Robert Shaw
Renowned as America's greatest conductor of choral music, Mr. Shaw went to Atlanta in 1967 to become Music Director and Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. During his 21 years in that capacity, the ASO grew from a part-time, part-year regional ensemble to become a full-time, year-round orchestra, recognized internationally for its excellence. He led it on tours across the United States, including a 1971 Carnegie Hall debut that became the first of many ASO appearances in that prestigious space. He took the ASO and its Chorus to Washington in 1977 to perform at the Inaugural Concert for President-elect Jimmy Carter, and he led both ensembles on an acclaimed concert tour of Europe in 1988.
The 200-voice Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the smaller ASO Chamber Chorus were his creations. Both were trained to the perfection he demanded and continue to be an important part of the ASO's musical programs -- at home in Atlanta on a regular basis and occasionally on tour as well. The excellence of the ASO Chorus under his direction has been recognized by six Grammy awards for Best Choral performance and by the Georgia Governor's Award in the Arts. Retirement as the ASO's Music Director in 1988 did not bring any lessening of Mr. Shaw's musical activities. As he cut back on his ASO conducting appearances, he was freed to accept more guest engagements and to focus on realizing a cherished dream, the Robert Shaw Choral Institute.
Concentrating, for the first time in 21 years, on choral literature without orchestral accompaniment, he conducted a landmark series of summer festivals in the south of France (and more recently in Greenville, South Carolina) and made a number of recordings with his Robert Shaw Festival Singers. In Atlanta his Robert Shaw Chamber Singers gave an acclaimed series of concerts at Spivey Hall and also made recordings. Another remarkable development of recent years was Mr. Shaw's association with New York's Carnegie Hall, whose annual Robert Shaw Choral Workshops drew choral directors and singers from across the nation for week-long sessions of preparation and study, culminating in performances received with both acclaim and affection. His many other Carnegie Hall concerts included a performance of Handel's Messiah on the 250th anniversary of the work's premiere and, on his own 80th birthday, performances of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 with the Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus, the ASO Chorus and other choral groups. With singers both on stage and ranged around the hall in two tiers of box seats, the number of performers came close to equaling that of the audience.
Robert Lawson Shaw was born in Red Bluff, California, on April 30, 1916. As he liked to remind listeners at his frequent speaking engagements, he came from a line of evangelical preachers, and the family often sang gospel hymns around his mother's piano. Destined for the ministry himself, he majored in religion and philosophy at Pomona College. He was also a student conductor of the college's glee club, which brought him to the attention of radio entertainer Fred Waring. Waring brought the young Shaw to New York and assigned him to form and conduct the Fred Waring Glee Club in weekly broadcasts. Finding his Waring-related activities dealing almost exclusively with popular music, Mr. Shaw began looking for a classical outlet. In 1941 he formed the Collegiate Chorale, an all-volunteer chorus. Quickly noticed for its high standards and its racially integrated membership ("a melting pot that sings"), the group not only sang traditional masterpieces, but also worked with living composers, presenting premiere performances of many new works.
The Chorale eventually came to the notice of Arturo Toscanini, revered conductor of the NBC Symphony, who invited it to perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with his orchestra. After attending a Shaw rehearsal, Toscanini remarked, "I have at last found the maestro I have been looking for." In 1949 he formed the Robert Shaw Chorale, which for two decades reigned as America's premier touring choral group and was sent by the U.S. State Department to 30 countries in Europe, the Soviet Union, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Shaw Chorale began recording as the chorus for opera recordings and then branched out with numerous LP records of its own, in music ranging from Broadway and folk favorites to the great milestones of the classical choral literature. With these recordings, Mr. Shaw won the first four of his 14 Grammy awards. During this period, he also worked to perfect his orchestral conducting, serving as Music Director of the San Diego Symphony for four years and then as Associate Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, working closely with George Szell for eleven years before accepting his appointment with the Atlanta Symphony. Throughout his career, Mr. Shaw received abundant recognition for his work. His honors include degrees and citations from 40 U.S. colleges and universities, England's Gramophone Award, a Gold Record for the first RCA classical recording to sell more than a million copies, four ASCAP Awards for service to contemporary music, the first Guggenheim Fellowship ever awarded to a conductor, the Alice M. Ditson Award for service to contemporary music, the George Peabody Medal for outstanding contributions to music in America, and the Gold Baton Award of the American Symphony Orchestra League for distinguished service to music and the arts. He was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the National Council on the Arts, and he was a 1991 recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, the nation's highest honor to artists "who, through a lifetime of accomplishment, have enriched American life by their achievement in the performing arts." The following year he was awarded the National Medal of Arts in a White House ceremony.
