Joseph Jennings

Review: With its seamless blend of twelve male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, the San Francisco-based ensemble Chanticleer, celebrates the life of their founder Louis I. Botto on the 10th anniversary of his death. Five composers create a mass that evolves organically, as if written by one hand and the ensemble brings it to life. Using Gregorian Chant as a foundation this Mass evolves organically, as if written by one hand. These composers bring international prestige to the project as well as vastly different life paths and points of view. Israeli-born composer Shulamit Ran wrote the Credo to the Hebrew text "Ani Ma'amin." Well-known television composer Douglas Cuomo contributed the Kyrie. Turkish-American Kamran Ince composed the Gloria section in to a sufi text, while Ivan Moody, drawing from the Greek Orthodox tradition, delivered the Sanctus. The Irish folk and medieval music-influenced composer Michael McGlynn (Anuna) composed the Agnus Dei. To seamlessly travel from one composer to the next, Chanticleer offers haunting and beautiful pieces by Gesualdo, Part, Binchois, and Gabrieli.

Songlist: Da Pacem, Domine, Deus, Deus Meus, Respice In Me, Kyrie, (Gloria) Everywhere, O Vos Omnes, Aestimatus, Credo/Ani Ma'Amin, O Salutaris Hostia, Ravenna Sanctus, Peccantem Me Quotidie, Agnus Dei, Da Pacem, Domine

Review: Chanticleer, a twelve voice male ensemble based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has through its own success, furthered the modern classical repetoire by comissioning new compositions from a variety of highly respected sources. Chen Yi, Bernard Rands and Steven Stucky are just a few of the distinguished composers whose eminently scholarly credentials grace this collection, loosely conceptualized around the theme of love. As may be construed by the twentieth century time frame from which these pieces emerged, some of them, while not thoroughly dissonant, are atonal. Others, such as Taverner's "Village Wedding," are somber mood sketches.

Songlist: Rouxinol do Pico Preto, Lulajze, Jezuniu, Buy Baby Ribbon, Village Wedding, Winds of May, That Dance on the Sea, O Cool is the Valley - Rands, This Heart that Flutters Near my Heart - Rands, Silently She's Combing her Long HairRands, Gentle Lady, Do not Sing Sad Songs, Sleep now, O You Unquiet Heart!, All Day I Hear the Noise of Waters, Words of the Sun, Written of a Rainy Night, Wild Grass, The Rub of Love, In Time Of - Steven Sametz, Look out Upon the Stars, my Love, Live is a Beautiful Dream, Alas, the Love of Women!, Tor Stony Limits Cannot Hold Love Out, All Mankind Loves a Lover

Review: Cristobal de Morales is usually mentioned along with Francisco Guerrero and Tomas Luis de Victoria as the trio of Spanish composers who typified 16th-century Spanish church polyphony. The Missa Mille regretz is based on the famous chanson of the same name by Josquin des Prez, and proved to be a favorite work of Charles V. This recording conveys the deep spiritual feeling behind these liturgical settings - another bull's-eye for this splendid ensemble.

Songlist: Vidi aquam, Mille regretz, Mille regretz: Kyrie, Mille regretz: Gloria, O Sacrum Convivium, Mille regretz: Credo, Emendemus in melius, Mille regretz: Sanctus, Mille regretz: Agnus Dei, Lamentabatur Jacob

Review: The now Grammy-winning, San Francisco-based Chanticleer was originally devoted to the Renaissance vocal repertory; their focus has broadened since to include other genres as well as commissioned works. "Magnificat," however, featuring settings by de Victoria, Palestrina, Monteverdi and Taverner (as well as the less ubiquitous Russian Orthodox Vasily Titov), returns to liturgical chant. These twelve male voices, under the musical direction of Joseph Jennings and performing arrangements encompassing the full vocal range, bring a seemingly effortless grandeur to these homages to the Blessed Virgin. This tapestry of sound is a gentle whisper of comfort and reprieve.

