State of Grace

Paul Schwartz

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 10, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 10, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Windham Hill Records
• ASIN: B00004YBZS
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,746 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Veni Redemptor Gentium

2. Amazing Grace

3. Miserere

4. Veni Creator Spiritus

5. Auguries of Innocence, Pt. 1

6. Auguries of Innocence, Pt. 2

7. Be Still My Soul

8. Angelica

9. Simple Gifts

10. State of Grace

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Producer and composer Paul Schwartz thanks many people on State of Grace, but there is one notable exclusion: the 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen. Although these aren't her compositions, echoes of her ecstatic hymns and sequences resound throughout Schwartz's latest electronica-classical opus. He composes his own 21st-century gothic chants, which are sung by the impassioned soprano Lisbeth Scott. Scott is a powerful singer who brings a more emotional, perhaps even lustful, tone to these electro-Gregorian evocations, gliding over synthesizer ministrations and violin from the durable Gavyn Wright. Paul Schwartz was also responsible for the Aria CDs, on which he updated operatic arias with dance beats. State of Grace benefits from the less oppressive rhythmic regimentation, letting these soaring melodies ring out. When Schwartz deviates from his gothic inspirations, State of Grace flags, notably on a predictable rendition of "Amazing Grace," a misguided Celtic take on the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts," and a trio of instrumentals. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Done, June 30, 2001

By	Clarissa "MoonGoddess" (Ontario, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Paul Schwartz, the creator of Aria and Aria 2, has put together yet another masterpiece, this time reaching up into the spiritual realm of heaven. Its sheer brilliance is hypnotic yet religious at the same moment.... I'm a very optimistic person who doesn't put complete faith in anything unless witnessed before the naked eye. But upon each listen of State Of Grace it almost convinces me to yield all guards and simply believe in this greater power, despite my constant doubt. That's how poignant this piece of music is. Step into the cathedral and become a believer.... Lisbeth Scott's lush, airy notes accompanied by light, graceful ambience and classical arrangments (mainly being violin or piano) give off a smooth relaxing elixir of mind trancing ease. Veni Redemptor Gentium, Veni Creators Spiritus, and Angelica are probably the best songs on here, that and the hidden track Miserere which has more of a jazzy feel rather than a choral feel like the original. I also love the modern twist that Schwartz does on Amazing Grace (though many seem to disagree).... The only upbeat song on here, Simple Gifts, is probably the worst song, aside from my likings of the opening celtic drum pipes. The dance swirl just seems too awkward beside this glorious opus.

I suggest sleeping to this cd, for it will snooze you right into dreamland. I recommend this cd, not to religious based seekers, but to anyone looking for something more on the lines of calm tranquility. All in all this is a worthy buy.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What was I thinking?!, January 30, 2004

By	Clarissa "MoonGoddess" (Ontario, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I already wrote a review for this back in 2001. I just wish I would have given it 5 instead of 4 stars. Listening to State Of Grace is a beautiful, uplifting experience that exults the spirit into higher places, and the multi-talented Paul Schwartz has quickly become one of my all-time favorite musicians. He composes and orchestrates all the music while Lisbeth Scott's angelic voice glides like softly felt wings that radiates a deep sense of majesty over the ambient beats and the glorious strings and church choirs that sing their heavenly praises to the mighty forces that we must first believe in order to perceive. But fear not. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this. Just open your mind and, most importantly, your heart and let it wash over you... That's all I ask.

This is now one of my top 20 most cherished albums and that's saying a lot since I currently own over 500 cds!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enhanting and Soul-Calming, January 31, 2006

By	Marion "[e-mail]" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I stumbled upon this CD at my library and was enchanted by the angel on the cover so I checked it out last week. It is an amazing, soothing, calming, meditative, soul-stirring rendition of music. The voices on the songs are lyrical, haunting and mesmerizing.

"Be Still My Soul" is like a musical tranquilizer, a heartfelt, beautiful melody that brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it. It makes me feel as if I'm safely enfolded in God's wings and listening to His heart beating just for me.

I'm eager to find more music like this. I highly recommend this if you love soothing, uplifting music.