melodious, and, most of all, these compositions greatly honor God and our Lord Jesus Christ--several selections are simply Scripture set to music. As someone else noted in a review, this reminds me of Handel's marvelous music. I cannot recommend this CD highly enough--5 stars!

One doesn't run into Thanksgiving music very often, but this early American Moravian (think Czech) music is a lovely compilation of short hymns performed on period instruments. The entire collection flows nicely from one piece to another. Good, clear vocal sound captured by a quality recording. Also includes music for Lent and Christmas.

If you enjoy Baroque choral music, this is a great CD for you. The singing is of a high calibur and the music itself is very interesting. The liner notes are informative and helpful to understand the history of Moravian music.