Songlist: Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Mater Dei, Magnificat, Stabat Virgo Maria, Maria, Quid Ploras, The Angel Cried Out, Regina Caeli Laetare, Alma Redemptoris Mater, Ave Maria Stella, O Thou Joy Of All The Sorrowful, Ave Regina Caelorium, Ave Maria, Salve Regina

Review: William Byrd and his teacher, Thomas Tallis, were inarguably the greatest composers of Elizabethan England. The primary vehicle for royally-sanctioned musicians of the court was liturgical, and in the court of Elizabeth that would mean settings for Anglican services. However, Byrd was a committed Catholic who nonetheless wrote these masses, motets and antiphons for published volumes titled "Gradualia," volumes I and II. This insurgent act apparently went uncensured, and it is these a cappella works that Chanticleer has recorded here. Given that they would not be performed publicly in a church setting by a large choir, the arrangements are intimate. They are each in the same mode and clef, which therefore creates a mood unbroken, a continuity of feeling that is quietly moving.

Songlist: In tempore Paschali, Regina Caeli, In Assumptione Beatae Mariae, Ave Regina Caelorum, Salve Regina

Review: Comprising a mix of old and new, ecclesiastic and pastoral, familiar and undiscovered, this CD is a rich array. Biebl's "Ave Maria" is a contemporary setting, the final "Amen" resolved in a series of step-wise imitative phrases. Britten's "A Hymn To The Virgin" is a simple and consonant arrangement with a stark and melancholy beauty. The merry and lively ""Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant" is arranged by Rutter, while a medley of Christmas spirituals is a satisfying blend of Chanticleer's trained vocal style, with the non-diatonic contradiction of the blues. The final track: "Silent Night," capturing all the magic of the season, as simple and unique as a perfect snowflake. Newly remastered in 2004.

Songlist: Ave Maria...Virgo serena, Quem vidistis pastores?, In dulci jubilio, Virgen sancta, E la don don, Riu, riu, chiu, Ave Maria, There Is No Rose, A Hymn to the Virgin, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day -, Il est ne le divin enfant, O Come, o Come, Emmanuel, I Wonder as I Wander, Medley of Christmas Spirituals, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, Behold That Star, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Poor Little Jesus, What Month Was Jesus Born in?, Children, Go Where I Send Thee, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Silent Night

Review: A self-described "Chanticleer portrait," containing a variety of different styles (a cappella), all performed with the flawless technique for which the group is admired. "O Clap Your Hands" employs eight parts in a broad polyphonic convergence. Gabrieli's "Magnificat," from the sixteenth century, divides twelve voices into three four-part choirs. "Charm Me Asleep" is a recent work, written for the group; despite it's title, it is as disquieting as soothing. Three "tone poems" (an example of program music, where the music seeks to represent a specific text) by Richard Strauss follow, then Berlin's "Blue Skies"; the latter a swinging version adapted from the Dorsey arrangement that demands attention with dramatic fortissimo ending, and a middle break that detours into a brief classical medley, very reminiscent of the Swingle Singers! Chanticleer also gets down on "Straight Street" with an authentic gospel testimonial.

Songlist: I Have Had Singing, O Clap Your Hands, If Ye Love Me, Magnificat a 12, Charm Me Asleep, Vor den Turen, Traumlicht, Frolich in Maien, Nude Descending a Staircase, Blue Skies, Shenandoah, Straight Street, Out of This World, O Waly, Waly, Journey to Recife, Jesus Met the Woman at the Well

Review: In celebration of its 25th anniversary as "an orchestra of voices," the 12 talented men who are San Francisco-based Chanticleer bring us this marvelous retrospective sampling from its rich discography of recordings. In 1978, Louis Botto, a graduate student in medieval and Renaissance music, wanted to hear the music he was studying performed live (a rarity at the time), and gathered a group of singers from the SF Symphony Chorus and Grace Cathedral Choir. They chose the name "Chanticleer" from the clear-singing rooster from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." The early years were difficult, but the group's reputation grew enough by 1991 to make all 12 members full-time employees. There are 19 gems from some of the many Chanticleer CDs that grace our catalog, and it's hard to pick favorites. Those who favor their flawless singing accompanied, we would recommend Ignacio de Jerusalem's "Hymn: Quem Terra Pontus Sidera," "Recessional: Angelicas Milicias" by Manuel de Sumaya, and Mercer & Arlen's "Blues in the Night." For a cappella, we like the Gregorian chant "Ave Maria," Tomas Luis de Victoria's "Alma Redemptoris Mater," Bernard Rands' "This Heart That Flutters Near My Heart," Chen Yi's "Wild Grass," Stephen Foster's "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" (arr. by Gene Puerling), Michael McGlynn's "Dulaman," "Spanish Carol," "Wade in the Water"--frankly, we could list them all! A well-chosen "best of" of one of our favorite choral groups. Highly recommended!

