American Repertory Singers : Come To Me   

The American Repertory Singers has got to be one of our very finest domestic choirs specializing in modern American music. The program's title piece is from James Hopkins whose smooth, dreamlike setting of "Come to Me in the Silence of Night" has enjoyed considerable success. Other discoveries include David Conte's feverish "Charm Me Asleep", a splendid setting of Elizabethan poet Robert Herrick's restless verse. Also new to me is Jane Marshall, who contributes a delightful pair of bookend madrigals. The contrast between the initial song's blithe and bouncy air and the warmly reminiscent comfort of its companion piece is very touching. Daniel Pinkham's "Love Can Be Still" is a cycle of four poems by Norma Farber, full of startling turns of musical pphrase, infusing Pinkham's unmistakable American idiom with some complex, late-Monteverdi tricks. Perhaps the best are from Nestor himself: the four sentiment-drenched setting of Four Part-songs from the "Highlands", including two traditional texts and two from Robert Burns. Three include lovely obbligatos for solo flute. "Ca' the Yowes" and "Will ye Go, Lassie, Go?" are especially haunting.

Songlist: Come to Me in the Silence of the Night, Love Can Be Still, Take me walking in your mind, After the storm is over, Da Capo, Charm Me Asleep, Four Songs from the Highlands, Ca' the Yowes, O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?, Fareweel tae Tarwathie, Go, Lovely Rose, Campion Suite, There is a Garden in Her Face, Thrice Toss these Oaken Ashes, When to her Lute Corinna Sings, To Music Bent, Night was Well as Brightest Day, A Lover and his Lass, An Older Lover and His Lass, Reincarnations, Opus 6, The Coolin (The Fair Haired One), Love, bone-quiet, Mary Hines, Anthony O'Daly

Anonymous 4 : Secret Voices   

The women of Anonymous 4 revisit their favorite era with repertoire from the Codex Las Huelgas. Spanning the entire 13th century - from virtuosic motets and conductus to heartfelt laments, plainchants and sacred songs - this important manuscript was compiled for a convent of aristocratic Castilian women who (in spite of a rule forbidding Cistercian nuns from singing polyphony) sang the most beautiful and demanding music from all across Gothic-era Europe.

Songlist: Virgines egregie, Ave maris stella, Claustrum Pudicicie / Virgo Viget / Flos Filius, Fa fa mi / Ut re mi, O Maria Virgo / O Maria Maris Stella, Benedicamus domino: cum cantico, Salve porta / Salve salus / Salve sancta parens, Kirie: Rex virginum amator, Gloria: Spiritus et alme, Verbum bonum et suave, Salve Virgo Regia / Ave Gloriosa Mater, Sanctus & Benedictus, Gaude Virgo Nobilis / Verbum Caro Factum / Et Veritate, Agnus dei: Gloriosa spes reorum, O monialis conscio, Benedicamus domino: Belial vocatur, In virgulto gracie, Ave Regina Celorum / Alma Redemptoris Mater, Benedicamus domino a 3, Si vocatus ad nupcias, Mater patris et filia, Benedicamus domino a 2, Omnium in te christe

Aurora Chorus : Solstice   

"Solstice!" is a live recording of a very special concert recorded on the winter's solstice, December 21, 2003. The women of Aurora , which means "new dawn," take us "deep into the heart of winter" and back into the light-a powerful journey into the land of the soul. The 100-strong women's chorus, founded in 1992 by David York and led by director and prolific composer Joan Symko since 1994, has created a new tradition of presenting truly inclusive holiday concerts that nurture and delight their audiences. There are 22 songs here, the first 16 from the "Solstice!" concert, and the final 6 "Winter Favorites," which are bonus tracks from past winter concerts. Favorites are Linda Hirschhorn's "Solstice/Chanukah Chant," Rick Hamouris' "We Are a Circle," Anne Bearheart's "Solstice Chant," Susan Osborn's "Take Back the Night," David York's "Solstice," Charlie Murphy's "Light is Returning," Dar Williams' "The Christians and the Pagans," the traditional South African tune "We've Got the Power," Betsy Rose's "Carry It Home," Judy Fjell's "In the Winter," Claudia Schmidt's "Rock that Sucker," Peter Schickele (PDQ Bach)'s "Good King Kong Looked Out," and (Peter, Paul & Mary's) Peter Yarrow's classic "Light One Candle." There is some light accompaniment of piano, guitar, flute, percussion and rhythm ensemble. These are all powerful tunes that move and inspire us-perfect for helping us in the transition from the dark of winter into the light!