He was the 1993 recipient of the Conductors' Guild Theodore Thomas Award, in
recognition of outstanding life achievement in conducting as well as his contributions
to the education and training of young conductors. In 1997, the French government
awarded him its medal as "Officier des Arts et des Lettres." Last September,
Mr. Shaw was Guest Artistic Director at the Kennedy Center for the National
Symphony Orchestra's two-week Beethoven Festival, leading performances of the
Missa solemnis, Choral Fantasy and Ninth Symphony. Immediately thereafter, he
was called to step in for the ailing Seiji Ozawa to conduct the Ninth Symphony
for the gala opening concert of the Boston Symphony¼s season. In October he
was inducted in the American Classical Music Hall of Fame
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Dear People... The Fred Waring Glee Club The Collegiate Chorale: "A Melting Pot That Sings" Choral Renaissance in America The White-hot Years The Robert Shaw Chorale Back to California Cleveland's Orchestra and Chorus The RSC in Russia and South America Recordings and Arrangements Phoenix in Atlanta Atlanta and the Cultural Explosion The Second Battle of Atlanta "Our Yard of Space - in Our Inch of Time" |
Few American Musicians have touched more people in more ways than Robert Shaw. In Dear People, Joseph Mussulman deftly places Shaw and his career against the backdrop of developments in American musical history since the 1940s. What emerges most powerfully is the character of Shaw himself. Dear People Chronicles the career of a remarkable man and a gifted musician, whose foremost conviction is that "to be an artist is not the privilege of a few but the necessity of us all."
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O Vos Omnes (Tomas Luis de Victoria) A New Commandment (Thomas Tallis) Vinea Mea Electra (Francis Poulenc) Videntes Stellam (Francis Poulenc) Dieu! Quil La Fait Bon Regarder! (Claude Debussy) Waldesnacht (Johannes Brahms) Abendstandchen (Johannes Brahms) Heavenly Light (Alexander Kopylov) Svete Tikhyi (Sergei Rachmaninoff) Vzbrannoy Boyevode (Sergei Rachmaninoff) Ride On, King Jesus (Traditional) Sometimes I Feel Like A Moaning Dove (Traditional) Same Train (Traditional) In A Garden Shady (Benjamin Britten) Ave Maria (Giuseooe Verdi) Magnificat (Arvo Part) Kyrie (Frank Martin) |
Since his death in 1999, Robert Shaw continues to be revered by American choral directors and music lovers, and his recorded interpretations are regarded as the gold standard among all those available. His numerous Grammy Awards attest to the regard in which he was held by his fellow musicians. This collection of seventeen choral selections are in recognition of Shaw’s stellar body of work and were recorded during his last decade. These tracks are considered the best of the best, exquisite examples of the deep spiritual rapport Shaw achieved with unaccompanied choruses. One piece, the Verdi “Ave Maria,” is performed by his 200-voice Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus in one of their rare opportunities to engage in a cappella singing. The remaining sixteen tracks were recorded by the smaller ensembles he formed in his final years—the Robert Shaw Festival Singers, who performed and recorded at his summer choral festivals in the south of France, and the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers, which brought together the best of his Atlanta voices for concerts and recordings during the winter months.
Listen to "Same Train" in RealAudio.
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"Gloria all'Egitto" from Aida (Giuseppe Verdi) "Agnus Dei" from Requiem (Gabriel Faure) "Magnificat anima mea" from Magnificat (Johann Sebastian Bach) "In taberna quando sumus" from Carmina burana (Carl Orff) II. (Psalm 23-Psalm 2:1-4) from Chichester Psalms (Leonard Bernstein) "Laudamus Te" from Gloria (Francis Poulenc) "Kyrie" from Mass No. 2 in G Major (Franz Schubert) "Tui Nati vulnerati" from Stabat Mater (Antonin Dvorak) "Te Deum" from Four Sacred Pieces (Giuseppe Verdi) "Sing to God" from The Creation (Franz Joseph Haydn) "Osanna in excelsis" from Mass in B Minor (Johann Sebastian Bach) "Cum Sancto Spiritu" from Gloria (Antonio Vivaldi) "Selig sind die Toten" from Ein deutsches Requiem (Johannes Brahms) |
There is an abundance of
great choral music in the world. This compilation by Robert Shaw leading the
Atlanta Symphony and Choruses is some of the best, from the opening movement
of J.S. Bach's Magnificat to the "Intaberna quando sumus" from Orff's Carmina
Burana. These pieces are triumphant and glorious and as always beautifully performed
by this highly acclaimed group of musicians. It is hard to pick the favorites
among the best, but this is a good place to start.
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Totus Tuus, Op. 60 Magnificat I. Kyrie II. Gloria III. Credo IV. Sanctus V. Agnus Dei Agnus Dei Friede Auf Erden |
This CD is a collection
of the most spiritually enlightening, and uplifting contemporary music of our
time -- brilliantly interpreted by Robert Shaw and the Robert Shaw Festival
Singers. Selections include Barber's Agnus Dei, a vocal arrangement by the composer
of the hauntingly beautiful Adagio For Strings and Arvo Part's Magnificat. These
contemporary sacred pieces will feed your spirit.
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The power and majesty of these essential choral classics brillianty shine in these performances by The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Choruses and the Robert Shaw Festival Singers. The 17 monumental pieces from such greats as Verdi, Duruflé, Orff, Mozart, Borodin, Bach, Handel, Berlioz, Fauré, Haydn and Rachmaninoff are taken from thier greatest works. The drama and power of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah" is here along side other greats such as The Shepherd's Farwell from Berlioz's "L'enfance du Christ" and the rousing chorus Va pensiero from Verdi's "Nabucco." Amazing! Songlist
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Hymn To St. Cecilia, Op. 27 Hymn To St. Cecilia, Op. 27 Hymn To St. Cecilia, Op. 27 Dieu! Qu'il La Fait Bon Regarder! Quant J'ai Ouy Le Tabourin Yver, Vous N'estes Qu'un Villain Nicolette Trois Beaux Oiseaux Du Paradis Ronde Un Soir De Neige La Nuit En Mer La Complainte Des Ames Soir D'ete I Hate And I Love |
The great contribution of
Robert Shaw to choral music has brought the listener to expect that nearly any
recording or live performance under Shaw's direction will be thoroughly stunning,
refreshing and performed with remarkable musical insight. On Appear and Inspire,
Robert Shaw and the Robert Shaw Festival Singers give exactly this kind of performance
of Argento's "I Hate and I Love", Debussy's "Trois Chansons", Poulenc's "Un
Soir de Neige", Badings "Trois Chansons Bretonnes", Britten's "Hymn to St. Cecilia"
and Ravel's "Trois Chansons."
