Mosaic

Margaret Bonds (Composer), Angela M. / Cooper, Tyron Brown (Composer), Roland [1] Hayes (Composer), Moses Hogan (Composer), Joseph Joubert (Composer), Betty Jackson King (Composer), Undine Smith Moore (Composer), Florence B. Price (Composer), Evelyn Simpson-Curenton (Composer), Joseph Joubert (Performer), Angela Brown (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Joseph Joubert, Angela Brown
• Composer: Margaret Bonds, Angela M. / Cooper, Tyron Brown, Roland [1] Hayes, Moses Hogan, Joseph Joubert, et al.
• Audio CD (November 30, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Albany Records
• ASIN: B0006A9FUU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,239 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classical music with heart and soul, March 1, 2005

By 

AfroAmericanHeritage (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mosaic (Audio CD)

Daniel Alexander Payne, sixth bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church worked tirelessly to purge emotionalism from African American modes of worship, and derided spirituals as "corn field ditties." Starting with the Fisk Jubilee Singers and into current century, composers such as Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Moses Hogan and Joseph Joubert have sought new, classical interpretations of these timeless, soulful songs.

I must confess, I've never been a big fan of classicised spirituals. Spirituals ARE emotional, expressions of unbearable pain, of longing, of optimism and ultimate belief in salvation. To strip them of that by prettying them up is to deny their very reason for being.

But having said all that: I absolutely loved MOSAIC! Angela Brown does not let her classical training get in the way of putting a song over with heart and soul. She obviously loves these songs, and her rich voice moved me to tears on several occasions. The instrumental accompaniments (Joseph Joubert on piano, Tyron Cooper on guitar) are gorgeously subtle and supportive.

The sound quality of this disc is superb, a fitting tribute to the many African American composers represented here. Highly recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Glorious Burgeoning Diva!, May 6, 2005

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mosaic (Audio CD)

Though this particular selection of songs may not be one the recital lover would choose, MOSAIC introduces to the recording audience the magnificent voice of Angela M. Brown, a gifted singer whose career has been nurtured by appearances with small opera companies until her highly successful Metropolitan Opera debut in 'Aida' last year. Now this intelligent singer is currently replacing the indomitable Jessye Norman in a Detroit Opera premiere and even in that vulnerable position of comparison she is making a triumphant statement.

MOSAIC is pleasant enough recital of African American Spirituals with sensitive piano and guitar accompaniment. But it is in the few unaccompanied songs that the splendor of this very large voice with a seemingly bottomless register is best displayed. Brown has a glowing top as well as a lush bottom in her register and her attention to the control of the cascade of sound is simply thrilling. Brown knows this repertoire well and is convincing in her delivery of not only the message but the depth of emotion of each song.

Hopefully a recording of songs and arias will follow soon, especially as her opera reputation grows. But for now, MOSAIC is a fine introduction to a voice whose destiny seems assured. Grady Harp, May 05

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great opera, not spiritual style I thought title suggested., September 7, 2005

By 

T Bird (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mosaic (Audio CD)

This is a very good classical collection. The rating would have been higher if the description had suggested the actual style of the music. I am giving it 3 stars because this is a very good OPERA style collection - not the spiritual style I was hoping for. Given the title and simple instruments, I thought it would be different - more relaxed. I wish a sample of the music had been available. If you want spirituals sung in an OPERA style you will love this. She is an amazing talent.