Songlist: Solstice/ Chanukah Chant, We Are A Circle, Benedicta Es, Lady of the Season's Laughter, Solstice Chant, Take Back The Night, Solstice, Kore Evohe, In Dulci Jubilo/ Pentatonic Alleluia, Light Is Returning, The Longest Night, The Christians and The Pagans, This Little Light of Mine, Return Again, We've Got The Power, Carry It Home, Red And Green, In The Winter, Rock That Sucker, Good King Kong Looked Out, Light One Candle, Auld Lang Syne

BYU Singers : The Peace of Christ   

The Peace of Christ, envisioned as a follow-up to BYU Singers' first CD, We Sing of Christ, uses a wonderful mixture of new arrangements of hymns and anthems to speak directly to the depths of our hearts and souls. Join Ronald Staheli and the BYU Singers as they use music to express the peace that is offered to all of us by Christ.

Songlist: Where Can I Turn For Peace/ Grant Us Thy Peace, O Peace Of Christ, Love Divine, I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me, O Heart Subdued With Grieving, Nearer My God To Thee, My Heavenly Father Loves Me, Ave Verum Corpus, Jesus Christ, The Apple Tree, O Sing A Song Of Bethlehem, Lord, Accept Our True Devotion, Morning Has Broken, Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing, Abide With Me

BYU Singers : Eric Whitacre 2   

In 1999 the BYU Singers, conducted by Ronald Staheli, performed two Whitacre pieces - "When David Heard" and "Water Night" - as part of their solo premier at New York's Carnegie Hall. The success of the BYU Singers: Live at Carnegie Hall recording, demand for more Whitacre music, and the fruitful partnership between the composer and BYU Singers led to Whitacre's request for the group to record his complete a cappella works in 2001. As a result of the enormous response to that album, the Singers are pleased to release a companion volume, Eric Whitacre 2. This CD was recorded in the spring of 2008, is essentially volume two of Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works. That recording, released by the BYU Singers, continues to be one of the best-selling choral CDs worldwide. This recording includes some of Whitacre's compositions for accompanied choir, but is mostly his a cappella pieces written since 2001. The varied nature of these pieces in this second compilation led to the Singers' collaboration with the BYU Concert Choir, conducted by Rosalind Hall, and the BYU Women's Chorus, conducted at the time by David Thomas. A very highly recommended release!

Songlist: Little Birds, A Boy And A Girl, This Marriage, Her Sacred Spirit Soars, Tmuna, Larov, Eyze sheleg, Rakut, She Weeps Over Rahoon, Little Tree, The Panther, The Cow, The Firefly

Cantabile - The London Quartet : Tribute To Hollywood   

One of the UK's finest vocal groups, Bill, Paul, Mark and Michael of Cantabile, The London Quartet, have a unique and unmistakable sound and a reputation for originality and humor. Although the group was founded as a purely a cappella student group, the sixteen cuts of "A Tribute to Hollywood" are mostly accompanied, with the exception of two tunes, Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow" and the theme from the Streisand/Redford classic "The Way We Were." "As Time Goes By" and Stephen Sondheim's "Sooner or Later" are piano accompanied; and Herman Hupfeld's "Take My Breath Away" is accompanied by guitar. "Up Where We Belong," Sondheim/Bernstein's "Gee, Officer Krupke" from "West Side Story," the Gershwins' "I Got Rhythm," "Under the Sea" from "The Little Mermaid," and the classic "Lullaby of Broadway" are all orchestrally accompanied. That aside, we loved this dynamic, entertaining collection, with plenty of the sweet leads and harmonies, humor, eclecticism and big fun of Cantabile!