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One of the members of Les Six, a group of avante garde French composers, Francis Poulenc was one of the twentieth century's most notable composers of sacred choral music. Much of this dynamic music is gentle with a mystic sense of simplicity. There are often passages with a rocking alternation of chords with false harmonic relations. Selections from this wonderful recording by then Robert Shaw Festival Singers include the Mass in G major, Four Short Prayers of Saint Francis as well as motets for Christmas and Penitence. The music of Poulenc is must for any collection. Songlist
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Die Nacht Die Nachtigall Wehmuth Der Gondelfahrer Mondenschein Nachthelle Das Dorfchen Die Einsiedelei Sehnsucht Grab Und Mond Fruhlingsgesang Liebe Widerspruch An Den Fruhling La Pastorella Standchen Der Entfernten |
In addition to his many solo songs, Franz Schubert wrote about one hundred male quartets and choruses. These part songs, like their solo counterparts, use texts by the great poets, like Goethe and Schiller, and have equally beautiful melodies. The popularity of these pieces was due to the development of music making by the middle class. Small public concerts, given in taverns or peoples homes, were places that the songs would be performed. Schubert was often requested to compose these part-songs for the occasions. Among the all male songs is the gem "Standchen" which is scored for alto and male chorus with piano accompaniment. The men of the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers perform these rarely heard pieces with great beauty and lyricism. The songs on this CD are a cappella, with a few having guitar or piano accompaniment. The CD features guest soloists tenors Karl Dent and Richard Clement and mezzo-soprano Martha Hart.
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To God Our Strength Come Away To The Skies Wondrous Love God Is Seen Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal Bright Canaan Amazing Grace His Voice As The Sound I Will Arise Saints Bound For Heaven Ride On, King Jesus Poor Mourner Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Dere's No Hidin' Place My God Is A Rock Sometimes I Feel Like A Moanin' Dove I Got Shoes Soon One Morinin' Same Train Lord, If I Got My Ticket |
The legendary choral arranging team of Robert Shaw and Alice Parker has given us some great music through the years. They have long been involved with the sacred hymns and spirituals of America, from the southern shape-note hymns to the African American spiritual. Amazing Grace is a compilation of these sacred songs. Selections include, "Wondrous Love," "Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal" and "Sometimes I Feel Like a Moanin' Dove." Originally heard on previous recordings by the Robert Shaw Chorale, these up dated versions by the Festival Singers are just as wonderful and uplifting.
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Gregorian Chant: Stabat Mater Dolorosa Stabat Mater - Poulenc Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart RequiemIV - Mozart Requiem Op. 48 - Faure Requiem Op. 9 - Durufle Mass In G Major - Poulenc Quattro Pezzi Sacri - Verdi Un Soir De Neige - Poulenc Elegiac Song - Beethoven When Lilacs Last In The Moonlight Dooryard Bloom'd - Hindemith Schicksalslied - Brahms Friede Auf Erden - Schoenberg |
This recording presents a poignant compilations disc of songs, laments, chants, and single movements from large sacred works—all conducted by the late Robert Shaw—that evoke peace, reflection and remembrance. All of the thirteen tracks in this beautiful collection are taken from a wide variety of previously released recordings made for Telarc by the late Robert Shaw, the Dean of American choral conductors. The featured compositions include single movements from large works for chorus and orchestra (such as the Requiems of Mozart, Faure, and Durufle) as well as works for unaccompanied voices (such as the "Ave Maria" from Quattro Pezzi Sacri by Verdi.) The recording opens with the serene sounds of Gregorian chant: six verses of the Stabat Mater dolorosa, followed by the "Fac ut ardeat" movement from the Stabat Mater by Poulenc. Secular works featured on Elegy include Beethoven's Elegiac Song; the Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) by Brahms; a movement from Hindemith's poignant When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd; and the "Bois muertri" from Poulenc's Un soir de neige (Night of Snow). The recording closes, fittingly, with Schoenberg's eloquent a cappella choral work, Friede auf Erden (Peace on Earth).
