German church music goes back to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Luther's love of music has influenced German composers for centuries. In the 20th century, this was no exception. The composers chosen for this recording all use Luther's chorale melodies, though with newer harmonies which lend themselves to fresher musical and textual expression. This recording includes motets by Hugo Distler and Johann Nepomuk David. All of the works are beautifully sung by the Rockefeller Chapel Choir.

Songlist: Pater Noster, Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (Opus 12. No. 1), O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf (Opus 21, Pt. 2, No. 3), Lo! How a E'er Blooming (from the Christmas Story), Es ist das Heil uns Kommen her (Opus 6, Pt. 2, No. 2), Furwahr, er trug unsere Krankheit (Opus 12, No. 9), Deutsche Messe:, Das Kyrie, Das Credo, Das Agnus Dei, Das Gloria, Das Sanctus, Victimae paschali Laudes (Opus 35, No. 1), Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist, Veni Creator Spiritus

The two extremes in sacred music are lamenting and praising. In their take on the subjects, the Rockefeller Chapel Choir, led by Randi Von Ellefson, chose pieces from the Renaissance and the 20th century. There are several settings of the Lamentations of Jeremiah including that of Palestrina and di Lasso. There is a lovely Easter Anthem by William Billings as well as beautiful psalm settings by Stanley Hoffman. On this CD the choir alternates lamentation with exultation. Daniel Pinkham's striking "Here Repose, O Broken Body" provides quiet and thoughtful ending to an emotionally varied recording.

Songlist: The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee, De Lamentatione Jeremiae Prophitae, Sabbato Sancto, Lectio I, Christus Factus Est, Lamentation Secunda Tertii Diei (Elegia Quarta, 1-7), Easter Anthem, David Mourns for Absalom, Psalm 23, Psalm 121, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, Lamentations, Passion Music, Here Repose, O Broken Body