Sacred: A Spiritual Journey

Alma Bazel Androzzo (Composer), Anonymous (Composer), Irish Anonymous (Composer), Joe / Sprague, Billy / Carroll, Bruce Beck (Composer), Nicholas Brodszky (Composer), Gregorian Chant (Composer), Henri F. Hemy (Composer), Chuck / Shamblin, Allen Jones (Composer), Charlie Landsborough (Composer), John Newton (Composer), Stuart Townsend (Conductor), Traditional (Orchestra), Irish Traditional (Performer), Shaker Traditional (Performer), Stevie Wonder (Performer), Arnie Roth (Artist), Orchestr Ceská Filharmonie (Artist), Anthony Kearns (Artist), Finbar Wright (Artist), John McDermott (Artist), Irish Tenors (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Irish Traditional, Shaker Traditional, Stevie Wonder
• Orchestra: Traditional
• Conductor: Stuart Townsend
• Composer: Alma Bazel Androzzo, Anonymous, Irish Anonymous, Joe / Sprague, Billy / Carroll, Bruce Beck, Nicholas Brodszky, et al.
• Audio CD (September 13, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Razor & Tie
• ASIN: B000A2GP2K
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,400 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #72 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > General
  • #73 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > General AAS
  • #84 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > Vocal & Song > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Sacred marks John McDermott s first recording with the Irish Tenors since rejoining fellow original member Anthony Kearns and Finbar Wright. The Irish Tenors live up to their reputation as gifted interpreters with this collection, covering a wide range of spiritual material. Sacred was produced by the Irish Tenors long-time musical director, Arnie Roth, and includes Be Thou My Vision, Deus Meus, Salve Regina, Amazing Grace, and 11 more hymns. Format: 15 tracks, Audio CD Publisher: Ignatius Press

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sacred, but never stodgy, September 15, 2005

By 

Dr. Emil "Tom" Shuffhausen (Central Gulf Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred: A Spiritual Journey (Audio CD)

With so many "hymns" albums being released these days, you wouldn't think you could find much that would be fresh and original, but this beautiful recording demonstrates that there can be a lot of life left in this genre. The voices, are--of course--in top form. What is so fresh is the obvious feeling and passion that McDermott, Kearns, and Wright bring to each song; and the song selection is generally very inspired.

My favorite song is "How Deep the Father's Love for Us," a relatively new composition that sounds ancient in its richness, depth, poetry, and wisdom, but also entirely vital, thrilling, and reviving in it's content. The classic STUDENT PRINCE song, "I'll Walk With God" is one of many tour-de-force moments that make the listener want to give a standing ovation. "Deus Meus" is beautifully mystical and "Be Thou My Vision" is a sturdy standard that stirs the soul. The intricate vocal interplay of "Lord of the Dance" is dazzling, and is complimented by crystalline strings.

In fact, the instrumentation throughout is exceptional, serving as a perfect, gorgeous bed for the vocals without overwhelming them. This is not only good "Sunday morning music," but it works anytime the listener is in need of a powerful lift.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best So Far..., September 13, 2005

By 

Wexford Meg (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred: A Spiritual Journey (Audio CD)

Just when you think they can't get any better, Anthony, John and Finbar really do. It's SO WONDERFUL to see John back! If you're a new fan or have been one from the beginning, you're simply going to love this album. It's a true masterpiece.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay, but . . ., October 20, 2005

By 

J. Head "Opinionated Brat" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacred: A Spiritual Journey (Audio CD)

I was not overly impressed with this CD. I felt some of the songs were overwrought and had too much orchestra on them. The best ones were the songs where the focus was on the singers, and not the accompaniment. And I'm really ticked off about Lord of the Dance--they left off the last verse, which I think is the best one in the whole song. I bought this mainly for Be Thou My Vision, Lord of the Dance, Amazing Grace, and Morning has Broken. I just wish the rest of the songs were as good. I would recommend John McDermott's "Great is Thy Faithfullness" over this CD.