Songlist: Hymn: Quem Tera Pontus Sidera, Ave Maria, Alma Redemptoris Mater, The Angel Cried Out, Recessional: Angelicas Milicias, Wherewithal Shall A Young Man, Love Is A Beautiful Dream, This Heart That Flutters Near My Heart, Wild Grass, Labbra Vermiglie E Belle, Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair, Dulaman, Shenandoah, Spanish Carol, Love Is Letting Go, Blues In the Night, Wade in the Water, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, Christmas Time Is Here

Review: The Bay Area's acclaimed 12-man vocal ensemble celebrates the release of their 27th recording, collaborating with the dynamic instrument ensemble Capriccio Stravagante, directed by Skip Sempe. Henry Purcell (1659-95), son of a Royal musician, wrote beautiful, expressive church music, from the ecstatic to the sublime. Eight songs, from a lovely 8-minute opening cut, "Rejoice in the Lord alway" and the jubilant "I was glad," written for James II's coronation, to the short, deeply moving "Hear My Prayer, O Lord" and the 16-minute final cut, "My heart is inditing," Purcell's grandest composition for the church. The perfect accompaniment of Capriccio fits perfectly with Chanticleer's flawless singing. "Evening" is inspirational and pleasing on many levels. Beautiful, extensive liner notes.

Songlist: Rejoice in the Lord alway ('The Bell Anthem'), Remember not, Lord, our offences, I was glad, O Lord, rebuke me not, Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, Now that the sun hath veiled his light ('An Evening Hymn')-, Hear my prayer, O Lord, My heart is inditing

Review: Recorded at the Paterskirche in Kempen, Germany, in 1994, the all-male Chanticleer ensemble (featuring five countertenors), brings the consummate musicality and professionalism to this recording that we associate with any Chanticleer production. "Sing We Christmas" emphasizes classical pieces, not the typical holiday carols; rather, Charles Ives, Gustav Holst and Herbert Howells represent the twentieth century, while Handl, Victoria, Praetorius and Bach offer "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "O Magnum Mysterium" and "In Dulci Iubilo," the latter a German dance song with four separate settings (it was common practice for composers to adapt a popular song, rather than write their own) from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Songlist: Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, O Magnum Mysterium, In Dulci Iubilo, O Virgo Virginum, O Jesulein SuB, O Jesulein Mild, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mirabile Mysterium, Verbum Caro Factum Est: Y La Virgen Le Dezia, A Un Nino Llorando, Here Is The Little Door, Noel Canon, Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable, El Noi de la Mare, A Christmas Carol, A Virgin Unspotted, In the Bleak Mid Winter, Glory to the Newborn King, Stille Nacht/Douce Nuit/Silent Night

Review: "Sound in Spirit" is a totally new direction for this Bay Area-based 12-man group, in that it is the first Chanticleer recording to be conceived as a total experience-there is no silence or space between tracks. Ideally it should be listened to without pause. It is the first to add outdoor ambient sounds and to incorporate "overtone singing." The music extends from ancient sacred chants to music composed at the recording sessions themselves; all as seen through the creative eyes of composer/arranger Joseph Jennings and Chanticleer, his "Orchestra of Voices." There are 14 "cuts," beginning with Jan Gilbert's "Incantation" (from NightChants), and ending with Gilbert's "Grace to You" (from NightChants). In between are Nectarie Viahul's "Axion Estin," Jennings' title tune and "Night Spirit Song," Carlos Rivera's "Motet for 12 Singers," the Jennings-arranged "Beata" plainsong, de Victoria's "O Sacrum Convivium," Gilbert's "NightChant," Jackson Hill's "In Winter's Keeping," Giacinto Scelsi's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," Sarah Hopkins' "Past Life Memories," Patricia Van Ness' "Cor Meum Est Templum Sacrum" and others. "Sound" is a surprising, moving, eclectic piece that takes us to places of meditation, wonder and mystery. A beautiful, very special CD from Chanticleer that needs to be listened to again and again to be fully appreciated.