Songlist: Up Where We Belong, As Time Goes By, Everybody's Talkin', Take My Breath Away, Evergreen, I Just Called To Say I Love You, 'Round Midnight, Iko Iko, Over The Rainbow, Gee, Officer Krupke, Cavatina, I Got Rhythm, Sooner or Later, Under The sea, The Way We Were, Lullaby of Broadway

Cantus : Live Vol. 1   

Hailing from Northfield MN's St Olaf College, 10-man a cappella group Cantus was founded by a few college friends in 1995, and since then has won recognition across the globe as one of America's finest all-male vocal ensembles. Boasting 13 (with "Live, Volume 1") excellent albums (and a pair of songbook collections) on Singers.com, and performing at more than 400 venues across the planet, Cantus' powerful, beautiful sound has gained them happy fans and much critical acclaim. "Live Volume 1" was recorded at the First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights, MN in 2004, and contains 18 selections, some favorites are Michael Head's "How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps," Francis Poulenc's "Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise," three "Psalms of Ascent" by Chester Alives, Benjamin Britten's "Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard," Nick Cave's "The Mercy Seat," five "Songs of the Sea" by C. Villiers Stanford," and a pair from "The Art of the Ground Round" by P.D.Q. Bach, "Loving is as Easy" and "Please Kind Sir." Several songs are lightly accompanied by piano or guitar. Settle back and experience the excitement of this wonderful, spirited live performance by versatile Cantus!

Songlist: How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps, Part I: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Part II: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Part III: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Part IV: Quatre Petit Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise, Unto the Lord in my distresse: Psalms of Ascent, I to the hills lift up mine eyes: Psalms of Ascent, O all yee servants of the Lord: Psalms of Ascent, Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard, The Mercy Seat, Drake's Drum: Songs of the Sea, Outward Bound: Songs of the Sea, Devon, O Devon in wind and rain: Songs of the Sea, Homeward Bound: Songs of the Sea, The Old Superb: Songs of the Sea, Loving is as Easy: The Art of the Ground Round, Please, Kind Sir: The Art of the Ground Round, Dalvi duoddar luohti- Talvitunturin joikha

Chanticleer : Chanticleer Takes You Out Of This World   

The sun, the moon, the stars and the planets, the universe beyond them - composers have always been fascinated by their seductive power. Our newest explorations will be from Berkeley-based Composer-DJ Mason Bates in a world premiere about transmissions from outer space and "Cells Planets" by Erica Lloyd of Little Grey Girlfriend in a new arrangement especially for Chanticleer. Fantastic early works by Monteverdi, Marenzio and Palestrina and romantic works by Schumann ("An die Sterne") and Mahler ("Ich bin der welt") will join music of 20th century composers Britten, Mechem, Hopkins ("Past Life Melodies") Gershwin and others. Come with us - out of this world!

Songlist: Assumpta est Maria in caelum a 5, Ave regina caelorum, Sfogava con le stelle, Ecco mormorar l'onde, Hymn to St. Cecilia, Island in Space, Past Life Melodies, Out of This World, Change The World, Stelle, vostra merce l'eccelse sfere, Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen, Observer in the Magellanic Cloud, Cells Planets

Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge : Beyond All Mortal Dreams   

On Beyond All Mortal Dreams, Stephen Layton and his acclaimed Trinity College Choir perform a magnificent selection of American a cappella choral works. The recording is a showcase of little-known American composers unearthed by Layton during his travels. These distinctive and luminous compositions illustrate the context in which better-known composers such as Lauridsen and Whitacre - already championed by Layton - learned their craft. The choir is in perfect voice here, and their purity of tone, flawless intonation and depth of feeling are truly exceptional. This wonderful disc is a must for all choral music fans.

