Maestro Salamunovich conducts the Master Chorale and Sinfonia Orchestra in two true masterworks of the late 20th century choral literature. Of his work "Te Deum, (Verba Domini cum verbis populi)" Minnesota based composer Dominick Argento has written that the words are, as the subtitle implies, written in a manner which associates six sections of Middle English lyrics with the six Latin texts. It was composed thus to present a sense of the learned "church style" justaposed with more musical elements found in the populace of the day. Maurice Durufle's Messe (Mass) "Cum Jublio" written in 1966 was scored for a unison choir of men's voices and organ or orchestra. While having five movements they are not usual and throughout there permeates plainchant melodies from the Gregorian Mass IX, "Cum Jubilo." Glorious!

Songlist: Te Deum, Te Deum Iaudamus, Te gloriosus Apostolorum, Patrem immensae majestasis, Tu Rex gloriae, Christie, Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, Salvum fac populum tuum, Messe "Cum Jubilo," Op.11, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei

Pacific Mozart Ensemble : Classics Live   

Since its founding twenty years ago, Berkeley-based PME has grown to fill an important role in the cultural life of the Bay Area, presenting courageous and innovative programs of many works that have never been performed in concert settings. PME provides the opportunity for composers to collaborate with a professional chorus in performances of new or experimental work. In addition, PME stages live performances of works previously heard only on recordings. Founding director Richard Grant has directed the Ensemble in more than 200 concerts, and led the Ensemble on three European concert tours, presenting innovative programs from all periods and styles of music. Grant has has established a reputation for programming the current work of the most important contemporary composers, such as John Adams, Meredith Monk, David Lang and Philip Glass. But their repertoire also includes, of course, Christian sacred works by Mozart, Poulenc and Stravinsky. "Classics Live" focuses on this music. The first nine songs are a cappella, and this is a live recording. Barber's "Agnus Dei," "Ave Marias" by Biebl, Bruckner and Stravinski, Stravinski's "Pater Noster" and "Credo," Lotti's "Crucifixus," Durufle's "Tota Pulchra Es" and Poulenc's "Quatre Petites Prieres De Francois D'Assisse, No. 3." The last eight movements are parts of Durufle's moving "Requiem," accompanied by organ and cello. The soaring voices of this 64-strong mixed chorus take us to another time and space, a place of worship and angels. Truly beautiful.

Songlist: Agnus Dei, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Pater Noster, Credo, Ave Maria, Crucifixus, Tota Pulchra Es, Quatre Petites De St. Francois d'Assise, Requiem, Introit & Kyrie, Domine Jesu, Sanctus, Pie Jesu, Agnus Dei, Lux aeterna, Linera me, In Paradisum

Organist and Choirmaster of the Church of the Ascension Dennis Keene has dedicated a large part of his career to the music of Maurice Durufle, having conducted all of the French composer's choral works in performance. Here are Durufle's finest sacred works, the 9 soaring, dramatic movements of "Requiem, Op. 9," "Messe 'Cum Jubilo," Op. 11," and the lovely short piece, "Notre Pere." All orchestra-accompanied with some nice viola, violoncello, horn and harp solos. Vocal solos by Patricia Spence and Francois Le Roux are standouts. The Voices of Ascension is one of our favorite mixed choirs and "Album" is a wonderful collection of works by the master 20th century sacred composer.

Songlist: Introit, Kyrie, Domine Jesu Christe, Sanctus, Pie Jasu, Agnus Dei, Lux aeterna, Liberma me, In Paradisum, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Notre Pere