Songlist: Incantation, Axion Estin, Sound in Spirit, Motet for 12 singers, Beata, O Sacrum Convivium, Como Pod' A Groriosa, Night Spirit Song -, NightChants, In Winter's Keeping, Gloria in Excelsis, Past Life Melodies, Cor meum est Templum Sacrum, Grace To You

Review: The sequel to Chanticleer's best-selling and critically acclaimed Mexican Baroque recording, with more recently discovered choral masterpieces by Mexico City Cathedral's chapel master, Ignacio de Jerusalem. This recording brings to life one of the most monumental and elaborate choral works of the New World. Chanticleer is joined by Chanticleer Sinfonia, conducted by Joseph Jennings.

Songlist: Matins para Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe - Ignacio De Jerusalem

Review: Director Joseph Jennings arranged most of the songs on this recording. Chanticleer apply their magnificent voices to the African-American sacred music tradition of spirituals, jubilees, hymns and chants. The idea of a concert style performance of these songs was pioneered at the end of the Civil War by the Fisk Jubilee Singers.Because of the exacting concert standard which Chanticleer applies the music, their performance is very much in that tradition. Under Mr. Jennings direction the group sings very familiar tunes, "Old Time Religion," "Deep River," "All Night, All Day" (you have to hear the soaring soprano on this one!), "Good News" and "Steal Away" to name just a smattering. We also like the voluminous notes which Mr. Jennings writes to accompany the music, for his point of view and information are illuminating.

Songlist: Old Time Religion, Deep River, Jesus Come By Here, All Night, All Day, We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, Where the Sun Will Never Go Down, Ain't That Good News, Good News, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Over Yonder, I Got Shoes, Steal Away, I've Been 'Buked, Lord I Want to be a Christian, Am I a Soldier of the Cross, Twelve Gates to the City

Review: A collection of works showcasing modern American composers-many of whom are relative unknowns - "Poet's Eye" is refined, luxurious, even abstract, and, as the name implies, also serves to expose a variety of poets as well. Many of the compositions were commissioned specifically for Chanticleer, and they most definitely reflect a modern sensibility. "Dusk," by Allen Shearer, connotes the movement of the earth and sky, imbued with tranquility and friction in equal measure. "Mushrooms," is a tumble of mournful declarations. Hawley's "Seven Madrigals" (two of which are included here) are modern madrigals, weaving strands of the classical with contemporary inflections. Rorem, using the Whitman's Civil War diary "Specimen Days" as his source, offers a minimalist reduction, sometimes monophonic, consistently somber and disturbing. A CD of depth and power.

Songlist: The Uncertainty of the Poet, Rodin's Muse, The Badminton Game, Coming From Evening Church, The Merry-go-Round at Night, How Few of Life's Days and Hours, I Have Noticed Through Most of the Hospitals, Tonight as I Was Trying to Keep Cool, No Sooner Had Our Men Surrendered, Noon, Dusk, Mushrooms, Vita de la Mia Vita, Io Son la Primavera, Ave Maria, !Oh Llama de Amor Viva!

Review: Whatever the thematic material, Chanticleer's approach is the most erudite; indeed, their analysis of each song's history and composition meets the highest critical standard. It is this absolute musical integrity that then informs the quality of the performance. On "Wondrous Love," a cache of international folk songs, sung a cappella, is the basis for this meticulous study. Folk songs, by definition, are "for the people"; Chanticleer maintains this focus while also seizing the opportunity to enrich the original arrangements with new complexity and depth, as heard on "Arirang," a Korean song utilizing the pentatonic scale with elements of western harmony, or "La Petenera," which begins with a soloist and then gradually incorporates twelve voices into an ever-expanding confluence of countermelody. A Robert Shaw/Alice Parker arrangement graces the fifteenth-century French tune, "L'Amour De Moy."

Songlist: Dulaman - Ireland, Fengyang Ge - China, Nelly Bly - United States, Oy, Polna, Polna Korobushka - Russia, Brigg Fair - England, El Manisero - Cuba, Molihua - China, Die Vogelhochzeit - Germany, Wondrous Love - United States, Na Bahia Tem - Brazil, La Villanella - Italy, Loch Lomond - Scotland, Domaredansen - Sweden, Arirang - Korea, La Vasija De Barro - Ecuador, South Australia - Australia, La Petenera - Mexico, Sakura, Sakura - Japan, Or'Cha Bamidbar - Israel, Diu Diu Deng - Taiwan, L'Amour De Moy - France, Sohran Bushi - Japan, An American Folk Medley - United States