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A classic recording remastered. In arrangements by Robert Russell Bennett, the Robert Shaw Chorale sings patriotic favorites with the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra. Selections include a medley from the Civil War of songs from both North and South, a medley from the Revolutionary War and a Service Songs Medley. A great recording with or without fireworks. Songlist
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Mefistofele: Prologue Mass In G Major: Agnus Dei Mass In C minor, K.427: Kyrie Christ On The Mount of Olives: Hallelujah Vespers: Bless The Lord, O My Soul Requiem, Op. 9: Sanctus Te Deum, Op. 103: Te Deum Laudamus Gloria: Et In Terra Pax Magnificat: Suscepit Israel Requiem, Op 48: Pie Jesu Requiem, Libera Me Cavalleria Rusticana: Regina Coeli Mass No. 2 In G Major:Benedictus Requiem Op. 5: Rex Tremendae Symphony No. 8: Finale |
This compilation features
sacred choral classics from some of histories greatest composers. The baroque
era is represented by Vivaldi's Gloria and J.S. Bach's Magnificat; the classical
and romantic periods include selections from Mozart's Requiem, and the Verdi
and Berlioz Requiems; and the twentieth century is well-represented with selections
from the Poulenc Mass in G Major, the Durufle Requiem, and Mahler's Symphony
No. 8, the "Symphony of a Thousand." Operatic selections include pieces by Arrigo
Boito (the "Prologue" from Mephistofele), and Pietro Mascagni (the "Regina coeli"
from Cavalleria rusticana). Also contributing to the dramatic sense of contrast
on this recording is the juxtapositioning of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
and Chorus with the ethereal, a capella sounds of the Shaw Festival Singers,
who are highlighted in "Bless the Lord, O my soul," from Rachmaninoff's Vespers;
and in the "Agnus Dei" from the Poulenc Mass in G Major.
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Gloria In Excelsis Mass In B Minor: Sanctus Messiah: And Suddenly Their Was The Angel-Glory To God The Creation: Awake The Harp Mass No. 2 In G Major: Gloria Missa Solemnis: Gloria Requim: Sanctus Heavenly Light Te Deum: Aeterna Fac Vespers: Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu (Glory To God In The Highest) Requiem: Sanctus Mass In G Major: Gloria Alleluia Mass: Sanctus Magnificat |
Showcasing works from the
preeminent composers of Western classical music, such as Schubert, Vivaldi and
Bach, this recording is a compilation drawn from Robert Shaw's vast canon. Mr.
Shaw, who recently died, was one of the most famous and recognized choral directors
of modern day, and his association with the Atlanta Symphony and Chorus was
a prolific one. These accompanied selections, on sacred and religious themes,
are grand, dramatic and ornate. One of the most affecting is Beethoven's "Missa
Solemnis: Gloria," which captures the intense emotion that heralded the
beginning of the Romantic era.
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Hallelujah Ave Verum Corpus Kyrie Eleison The Shepherds Lift Thine Eyes to the Mountains Dona Nobis Pacem Hallelujah Sanctus Bogoroditse Devo Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen The Heavens Are Telling Rex Tremendae |
A "Greatest Hits" collection of some of the Chorus's most popular pieces.
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Recorded in 1966, Robert Shaw's Grammy Award-winning performance of Handel's Messiah marks an important turning-point in this work's interpretation, clearly moving away from the ponderous, overly reverential style of early twentieth century renditions and pointing toward the leaner versions of the 1970s onwards, which follow Baroque-period practices. Shaw employed a small orchestra that complemented the vocal soloists with a light, transparent string sound -- complete with an audible continuo of harpsichord and cello -- and he eschewed reinforcing wind parts in all but the choruses. Ornamentation is cleanly and tastefully applied, and Shaw's tempi are usually brisk and propulsive, with sparing use of ritardandi; even then, there is always a firm rhythmic thrust to his cadences. Soprano Judith Raskin, contralto Florence Kopleff, tenor Richard Lewis, and bass Thomas Paul are equally matched in expressive depth and vocal strength, and the Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra is consistently motivated and responsive to the conductor's fluid direction. Evenly divided between two discs, this recording of Messiah is complete, and it is preferred over RCA's 1992 excerpt album The Great Choruses from Messiah.
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This digitally remastered reissue of a classic lp gives us some of the most beloved music of all time, the Great Choruses from Handel's Messiah. From this masterpiece comes such glorious and dramatic pieces, such as, "And the Glory of the Lord," "For Unto Us a Child Is Born," "Their Sound Is Gone Out Into All Lands," "Hallelujah" and finishing with "Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain." As with all the CDs associated with Robert Shaw that we carry in our catalog, "Great Choruses" is a powerful, wonderfully performed work of art! Songlist
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Robert Shaw leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in some of opera's most beloved choruses. This assortment ranges from the immensely popular "Va pensiero" from Nabucco to the tragic end of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. Other selections include "Regina Coeli" from Cavalleria Rusticana and the "Anvil Chorus" from Il Trovatore. These choruses provide comic relief, enhance the plot or give voice to the desire for freedom. With guest soloists, soprano Christine Brewer, tenor Karl Dent and bass Kevin Maynor, this incredible chorus gives first rate performances of the grand and glorious from the stage.
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The Faure Requiem was begun in 1886 and finished in the first weeks of 1888. Unlike other requiems, this piece has no sense of doom or angst. It expresses no fear of death, but rather depicts the reaching for eternal happiness. Warm and comforting, this work is a rare gem in the French repertoire. Durufle's greatest known work was his Requiem written in 1947. At the time it was commissioned, Durufle was composing a suite for organ solo based on the Gregorian chants of the Mass for the Dead. It was this suite that was expanded and transformed to become the requiem. The insightful interpretation and superb performance of these requiems by Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus is unmatched. This release received a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Classical Recording.