Songlist: Tonight eternity alone, O admirable commercium, O sacrum convivium, O vos omnes, Sanctus, O vis aeiternitatis, Caritas abundat, O virtus sapientiae, Lux aeterna, Fair in face, I beheld her, beautiful as a dove, Rise up, my love, my fair one, How they so softly rest, The day is done, Pilgrims' Hymn, Hymn to the Eternal Flame, Mosella, Te vigilans oculis, Phoenix

Concordia Choir : Beauty in the World   

Conductor Rene Clausen is very well known to us for the work he has done with Moorhead MN's Concordia Choir, as Artistic Director of the Emmy-winning Concordia Christmas Concerts, and for over 100 of his own compositions for choirs at all levels. "Beauty in the World" features 13 songs, from the powerful Swahili folk tune "Wana Baraka," Ysaye M. Barnwell's lovely, haunting "Wanting Memories" the powerful Folk song "Dulaman" and the accompanied Irish Folk song "The Little Beggarman" to the accompanied, Clausen-arranged Civil War camp song "Tenting on the Old Campground," the powerful percussion-accompanied Kitana Folk song "Noel," Herbert Mahelona's lovely "No Ka Beauty O Hohokohau," Juris Karlsons' "Rotala" and the F. Melius Christiansen-arranged "Praise to the Lord," each of these songs is a choral masterwork, a vocal symphony if you will. The Choir has deep, powerful harmonies, soaring leads and tremendous feeling and spirit. Don't miss this collection!

Songlist: Wana Baraka, Wanting Memories, Dulaman, The Little Beggarman, John Saw Duh Numbuh, When Jesus Wept, Tenting On The Old Campground, Noel, No Ka Beauty O Honokohau, The King of Love, Danny Boy, Rotala, Praise to the Lord

Concordia Choir : The Choral Music of Rene Clausen   

Rene Clausen is one of America's leading choral composers. Discover the variety of his compositions as performed by these quality ensembles. This recording features his latest extended work "Crying For A Dream" which is based on Native American texts.

Songlist: *The Concordia Choir*, Crying For A Dream, I. Hear Me, I Will Live!, II. War Song, III. How Can You Buy The Sky?, Three Whitman Settings, I. A Noiseless Patient Spider, II. Quicksand Years, III. The Last Invocation, Tonight, Eternity Alone, Magnificat, Deep River, O Vos Omnes, Seek The Lord, *The Dale Warland Singers*, Set Me As A Seal, *Manitou Singers of St. Olaf College*, Psalm 100

Concordia Choir : The Lord Is My Shepherd   

Included in this live recording from the 78th annual Concordia College (Moorhead, MN) Christmas Concert, "The Lord is My Shepherd," inspired by Psalm 23. Over 500 musicians, including the Concordia Choir, directed by Rene Clausen, Concordia College Orchestra, Bel Canto, Chapel Choir, Kantorei, Tintinnabula and Cantabile, tell the story of Christmas in song, segued by a spoken narrative. 22 songs, from Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze,' and Paul Manz' "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come" to Mary Caldwell's "A Lute Caroll" and Rene Clausen's beautiful "Psalm 23." Mostly orchestrally-accompanied. Wonderful, inspirational music from a fantastic annual event!

Songlist: Sheep May Safely Graze, Shepherd Me, O God, From Shepherding of Stars, The Lord's My Shepherd, Chichester Psalms, movement II, E'en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Our Father, A Lute Caroll, Go, Pretty Child, Hacia Belen Va Un Borrrico, The Godly Stranger, Sir Chistemas, Noel, African Noel, Angels' Carol, Ukranian Bell Carol, The First Noel, Ding Dong Merrily On High, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Psalm 23, Stay With Us, Compline

