Customer Reviews

O Magnum Mysterium

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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.

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.

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?

Listening to this recording is like sitting through evensong in a small gothic church in the South of France. In fact, it was recorded primarily in the church at Quercy where Robert Shaw held his choral institute and festival. This timeless music stunned me when I first heard it and and cannot stop listening to it. The 12 works collected here span from the 16th century to the 20th century, but the performances, interpretations and acoustics make all of the music sound immediate and contemporary. The title text, translated as "O Great Mystery," is featured in three separate compositions by Victoria, Lauridsen and Poulenc. The mystery ostensibly deals with the the incarnation, but these fresh but timeless, sensitive but vital, performances seem to lovingly embrace both heaven and earth. The words are specifically Christian, but the music delicately exults in the universal dichotomies of temporal and eternal, real and ideal. One is almost surprised to find such intelligent and sincere sacred music being made on the verge of the 21st century. The paradigm of choral music itself seems medieval, especially when performed in stone churches, but with the baton of Robert Shaw these mysteries sound like compelling good news. My hope is that this recording becomes widely heard and deeply appreciated, and given the success of the more narrowly appealing CHANT, there is still hope. One could only imagine what miracles might happen if everyone would spend even a few minutes caught up in "O Magnum Mysterium."

If you love beautiful, peaceful choral music you'll love this tribute CD to Robert Shaw sung by the Robert Shaw Festival & Chamber Singers. There are 12 beautiful tracks of music on this CD, including Amazing Grace, and Sometimes I feel like a moanin dove. This is a CD I listen to over and over. It's great for meditation or a quiet evening. If you have never listened to Robert Shaw's music before this is a great CD to start with or if you are a collector of Shaw's recordings be sure and get this one. Beautiful.

What an inspired collection of music. Hearing three different settings of O Magnum Mysterium by Tallis, Poulenc, and Lauridsen simply blew me away. As always, Robert Shaw got the maximum performance out of his singers; the clarity of tone and precision of the singing allow one to simply sink into the music. Every time I have a bad day, I'm planning to play this CD to regroup.

Who can listen to this without being humbled, yet enriched, as if walking through the courts of sacred and simple places?

In my choir at school, we are singing O Magnum Mysterium; I can't help from sinking into its soft harmonies. How to describe this feeling?--each bar more poignant than the last; dynamically profound; crystal clear tone; that clash between tenors in the chorus...it makes me believe in love and god all at once! Spectacular, this CD is--how lucky I am to have found it. Recommended to anyone with hearing.

You NEVER hear Robert Shaw doing early music. I don't know why! This is wonderful stuff. The first time that I heard this CD was in the basement of the Woodruff Arts Center in Nola Frink's office. She was playing it while we were going through Maestro Shaw's personal effects. I cried the entire way through the CD. The Rach. is inspired. I have heard it several times now and I just die. for those of you who don't know. At the end of the Rach. selection on this CD, there is a bell ringing, IN THE SAME KEY AS THE LAST CHORD. WOW!!!

A MUST BUY FOR ANY CHORAL LOVER!!!!!

Lauridsen is a god. His "Oh Magnum Mysterium" kills me...and so does Victoria's. This CD is choice stuff. Amazing arangements of amazing texts. Grab it...it's well worth it.