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A Mighty Fortress is Our God Ave Maria The Lost Chord Panis Angelicus Nearer, My God, To Thee The Holy City Ave Maria Kol Nidre Were You There? Sleepers, Wake |
The legendary Robert Shaw
conducts sacred songs on this remastered recording from 1964. The Robert Shaw
Chorale with orchestra and organ sing such selections as the triumphant "A Mighty
Fortress Is Our God," the spiritual "Were You There?," arranged by Alice Parker
and both the Shubert and Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria." The orchestral arrangements
were done by Robert Russell Bennett. This is a classic!
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Blow the Man Down Bound for the Rio Grande Lowlands Whup! Jamboree Tom's Gone to Hilo A-Roving Good-bye, Fare Ye Well What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor The Shaver Stormalong, John Swansea Town Haul Away, Joe Shenandoah Santy Anna The Drummer and the Cook Spanish Ladies |
Recorded in 1960, under the direction of one of the foremost conductors
of the modern age these songs of the sea are sung with great gusto by the Men
of the Robert Shaw Chorale. The 16 shanties, arranged by Robert Shaw and his
frequent associate, Alice Parker, are stirring and invigorating, as was indeed
their purpose, as many of them supplied the rhythmic accompaniment for hard
manual labor. Slower tasks required a commensurate meter: "Shenandoah" and "Lowlands"
are typical examples. Finally, in their down time, sailors would sing for entertainment,
often recalling exotic ports-of-call, and romanticizing their adventures ("Swansea
Town," "Santy Anna"). Four songs have acoustic guitar.
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Ring De Banjo Beautiful Dreamer Gentle Annie Way Down In Ca-i-ro My Old Kentuky Home Old Black Joe Dolcy Jones Thou Art The Queen Of My Song Old Folks At Home Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming Oh! Susanna Gentle Lena Clare Nelly Bly Some Folks Laura Lee Camptown Races Steal Away Nobody Knows (Duh Trouble I See) I Want To Die Easy Dere's No Hidin' Place |
From RCA's "Living Stereo"
series, this re-issue of Stephen Foster compositions and Negro spirituals was
recorded in 1958 and 1961. Mr. Shaw treats this material with sensitivity and
respect, a respect that was obviously shared by Stephen Foster for the pre-Civil
War South. Foster did not defer to a European classical model for his inspiration
or precedent. Songs such as "Beautiful Dreamer," "Oh Susanna" and "Nelly Bly"
are powerful because of their elegant simplicity, not in spite of it. Likewise,
the mournful expression of "I Want To Die Easy" speaks louder than any history
book. Frequently a cappella, but with some banjo and guitar accompaniment.
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Led by master conductor and composer Robert Shaw, the RS Festival Singers perform 40 of Brahm's songs, lightly piano-accompanied and under three headings: "Lebeslieder-Walzer, Op. 52, Neue Liebeslieder-Walzer, Op. 65, and Sieben Abendlieder. The large, extensive liner notes have all the lyrics. We particularly liked "Liebeslieder-Walzer" cuts 1, 5, 6, 11, and 14, "Neue Liebeslieder-Walzer Op. 65, cuts19, 21, 23, 26, 30 and 31, and "Sieben Abendlieder" cuts 34, 37, 38 and 40. As with all Robert Shaw CDs, this one is elegantly arranged, beautifully sung and perfectly directedÑgreat material, wonderfully performed!
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Avenging And Bright Wearin' Of The Green The Croppy Boy Silent, O Moyle Sing, Sing 'Tis Pretty To Be In Balinderry My Gentle Harp Johnny, I Hardly Knew You The Minstrel Boy I Know Where I'm Goin' Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded? The Girl I Left Behind Me A Ballynure Ballad To Ladies' Eyes We May Roam Through This World The Parting Glass |
Sometimes sprightly, sometimes
pensive, but always graceful, these traditional Irish songs are given a refined
treatment by the Robert Shaw Chorale. The Alice Parker arrangements are simple,
merely fleshing out the melodies, but the full, resonant tone of this famous
classical ensemble lends elegance as well. A mixed chorale, but soloists are
featured on some tracks, as suggested by the text. Styles have changed since
1968, when this was originally released, but songs such as "The Girl I Left
Behind Me" and "The Parting Glass" have a timeless flavor. With some Irish
harp accompaniment.
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O Thou Who Art Unchangeable Lord Jesus Christ, Who Suffered All Life Long Father In Heaven, Well We Know That It Is Thou Father In Heaven! Hold Not Our Sins Up Against Us Part I Part II Part III Agnus Dei Beat! Beat! Drums! Reconciliation Dirge For Two Veterans Angel Of Death O Man Greatly Beloved |
Barber's Prayers of Kierkegaard was commissioned by the Koussevitsky Foundation in 1942, but the composer did not complete the work until January, 1954. It is a setting, in the form of a single-movement cantata, of four prayers by the Danish theologian and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855). Robert Shaw gave the American premiere of Bartók's Cantata Profana at Carnegie Hall in 1952. For this recording, he has used a refined version of the English translation of the text he made for that premiere performance. Vaughan Williams's Dona Nobis Pacem was intended as a warning of the threat of war in Europe in the mid-1930s. The texts are taken from the poetry of Walt Whitman, the Bible, the Latin Mass, and from a speech made in the British House of Commons during the Crimean War in the 1850s by John Bright.