Coro Hispano de San Francisco : Ramillete   

If "Mexican Baroque" has caught your ear, this wide-ranging anthology of choral music from Mexico, Central and South America is a must; it's got Latin American Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic and folk-originate works in a rich array of textures, styles and sonorities, from chorus-orchestra down to voice-and-guitar, all performed to the nines by the nation's premiere ensemble dedicated to this repertory: Coro Hispano de San Francisco. Brilliant vocal solos and on-target instrumental work by some of the West Coast's leading names in early music combine with foot-stomping Veracruz zapateados and robust, ranchera-style singing in this sampler from a half-dozen different concert programs. Latin America's choral music is a little-known treasure that's been quietly awaiting rediscovery for decades (or centuries- depending on how far back you want to go). Leading the way in its interpretation is the Coro Hispano de San Francisco, which has been exploring and performing this repertory exclusively since its first concert in 1975. On this disc-its third CD release- the nation's premiere Hispanic chorus turns in an amazingly varied sampling of music for voices and instruments from the cathedrals of Puebla, Lima and Sevilla, the ranchos of Early California, the plazas of Veracruz, all the way to the rain-forest missions of Paraguay and the mountain villages of Nigeria.

Songlist: Te Deum in C, Fecit Potenciam, Laudate Dominum, Cantico del Alba, Gloria, Agnus Dei, Virgen Sancta, Plaza, Plaza!, Las Mananitas Guadalupanas, Los Coflades de la Estleya, Keresimesi odu de o, O Quam Suavis, Digan, Digan, El Tilingo-lingo, La Golondrina, Cuando Uno Quiere a Una, Te Quiero Porque Te Quiero, Es Bueno Darte Gracias, Senor

Cuesta College Chamber Singers : Incantations   

Songlist: Adam Lay Abounden, Go, Lovely Rose, Charm Me Asleep, Lobet den Hernn, Musica animam tangens, Mata del anima sola, Country Dances, Ave Maria, Esto les digo, Elijah Rock, O Shenandoah, Rede, Madchen, Am Gesteine Rauscht die Flut, O Die Frauen, Wie des Abends Schone Rote, Ein Kleiner, Hubscher Vogel, Wohl Schon Bewandt war es, Wenn So Lind Dein Auge Mir, Vogelein Durchrauscht die Luft, Sieh, wie is die Welle klar, Ein Dunkeler Schacht is Liebe, Nicht Wandle, Mein Licht, Es Bebet das Gestrauche, Beati quorum via, Leonardo Dreams

Cuesta College Chamber Singers : L'amour de moi   

Songlist: L'amour de moi, With A Lily in Your Hand, Shenandoah, Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord, In Time of Daffodils, Wade in the Water, Water Night, Nelly Bly, At the River, Five Hebrew Love Songs, I've Been In the Storm So Long, Witness

Grand Rapids Women's Chorus : Celebrating Time Together   

The 37-strong, a cappella Grand Rapids (MI) Women's Chorus is led by Artistic Director Lori Tennenhouse and Small Ensemble Director Martha VanderEyk, and "Celebrating Time Together" is a "best of" 15-song collection from the founding of the group in 1996 to 2006. Some favorites are four songs commissioned by the GRWC: Diane Benjamin's lightly accompanied "Miracle," Libby Larsen & Mary Oliver's string quartet accompanied "The Summer Day," Ysaye M. Barnwell & Audrey Lorde's "Memorial 1," and Marjan Helms' piano and percussion-accompanied "Rainsong;" and a pair performed by the 8-voice Small Ensemble, "My Love Walks in Velvet" and "A Red, Red Rose. Other favorites are Antonin Dvorak's lovely "Largo" (from Song of Survival, Vol.1), the powerful, drum-accompanied Akan Playground Song "Sansa Kroma," Alan E. Naplan's "Al Shlosha D'Varim," Zap Mama's rhythmic gem "Guzophela" and Eric Whitacre's "Sleep." The GRWC has a beautiful, sweet sound, strong covers and excellent new material. There's a lot to like on "Celebrating Time Together!"

