Customer Reviews

Wondrous Love

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of choral music, espcially not a capella music. I much prefer to listen to orchestras. These guys have gone a long way towards changing my mind. The fact that there are 12 men alive that can sing like this restores my faith in humanity.

I heard "Loch Lomond" on the local Public Radio station as I was eating lunch in my lab one day, and I just sat there and listened with tears streaming down my face. I've never heard it sung with such feeling and such exquisite harmony. I went out and purchased the CD on the strength of this track, alone. The rest of the album did not disappoint. "Dulaman" is a terrific piece all around. I *love* the mouth percussion in "El Manisero" and "Diu Diu Deng" - very well done. Other particular favories include "L'Amour de Moy" and "Or'cha Bamidbar" for their beautiful harmonies. There really isn't a bummer in the bunch. The members of Chanticleer sing well together - their voices blend very well, and all the tracks on this album showcase their talents marvelously.

This album will surely be a welcome addition to any CD collection. I recommend it highly and unreservedly.

I heard this group live and the first song they did was Dulaman.This was the most intense song I ever heard sung! If you are new to Chanticleer this is where to start. All of their songs were thuroughly researched, and somtimes taken from locals from tours to those countries. Buy it and experience their wonder.

Folk songs come and folk songs go, but this collection is here to stay! Vocally challenging, internationally appealing, and clearly recorded, Chanticleer brings folk music to the forefront with this release. Dulaman, an Irish folk song opens the disc with a great flourish. So much so, that I listened to that track at least 10 times before moving on. Every track on this CD is a winner. I especially appreciate the liner notes for the background information that they include. As a music teacher, this collection is a staple of my library that I will draw upon for many years to come!

One of the most listened to CDs I own and one of the most interesting. Their rendition of Wondrous Love, among others is other-worldly in its performance. As a trained violinist, I appreciate the precision of their intonation, timing and their exquisite blend. I've got a few other of their CDs and this one is by far the best. A beautiful experience from start to finish.

I heard Loch Lomond on our local classical radio station while driving and as soon as I reached home I checked Amazon.com to find the CD. Lovely voices and a nice selection of folk songs from around the world - you have heard most of them but the arrangements and voices on this CD are top notch. I RARELY buy vocal CD's as I enjoy instrumental classical music more but this is a gem.

4. Oy, Polná, Polná Koróbushka

This is the folk song from which that annoying little tune comes in the game Tetris. It is just gorgeous in its original form, though.

5. Brigg Fair

My favorite track in this CD! Just lovely, in a setting by Vaughan Williams, I believe.

6. El Manisero

A jolly little tune, quite familiar from dance bands. the rhythm is irresistible!

12. Loch Lomond

A lovely, luscious arrangement (again, Vaughan Williams, I believe) of "You take the high road, and I'll take the low road." Scottish songs have such a wonderful dignity about them that it is hard to resist giving them a chorale-like treatment such as this one.

14. Arirang

A lovely Korean lullaby, on which Malcolm Sargent based his Christmas carol.

18. Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

Gorgeous! The well-known Japanese tune.

21. L' Amour de Moy

Another lush choral arrangement of a French song. Simply lovely.

Summary: Highly recommended! This will be a collector's item someday.

I'm not normally much of a fan of the all-male, all-voice Chanticleer sound. (I usually find the falsetto sopranos and altos thin and breathy.) But not in this recording! The 23 selections are a wonderful mixture of world-folk music, arranged to highlight the strengths of the group. Quite a number of these pieces will be new to many ears, and are unique and exquisitely performed. This is a great disk!

This album has some great tunes from all over the world, focusing on the USA. It has a nice mix of slow and pensive, and fast and joyous. As always with Chanticleer, it is nothing but pristine harmonies and spot-on pitches. Great listening material, for both background music and more attentive entertainment!