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Priidite, Poklonimsya-Come, Let Us Worship Blagoslovi, Dushe Moya-Bless The Lord, O My soul Blazhen Muzh-Blessed Be The Man Svete Tikhyi-O Serene Light Nyne Otpushchayeshi-Now Let Thy Servant Depart Bogoroditsye Devo, Raduisya-Rejoice O Virgin Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu-Glory To God In The Highest Khvalite Imya Gospondene-Praise The Name Of The Lord Blagosloven Yesi, Gospodi-Blessed Art Thou, O Lord Voskreseniye Khristove Videvshe-Having Seen the Resurrection Of The Lord Velichit Dusha Moya Gospoda-My Soul Magnifies The Lord Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu-Glory To God In The Highest Dnes Spaseniye Miru Byst-Troparia Of The Day Of Salvation Voskres Iz Groba-Christ Is Risen From The Grave-Troparia Of The Resurrection Vzbrannoy Voyevode-Thanksgiving To The Mother Of God |
Vespers is a musical setting
for a night-long service celebrated in Russian monasteries and Russian orthodox
churches. Written at the height of Rachmaninoff's compositional powers, the
Vespers setting is considered to be the finest of his sacred works. This lush
and beautiful composition for unaccompanied voices, in an eloquent performance
by Robert Shaw and his talented festival chorus, is captured dramatically by
Telarc in the spacious acoustic of the Church of St. Pierre, Gramat, France.
This recording won a Grammy award in 1990.
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Ubi caritas from Four Gregorian Moets, Op. 10 - Maurice Durafie Lu, aetmerna from Requiem, Op. 9 - Durafie Sanctus from Requiem, Op. 9 - Gabriel Faure O magnum mysterium - Morten Lauridsen Ave verum corpus, K.618 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Kyie from Mass No. 2, D.167 in G major - Franz Schubert How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place (Wie lieblich sind deine Wohungen) from A German Requiem, Op. 45 - Johannes Brahms Lift Thine Eyes to the Mountains from Elijah - Felix Mendelssohn He Watching Over Isreal from Elijah - Mendelssohn Make me to weep lovingly with you (Spraw niech placze z Toba razem) Take Time To Be Holy - Traditional Abide with Me; 'Tis Eventide - Harrison Millard Rejoice, O Virgin (Bogoroditsye Devo, Raduisya) from Vespers (All-Night Vigil) - Sergei Rachmaninoff Pie Jesu from Requiem, Op. 48 - Faure Fount of Every Blessing (excerpt) - Traditional: Come, Thou Sanctus from Requiem, Op. 5 - Hector Berlioz |
Telarc Records delves into its vault of treasured Robert Shaw recordings to re-release music that is cherished by choral enthusiasts worldwide. The Shaw catalog is near and dear to the heart of Robert Woods, president of Telarc, who handles the late conductor’s legacy with great reverence. "Sacred" brings together works performed by not only Shaw and the amazing Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, but also the legendary Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Both choral entities have garnered numerous GRAMMY Awards for Telarc.
| 8530 CD $15.95 |
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Thomas Tallis : If Ye Love Me A New Commandment Tomas Luis De Victoria : O Vos Omnes O Magnum Mysterium M. Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium F. Poulenc : O Magnum Mysterium S. Rachmaninoff : Praise The Name of The Lord F. Schubert : Der Entfernten American Hymns and Spirituals : Wondrous Love Amazing Grace Sometimes I feel Like a Moanin' Dove H. Gorecki: Totus Tuus, OP. 60 |
From the Robert Shaw Festival
Singers and Chamber Singers comes this compilation of recordings which reflect
the deeply spiritual nature of their founder. Many of these pieces have never
before been released. You will find classic works by Tallis, Poulenc, Rachmaninoff,
Schubert, and others in addition to several hymns sung by some of the most beautiful
voices of the time. This is glorious full choral splendor!
| 6492 CD $15.98 |
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Disc One: Requiem & Kyrie Dies irae 1. Dies irae 2. Tuba mirum 3. Mors stupebit 4. Liber scriptus 5. Quid sum miser 6. Rex tremendae 7. Recordare 8. Ingemisco 9. Confutatis 10. Lacrimosa Offertory Sanctus |
Disc Two: Agnus Dei Lux aeterna Libera me 1. Libera me 2. Dies irae 3. Requiem aeternam 4. Libera me Operatic Choruses: "Spuntato ecco" from Don Carlos "Patria oppressa!" from Macbeth "Fuoco di gioia" from Otello "Va pensiero" from Nabucco "Gloria all'Egitto" from Aida |
Having given his lifetime experience and mastery to the great repertory of the choral literature, Robert Shaw addresses one of the greatest challenges of all—Verdi's greatest choral masterwork, the Requiem. Combining a succession of thrilling solo arias, duets and ensembles with some of the most inspiring writing for chorus, the great Italian master produced a unique tribute to the memory of one whom he regarded as a virtual saint: poet and novelist Alexander Manzoni. Balancing the devotional with the theatrical requires the utmost care, but care must also be taken to involve the listener in a continually unfolding drama. Robert Shaw, his expert singers, chorus, and orchestra, have achieved this. But there is more to offer on this superb album. Shaw has set down his interpretation of some of the best-known choruses from five of Verdi's major works—Macbeth, Don Carlo, Otello, Aida and especially, the well-loved Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco.
| 7535 CD $15.95 |
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God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Angels We Have Heard on High O Come, O Come Emmanuel How Unto Bethlehem? The Boar's Head Carol O Tannenbaum Masters in This Hall My Dancing Day Away in a Manger Good Christian Men, Rejoice The Holly and the Ivy Good King Wenceslas Wassail Song Bring a Torch, Jeannete, Isabella Fum, Fum, Fum Mary Had a Baby Hacia Belen va un borrico Christ Was Born on Christmas Day March of the Kings Coventry Carol Deck the Halls The Cherry Tree Carol We Three Kings of Orient Are Touro-louro-louro! So Blest a Sight I Saw Three Ships What Child Is This? Susanni In the Bleak Midwinter |
Twenty-nine carols arranged
by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker, and sung by the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers.