Songlist: Set Me As A Seal, Sisters, Sansa Kroma, Tres Cantos Nativos, Largo, Guzophela, Miracle, The Summer Day, My Love Walks In Velvet, A Red, Red Rose, Al Shlosha D'Varim, Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Memorial 1, Rainsong, Sleep

Harvard Glee Club : 150th Anniversary Concert   

America's oldest collegiate men's chorus, the 60-strong Harvard Glee Club, under the storied direction of Jameson Marvin since 1978, celebrates its 150th Anniversary with a live concert. There are 17 cuts here, some of them piano accompanied. Three of them, "I. The Shepherd of King Admetus," II. The Voiceless" and III. "Fata Morgana," are from Dominick Argento's "Apollo in Cambridge," written especially for the Glee Club and premiered here. Other favorites are Michael Praetorius' "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming," a pair by Josquin des Prez, "Kyrie" and "Agnus Dei I, II, III;" conductor Marvin's "Cantantes Licet," Benjamin Britten's "The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard," Stephen Foster's "Gentle Annie," a very funny rendition of the American Folk song "Sacramento," the 18th century Welsh Folk song "All through the night" and a piano-accompanied medley of traditional "Harvard Football Songs." This is a beautiful, spirited, joyous collection from one of America's great collegiate men's choruses, the Harvard Glee Club!

Songlist: Apollo in Cambridge, A Harvard Triptych: I. The Shepherd of King Admetus, A Harvard Triptych: II. The Voiceless, A Harvard Triptych: III. Fata Morgana, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Kyrie, Agnus Dei I, II, III, Cantantes Licet Usque Eamus, Slava v Vishnih Bogu, The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Bernard, Gentle Annie, Airang, Sacramento, Lowlands, All Through The Night, Glorious Apollo, Harvard Football Songs, Fair Harvard

Harvard Glee Club : A Spring Farewell   

This is a live, 2-CD set, recorded at a Celebration of the Career of Dr. Jameson Marvin (Director of Choral Activities at Harvard from 1978 to 2010) from April 30, 2010; featuring the Harvard Glee Club, the Radcliffe Choral Society and Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, all conducted by Dr. Marvin and Associate Conductor Kevin Leong. Disc 1 has 20 songs, some favorites are Palestrina's "Sicut cervus," Thomas Tomkins' "When David Heard," Schubert's "Nachthelle-Opus 134," Randall Thompson's "Stopping by Woods," Pablo Casals' "Nigra sum," Zoltan Kodaly's "Esti dal," Stravinsky's 4-part "Podbliudniye," the American Folk song "He's Gone Away," Conductor Marvin's "Each Future Song," Steven Sametz' "Munus," and Brahms' "Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk." Disc 2 features the World Premier of Robert Kyt's two-part "Song of Awakening;" Part I is "Lament-O Lord Hear My Cry," and Part II is "Psalm-Through God Within." Kyt's work was composed in honor of Dr. Marvin's retirement, and it is followed by remarks by Rev. Peter Gomes and Jack Megan. "A Spring Farewell" is a rich, moving collection by three of America's best collegiate choruses, to honor their great Director, Conductor, teacher and friend as he steps down from his work of molding and making them what they are today!

Songlist: Sicut Cervus, When David Heard, Gazapkhuli, Nachthelle- Opus 134, All Through the Night, Stopping By Woods, Nigra Sum, Tenebrae factae sunt, Esti dal, U Spasa f Chigisah (Near the Savior's Church in Chigisy), Ovsen, Shchuka (The Pike), Puzishche (Fatso), He's Gone Away, Laudate pueri Dominum, Alma redemptoris Mater, Each Future Song, Abendlied, Munus, Wo ist ein so herrlich Volk

