Richard Larson

Review: The perfect way to enjoy the holiday season, little tree features Kantorei's favorite live recordings from their last several Christmas concerts. Featured on recording are two wonderful settings of e.e. cummings' holiday text, 'little tree.' The first, by composer Steven Heitzeg, features the choir accompanied by harp in a soft, contemplative setting. Heitzeg's composition is contrasted by that of world-renowned composer Eric Whitacre, who sets the text for choir with piano accompaniment in a warm, joyous setting. Also included on the CD are several heart-warming arrangements of familiar holiday carols including 'I Saw Three Ships,' 'Away in a Manger,' and audience favorite, 'Silent Night.' Sure to become a holiday classic, little tree will no doubt usher in the warmth and joy of the Christmas season.

Songlist: The Exaltation of Christ, The Rune of Hospitality, Calm on the Listening Ear of Night, Gaudete, What Sweeter Music?, Sweeter Still, Little Tree, Somerset Wassail, A Stable Lamp is Lighted, Mary's Lullaby, The Hills are Bare at Bethelehem, Little Tree, Little Lamb, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, The Three Kings, I Saw Three Ships, Away In A Manger, Silent Night

Review: Pillars of Light is a collection of pieces by Rene Clausen, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre. Lauridsen's "Ave Maria" is absolutely gorgeous with its indulgent harmonies. "Veni" was written by Clausen for Kantorei and is premiered here. Whitacre's "i thank you god for most this amazing day" is a very tranquil setting of the e.e. cummings poem. All of these pieces are great examples of the beauty that can come from modern choral compositions. The warm rich often dissonant sounds envelop the listener.

Songlist: Les Chansons des Roses:, En Une Seule Dleur, Contri Qui, Rose, Do To Reve Trop Plein, La Rose Complete, Dirait-On, Three Whitman Settings (from "Leaves of Grass"):, A Noiseless Patient Spider, Quicksand Years, The Last Invocation, Lux Aeterna: III. O Nata Lux, Veni, Ave Maria, O Vos Omnes, In Pace, I Thank You God For Most This Amazing Day

Review: Richard Larsen and his choir Kantorei have been garnering great acclaim in recent years and their latest release shows why. The lovely name of the recording "Small Blue Marble" refers to the world as it showcases choral music from around the globe including songs from Thailand, South Africa, Nigeria, Spain, Scotland, Cuba, Israel and many others. Larsen has selected some intriguing compositions that celebrates the unity and diversity of cultures thru choral music and the choir singing is top-notch even when challenged to imitate a variety of Latin American percussions instruments while navigating dense choral structures.

Songlist: Betelehemu, Cuncti Simus, Sugismaastikud, On Hilissuvi, Ule Taeva Jooksevad Pilvad, Kanarbik, Keine Feuer Keine Kohle Kann Brennen So Heiss, The Fields Of Corn Are Gone, Past Life Melodies, Ngam Sang Duan, Diu Diu Deng, La Villanella, Himne - Temmingh, Horizons, Vamuvamba, Loch Lomond, Barbara Allen, El Guayboso, Sim Shalom (Prayer For Peace)erg, Zum Gali, This Little Light Of Mine

Review: Denver-based 36 mixed-voice semiprofessional choir Kantorei has grown from a group of six friends singing carols in 1997 to a respected group that has appeared at Carnegie Hall for the National ACDA Conference, and been conducted by Rene Clausen in a premiere performance of his work. Esteemed director Richard Larson has been a major factor in the group's rise. "Home" is the group's fifth very good CD, and is a collection of 21 folk songs and spirituals. Picking favorites is not easy, there are excellent solos on "Let Me Fly ," "Dere's No Hidin' Place," "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel " and "City Called Heaven." Folk tunes "Black is the Color," "Danny Boy," and "Wearing of the Green " are wonderful. And we can't forget the four tunes arranged by the late Moses Hogan, "The Battle of Jericho" "You Better Min' How You Talk ," "I Can Tell the World" and "My Soul's Been Anchored." Another winner for Kantorei! Recommended.

Songlist: Let Me Fly, Dere's No Hidin' Place, Oh, Shenandoah, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Black is the Color, If I Got My Ticket, My Lord, What a Mornin', The Battle of Jericho, You Better Mi' How You Talk, I Can Tell the World, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, City Called Heaven, I Got Shoes, I Believe This Is Jesus, Danny Boy, Wearing of the Green, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Amazing Grace, God Is Seen, Wade in the Water, My Soul's Been Anchored