Many English, but some French, Spanish, Italian, German and the occasional American
carols are included. Christmas was an adaptation of various pagan celebrations,
an influence that can certainly be discerned in carols such as "Masters In This
Hall," the sprightly rhythms of which are not meant to be listened to sitting
down. This is a great selection of some of the world's best holiday songs.
| 6227 CD $15.98 |
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O Come, Emmanuel Alleluia The First Nowell The Carol Of The Birds Allon, Gay Bergeres A Hymn To The Virgin O Magnum Mysterium Rejoice and Sing, from "Christmas Oratorio" Ave Maria What Is This Lovely Fragrance? Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming Sing Lullaby While By My Sheep Break Forth, O Wondrous Heavenly Light, from "Christmas Oratorio" Heavenly Light Adeste Fideles Ceremony Of Carols |
The more modern and esoteric of Shaw's Christmas recordings, featuring the "Ceremony Of Carols," a modern suite by Benjamin Britten, comprising 11 tracks, and highlighting two soloists and harp. The contemporary composer, Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" is also included; its simple and graceful melody floats ethereally by. Biebl's "Ave Maria," with its distinctive major/minor tension, Praetorius' "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming," and Howell's "Sing Lullaby" are other gems, most of which are arranged by Shaw and Alice Parker. The sprightly "Allon, Gay Bergeres" and "While By My Sheep" suggest caroling from door-to-door, the crisp crunch of snow underfoot and rosy-cheeked smiles for all!
Listen to "While By My Sheep" in Real Audio.
| 6233 CD $15.98 |
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Traditional: Good Christian Men, Rejoice Mohr-Gruber: Silent Night Traditional: Patapan O Come, All Ye Faithfu Latin Hymn: O Sanctissima Joy To the World Away in A Manger Fum Fum Fum March of the Kings What Child Is This? Wesley-Mendelssohn: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Angels We Have Heard On High Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella J.S. Bach: Break Forth, O Beauteous Heav'nly Light The First Nowell O Little Town of Bethlehem I Saw Three Ships Deck the Halls |
We don’t need to recount Robert Shaw’s credentials as a group leader and director of the Fred Waring Glee Club and The Robert Shaw Chorale, or his list of awards, Grammys, ASCAPs, etc. over his 50+ year career, do we? Good. So, if you were director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and recording a Christmas CD, what kind would it be? Powerful, monumental and classic of course! We have 18 mostly traditional carols here, "Good Christian Men, Rejoice," "Silent Night," "Patapan," "Fum Fum Fum," "March of the Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "The First Nowell," "I Saw Three Ships," "Deck The Halls," etc., along with the Latin hymn "O Sanctissima," Wesley-Mendelssohn’s "Hark!," and Bach’s "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light." All arrangements are by Robert Russell Bennett. Majestic, triumphant Christmas music!
| 6519 CD $15.98 |
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Medley - Good Christian Men, Rejoice; Silent Night; Patapan; O Come, All Ye Faithful It Came Upon The Midnight Clear O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Shepard's Carol Go, Tell It On The Mountain Medley - O Sanctissima; Joy To The World; Away In A Manger; Fum, Fum, Fum; March Of The Kings I Wonder As I Wander We Three Kings My Dancing Day Shaw / Parker Medley - What Child Is This?; Hark! The Herald Angles Sing; Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella; Angles We Have Heard On High Coventry Carol God Rest You Merry, Gentlemenr Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming Carol Of The Bells Medley - Break Forth, O Beauteous Heaventy Light; The First Nowell; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; I Saw Three Ships; Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly |
The remastered A Festival of Carols by the Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra, originally recorded in 1957 and 1963, is a timeless classic. It includes four of Robert Russell Bennett's medleys and beautiful a cappella versions of holiday favorites many of which are by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. Selections include, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "My Dancing Day" and "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." This CD will keep your spirits up all season long.
| 6661 CD $15.95 |
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Volume 1: A German Requiem (Johannes Brahms) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Sylvia McNair, Soprano Samuel Ramey, Bass Carnegie Hall Centenniel Chorus Robert Shaw Festival Singers Volume 2: Missa Solemnis (Ludvig van Beethoven) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Benita Valente, Soprano Florence Quivar, Mezzo-Soprano Neil Rosenheim, Tenor Alastair Miles, Bass Robert Shaw Festival Chorus Robert Shaw Festival Singers |
This DVD provides a rare opportunity to witness two sessions of Carnegie Hall's Robert Shaw Choral Workshop program, featuring rehearsals and portions of performances of Brahm's A German Requiem and Beethoven's Missa solemnis conducted by the legendary Robert Shaw. Follow Maestro Shaw from his initial meeting with the musicians, through the rehearsal prrocess, to the final concert in Carnegie Hall's Isaac Stern Auditorium. Also includedin the DVD are Maestro Shaw's invaluable insights into interpretive and performance challenges raised by these two choral masterpieces. The Preparing A Masterpiece video series on the Robert Shaw workshops at Carnegie Hall provides an in-depth look at Maestro Shaw's preparation for performances of choral masterpieces. THese workshops inaugurated the Professional Training Workshops, which continue to this day.