Review: Joseph Jennings' rich a cappella arrangement of the traditional spiritual, 'Steal Away,' is an enjoyable treat for both the singers and the audience. Winner of the 2003 Chanticleer Student Choral Compositition Competition, 'She Walks in Beauty,' for advanced choirs, sets the Lord Byron text in a lush harmonic style. Composer Joseph Twish sets a deeply moving homophonic work with 'Wandering,' exploring the text "God has mercy on me. Wand'ring, wand'ring.' That piece was also a previous winner of the composition competition. 'Galbally Farmer' works well with advanced Jr High, High School or moderate adult choirs, another audience favorite! Set to a 9th Century Japanese poem, in 'Voices of Autumn, composer Jackson Hill uses traditional musical stylistic devices from the same culture to create a seamless, tranquil unaccompanied choral work.

Songlist: She Walks in Beauty, Wandering, Galbally Farmer, Voices of Autumn

Review: Joseph Jennings, long-time music director of the multiple Grammy winning a cappella ensemble Chanticleer, has always had an affinity for spirituals and the group has many wonderful recordings of Jenning's arrangements. This collection for mixed voices a cappella are bound to please.

Songlist: Steal Away, Where The Sun Will Never Go Down, Keep Your Hand On The Plow, Calling My Children Home

Review: Probably Chanticleer's most popular arrangement, Franz Biebl's 'Ave Maria' is challenging but is sure to become a favorite among your singers. We have included all three available voicings for you to chose from. Also included in this package is Joseph Jenning's 'Christmas Spiritual Medley.' This fun piece is rich with tight harmony and a few solos, guaranteed to please your audience.

Songlist: Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Christmas Spiritual Medley, Ave Maria

Review: American composer William Hawley's music has been heard in London, Tokyo, Paris, the Netherlands, Berlin, Darmstadt, Munich, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, and other cities in the United States, Europe, and Asia, as well as in the concert halls of New York City. Here is your opportunity to make his Chanticleer-performed compositions part of your repertoire. The ten part voicing in 'Io Son La Primavera' gives this piece an amazing depth and flair. Hawley's arrangement of Torquato Tasso's text, 'Dolcissimi Colori' is sweet and beautiful, perfect for a moderately advanced choir. Both 'Io V'amo Sol Perche Voi Siete Bella' and 'Ore, Fermate Volo' is fairly challenging yet beautiful, great examples of the Chanticleer charm! Two other composition based on text by Tasso, 'Vita De La Mia Vita' is sure to be a crowd pleaser, the setting of 'Siepe, Chegli Orti Vaghi' is beautiful and romantic - another fine example of Hawley's great style.

Songlist: Io Son la Primavera, Vita De La Mia Vita, Ore, Fermate Il Volo, Io V'Amo Sol Perche Voi Siete Bella, Dolcissimi Colori, Sipe, Che Gli Orti

Review: Chanticleer's beloved Christmas tradition is now available in this collection of printed music, featuring a foreword by Tom Brokaw. Edited by Chanticleer Music Director Joseph Jennings and Chanticleer tenor Matthew Oltman. Includes extensive notes and pronunciation guide.

Songlist: Nesciens Mater, Quem Vidistis Pastores, Serenissma Una Noche, Sa Qui Turo Zente Pleta, Noel Nouvelet, Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle, Kristallen Den Fina, Lulajze Jezuniu, O Come, O Come Emamanuel, Star Of Wonder/We Three Kings, A Lullaby/Away In A Manger, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, Glory To The Newborn, Silent Night

Review: To commemorate their twenty-fifth anniversary, Chanticleer has put together an anthology of some of their favorite songs. Edited by Matthew Oltman and conductor Joseph Jennings, this book is comprised of pieces from the Renaissance through the twentieth century. Selections include "Vox in rama" by Palestrina, "Fuggi, fuggi, dolor" by William Hawley and "There is a Balm in Gilead" arranged by Joseph Jennings. The book includes notes and translations for the pieces as well as performance suggestions. Also featured is a section of pictures of the group from the past twenty-five years.

Songlist: Vox in Rama, Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Credidi, So ben mi ch'a bon tempo, Voices of Autumn, Fuggi, fuggi, dolor, from Tre Rime di Tasso, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, Coventry Carol, Two Medieval Lyrics, Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair, Nelly Bly, All The Pretty Little Horses, Dulaman, An Oiche, Lost In The Stars, There Is A Balm In Gilead, Keep Your Hand On the Plow, There is no rose of such virtue