"A Celebration of Song" is the 13- to 14-voice SFWE's fourth CD under the direction of Dr. Linda Raney, released in honor of their 30th Anniversary Season. Featured are live pieces from Christmas and Spring Offering concerts from 2007 to 2010, including songs performed in Tuscany and Umbria during their 2008 tour of Italy. The repertoire varies from contemporary and commissioned works to folk songs and carols. There are 21 cuts here, and some of our favorites are commissioned works like Samuel Gordon's "As I Lay Upon a Night" and "Gaude virgo gratiosa," Kinley Lange's "Esto Les Digo" and Linda Rice Beck's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo;" Bob Chilcott's "Sanctus from A Little Jazz Mass," the Korean folk/work song "K'wae-jina Ching-ching Nah-neh," Eleanor Daley's "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," Kenneth Jennings' "Willows by the Water Side," and traditional songs "Rouse Good Folk" and "Watching at Night," arranged by Katherine Davis. There is some light piano and flute accompaniment. A beautiful live collection from the talented Santa Fe Women's Ensemble! |