| 9876 DVD $24.95 |
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Volume 3 Requiem (Hector Berlioz) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Karl Dent, Tenor Robert Shaw Festival Chorus Robert Shaw Institute Singers of the Ohio State University Volume 4 War Requiem (Benjamin Britten) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Christine Goerke, Soprano Richard Clement, Tenor Benjamin Luxon, Baritone Robert Shaw Festival Chorus Robert Shaw Institute Singers American Boychoir James Litton, Music Director |
Parts 3 and 4 of an 8 part series wherein Robert Shaw walks the viewer through his preparatory and performance techniques. The demonstrative masterpieces on this DVD are Requiem by Hector Berlioz, and War Requiem by Benjamin Britten. Featuring guest vocals by American Boychoir, Robert Shaw Festival Chorus and Institute and more!
| 9877 DVD $24.95 |
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Volume 5 When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd: A Requiem "For Those We Love" (Paul Hindesmith) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Marietta Simpson, Mezzo-Soprano William Stone, Baritone Robert Shaw Festival Chorus Robert Shaw Choral Institute Singers Volume 6 Requiem, Ave Maria, and Stabat mater (Giuseppe Verdi) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Sharon Sweet, Soprano Florence Quivar, Mezzo-Soprano Jerry Hadley, Tenor Alastair Miles, Bass Robert Shaw Festival Chorus Robert Shaw Choral Institute Singers |
Parts 5 and 6 of an 8 part series wherein Robert Shaw walks the viewer through his preparatory and performance techniques. The demonstrative masterpieces on this DVD are When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd: A Requiem "For Those We Love" by Paul Hindesmith, and Requiem, Ave Maria, and Stabat mater by Giuseppe Verdi. Featuring guest vocals by Robert Shaw Festival Chorus and more!
| 9878 DVD $24.95 |
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Volume 7 Elijah (Felix Mendelssohn) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Dominique LaBelle, Soprano Marietta Simpson, Mezzo-Soprano Richard Clement, Tenor Thomas Hampson, Baritone Robert Shaw Festival Chorus Volume 8 The Creation and The Seasons (Joseph Haydn) Orchestra of St. Luke's Robert Shaw, Conductor Dominique LaBelle, Soprano Sylvia McNair, Soprano Richard Clement, Tenor Nathan Berg, Bass-Baritone Nathan Gunn, Baritone Robert Shaw Festival Chorus |
The final parts of an 8 part series wherein Robert Shaw walks the viewer through his preparatory and performance techniques. The demonstrative masterpieces on this DVD are Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn and The Creation and The Seasons by Joseph Haydn. Guest vocals by Dominique LaBelle, Robert Shaw Festival Chorus and more!
| 9879 DVD $24.95 |
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Allon, Gay Bergeres |
Twenty-four carols arranged by the eminent choral director Robert Shaw and the respected Alice Parker. Shaw-Parker arrangements are famous and recorded by everyone, including Shaw's various ensembles. Described as a mixed voice collection, these twenty-four carols have varying voicings, with frequent solo opportunities. There are also a few tenor/bass charts. Most have piano for rehearsal.
| 6230 SONGBOOK $9.98 |
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O Come, O Come Emmanuel |
All a cappella SATB arrangements by two of the best.
| 9106 SONGBOOK $5.98 |
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This joyful Eastertide |
Taken from the first arrangements on which Robert Shaw and Alice Parker collaborated, these titles were selected from hundreds of familiar and forgotten works for their musical and poetic excellence. The arrangements were made as simple as possible in order to let the words shine through the choral tone and texture while achieving variety from changes in voicing in a constant effort to reflect the most subtle articulations of the text. The earliest song in this collection is the ancient chant "Christ the Lord Hath Risen." Other familiar hymns come from the sacred tradition: "The Strife is O'er," and "O Sons and Daughters." The re-telling of the Easter story, and the joy of the Easter season, should shine forth through the singing of these songs. Listen, re-enact and give voice to the central mystery, in order that all who hear may join the celebration.
| 9128 SONGBOOK $3.50 |
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Traditional: Good Christian Men, Rejoice Mohr-Gruber: Silent Night Traditional: Patapan O Come, All Ye Faithfu |
This book includes the arrangements from the first suite of 'The Many Moods of Christmas,' with piano accompaniment, featured on CD with the same title, performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Robert Shaw.
| 9105 BOOK $4.95 |
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O Sanctissima |
This book includes all arrangements from the second suite, with piano accompaniment, featured on CD with the same title, performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Robert Shaw.
| 6568 SONGBOOK $4.95 |
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What Child Is This? |
This book includes all arrangements from the third suite, with piano accompaniment, featured on CD with the same title, performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Robert Shaw.
| 6569 SONGBOOK $4.95 |
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