O Magnum Mysterium

Thomas Tallis (Composer), Tomas Luis de Victoria (Composer), Morten Lauridsen (Composer), Francis Poulenc (Composer), Sergey Rachmaninov (Composer), Franz Schubert (Performer), Anonymous (Orchestra), Spiritual Traditional (Orchestra), Henryk Gorecki (Artist), Christopher Cock (Artist), Robert Shaw Festival Singers (Artist), Robert Shaw Chamber Singers (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Franz Schubert
• Orchestra: Anonymous, Spiritual Traditional
• Composer: Thomas Tallis, Tomas Luis de Victoria, Morten Lauridsen, Francis Poulenc, Sergey Rachmaninov
• Audio CD (August 22, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B00004WFLW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,301 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #32 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Songs & Lieder > Folk Songs
  • #37 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Anthems
  • #69 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > Vocal & Song > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The trademark qualities of a Robert Shaw-trained chorus included perfect tonal blend and balance, expressive phrasing, and superb tuning. As an interpreter, Shaw hewed to the middle road, steering clear of eccentricities and honoring the composer's intentions. On this tribute disc, we hear these virtues coalesce in works such as Poulenc's austere Christmas hymn "O magnum mysterium," one of three settings of the text here. Shaw was at his best in works whose fervent spirituality he shared, and the selection from Rachmaninov's Vespers, with its repeated alleluias, is a highlight, both radiant and passionate. But then, virtually everything here is a highlight: the Schubert part song done to a turn with soft singing projected in rounded tones; the curve of "Wondrous Love"'s melody perfectly traced; and "Amazing Grace" in Shaw's arrangement all the more moving for its calm dignity. The longest piece, Górecki's Marian hymn "Totus tuus," is otherworldly in an enthralled reading that never loses focus. Like all of Shaw's Telarc recordings, the sonics are first-class. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Chorale, April 15, 2001

By 

Shana L. Snyder (New Brunswick, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: O Magnum Mysterium (Audio CD)

My association with the text of O Magnum Mysterium began three years ago when I performed Morten Lauridsen's version in a school choir concert. I was in awe of the stark evocative beauty of the text, describing the birth and adoration of Jesus. I find that this work is one of my all-time favorite Christmas pieces, as it concentrates on the religious and symbolic aspect rather than on more secular imagery.

Included on this beautifully performed recording are three versions of this text, the first set by Victoria during the Counter-Reformation in the 16th century, the second set by Lauridsen in the twentieth, and the final set by Poulenc in the late twentieth century. All of these versions vibrate with an indescribable beauty that has the power to leave the listener in tears at its transcendent, soaring melodies, and evocative imagery.

Also included are other religious chorale pieces, such as several traditional American hymns, some lovely Russian pieces, and other brief Tallis pieces, encompassing a variety of nationality, style, and time period. If you are fascinated by contrasting religious pieces or if you, like me, love the Robert Shaw Singers, this CD will not disappoint.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Tribute to the Art of Robert Shaw, September 28, 2000

By 

M. Ramos - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: O Magnum Mysterium (Audio CD)

This CD is a real tribute to the art of the late Robert Shaw. The first four tracks, Renaissance works by Thomas Tallis (If ye Love Me, A New Commandment) and Tomás Luis de Victoria (O vos omnes, O Magnum Mysterium) are released here for the first time. They are a real delight showing the skill of Shaw to achieve both a perfect balance between the voices, tonal beauty and artistic expression. These Renaissance jewels are accompanied by previously released material perfomed by Shaw with both his Festival and Chamber Singers. The whole CD is a great presentation on sacred choral music from different periods. Following the luminous, almost mystic O Magnum Mysterium there are two other settings of the same text (a personal favorite of Robert Shaw). The one by the contemporary composer Morten Lauridsen is truly stunning, as well as the one by Poulenc. The rest of the repertoire, from Rachmaninoff to Górecki, is done in a superb way. This CD is a must for all lovers of choral music.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars O Great Mystery!, September 3, 2000

By 

Brian M. Hinman (Knoxville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: O Magnum Mysterium (Audio CD)

For collectors of Shaw recordings there are only four new tracks on this release. Anyone familiar with choral literature from the Renaissance period will recognize the first four tracks as frequently performed masterpieces. Finally, however, they are released by the master of choral music himself, the late Maestro Shaw. As with the rest of the collection, the tracks by Tallis and Victoria are flawless. And despite the numerous times you may or may not have heard these performed, they are renewed with a vibrancy and beauty that only Shaw could achieve. As for the rest of the release, we are graced with a collection of some of the best tracks from six previously released CDs. The eight previously released tracks might be the only drawback for the Shaw collector, but for anyone looking for a relatively comprehensive recording of Shaw's work with the Festival Singers/Chamber Singers this comes highly recommended. The collection represents Robert Shaw at his pinnacle with some of the most beautiful a capella pieces ever composed. For the lover of a capella choral music, you cannot find anything better than Robert Shaw. Whether you are looking for an introduction to fine choral music or adding to the collection you have...this recording is a "must have." And as always, Telarc's release is crystal clear, capturing the brilliance of Shaw's work. This recording is magnificent. What are you waiting for?