Customer Reviews

Lux Aurumque

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This final recording of America's finest choral group ever (my apologies to Shaw and Wagner)and brings a fitting close to their impressive recording history. A follow-up to their original Catherdral Classics CD, a best seller, this CD has something for everyone. Tons of Russian work done with impeccable intonation, and spectacular performances of newer 20th and 21st century composers. Highlights most certainly are John Rutter's "Hymn to the Creator of Light" and 35 year-old Eric Whitaker's "Lux Aurumque". Both are performed with reverence and delicacy reminding the listener that this is singing from the heart by professionals at the top of their game. Bravo, Dr. Warland....

The Dale Warland Singers' recordings cannot be missed by lovers of choral music, nor by any lover of fine singing, and this one goes right to the top of the list. It stands, hand in hand with their "Cathedral Classics" (featuring tremendous performances of the Martin Mass and Howells Requiem), as superlative evidence of the marvelous achievements possible in a cappella choral singing. Various flaws can mar many ensembles' otherwise strong performances, but not here; this disc enthralled me as few others ever have. Solid, expert, tender throughout. The repertory is gorgeous, a fitting program for Warland's final offering. Just to name one piece, I've waited long for a great recording of Chesnokov's Spaseniye (Salvation is Created), and indeed this one may not be surpassed for a very long time. Listen to its softest moments: balance, precision, motion, phrase giving way to phrase... all of this and never failing to be beautiful. This harsh critic has rarely been so impressed; I wish, if only it were possible, that every fine work of choral music had been recorded by Warland and his extraordinary ensemble. Bravo.

This album is fantastic. For years I have searched for the perfect recording of Salvation Is Created, and I believe the search is over. It is as close to perfection as humanly possible. This music is a must have. Whitacre's Lux Aurumque has long been a favorite, and this is the finest I have ever heard it performed. It is so well done that it transports the listener into a blissful, soul-searching world made entirely of sound. For me, these two are the highlights, but the remaining works are no less worthy of praise. The recording is crystal clear, and you may as well be standing in front of them.
Bravo!

This is a great final recording from one of America's finest choral groups. I think the strength of this recording is that it includes some great a cappella choral works not heard very often. It also includes some standards such as "Lux Arumque", "Salvation is Created", "Hymn to the Creator of Light" just to name a few. If there is a negative it's that the sopranos are a little out of balance with the rest of the choir. The only work I did not care for was "Complete This Work" by Schnittke. Perhaps it needs a larger choir to be effective, but I just don't think it works on this recording. Also, Robert Shaw's sensitive interpretation of Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" remains the favoite for me. However, "To God" by Argento makes the disc worth owning just for this one track. Overall, a good addition to any serious choral library.

Unfortunately I was going through some serious health issues when I received this CD, and was unable to return it. Otherwise I would have. The music is wonderful. All the pieces on the playlist are beautiful. The Dale Warland Singers do a terrific job. But there are so many skips in the CD that it is very aggravating. In spite of the beauty of the music, this is not good listening. If you should get a good quality CD, without skips, I have no doubt you will have something fabulous. Otherwise, return it while you can.

here is an interesting article on why we get goosebumps from this recording. The article is especially interesting for musicians and singers and acoustic engineers, but lay listeners may also find it interesting to discover the technical work and reasons behind why our bodies respond with 'that goosebumpy feeling.' It's a little like a PBS 'Nova' article on why sound does that...

The article includes YouTube performances of the CD, and audio examples and composition examples to help explain the more technical stuff. I spent several days mulling over and exploring the ideas in this article, even before being familiar with the CD! Have fun -
[...]

Wonderful CD by an impeccable group of singers; sad that it was their last album.