Heartland Men's Chorus : Freedom   

Singing out in America's Heartland since 1986, Kansas City's 135-voice gay men's chorus aptly brings us a collection of 13 songs related to the struggle for freedom. The collection is drawn from the story of America, the music ranging from religious hymns and spirituals to folk songs and patriotic anthems. Freedom also includes five new commissioned works from composers Mark Hayes and Greg Gilpin, "Freedom Suite: A Medley of Spirituals" and "I Will Stand With You" by Hayes and "Skip to My Lou," "O Shenandoah" and "The Crawdad Song," arranged by Gilpin. Other favorites are a pair of spirituals arranged by Moses Hogan, "This Little Light of Mine" and "Hold On," U2's "MLK," Stephen Sondheim's "Children Will Listen," the Alice Parker-arranged "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal," Frank Wildhorn's touching, piano & violin-accompanied "Tell My Father," and the final cut, "My Country 'Tis of Thee," accompanied by a quote from Randy Hite, "As a gay man, I claim ALL of America's freedoms as mine. That includes the freedom to marry. Liberty and Justice for ALL includes ME! Let Freedom ring!" "Freedom" is a beautiful, powerful collection from Heartland Men's Chorus!

Songlist: Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal, Children Will Listen, Tell My Father, Freedom Suite: A Medley of Spirituals, MLK, This Little Light of Mine, Hold On, Skip to my Lou, O Shedandoah, The Crawdad Song, I Will Stand With You, We Will Overcome, My Country 'Tis of Thee

Heartland Men's Chorus : Quest Unending   

HMC's most ambitious and most hauntingly beautiful CD is here! Quest Unending includes unforgettable selections from the concerts Global Destinations and Exile: The Journey Home. Recorded at Bales Recital Hall and Visitation Church, this recording truly captures the sound of HMC at its very best. Music possesses the unique ability to communicate and connect people despite physical, cultural and language barriers. Quest Unending, the ninth recording by Heartland Men's Chorus, looks at our diverse world through music with a sense of "home." Stephen Paulus reminds us in The Road Home that no matter how far we travel or how difficult our journeys may be, "there is no such beauty as where you belong." As you share this quest unending, may you find the true beauty of belonging.

Songlist: The Quest Unending, The Stars Are With the Voyager, The Road Home, Avinu Malkeinu, A Vuccella, Dulaman, Spaseniye Sodelal, Khorumi, Last Letter Home, Home on the Range, Make Me a Kite, Dies Irae, Amen, Here's Where I Stand, Live Your Dream

Hover Chamber Choir : Armenian Voices       

In Armenian, Hover (Hoh-ver) evokes the image on song soaring on the wind, and it's also the name of one of the most beautiful Armenian folk songs by Komitas vardapet, a revered name in Armenian folk and sacred music, also part of Hover's repertoire. The 24-strong mixed-voice Choir came together in Yerevan in 1992 as a volunteer performing arts group, mostly students and graduates of the Komitas National Conservatory; led by founder and artistic director Sona Hovhannisyan. There are 21 folk and sacred songs here, particularly nice are Kodaly's "Esti Dal" (Evening Song), Britten's "Carol" and "Ye that Pasen By," Poulenc's "Timor et Tremor," Ravel's "Nicolette," and a number of wonderful tunes by Armenia's Komitas: "Ode," "Threshing Song," "Ploughing Song of Lori," "A Pumpkin Grows on the Garden Wall," and "Greeting The Morning," Gershwin's "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and Lennon/McCartney's "Michelle." A joyful, well-chosen mix, beautifully performed by this fine mixed Choir. The extensive, colorful liner notes tell us about the music and lyrics.

Songlist: Esti Dal (Evening Song), Carol, Ye that Pasen by, Remember not, Lord, Our Offences, Crucifixus, Timor et Tremor, Nicolette, Lenten is Come, A Hymn to the Virgin, Ode (Sirt im sasani), Threshing Song, Ploughing Song of Lori, A Pumpkin Grows on the Garden Wall (Baghi pate ddum a) (Komitas), Greeting the Morning (Aravotun bari luys), Cloudy Skies (Ampel a kamar-kamar) (Komitas), Dance-songs, Secretary to God, A Quiet Place, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Michelle, Scherzo

Los Angeles Chamber Singers : Romancero Gitano   

The Castelnuovo-Tedesco work comes as one of my bigger surprises of recent times: written in 1951 upon powerful and emotional texts by Garcia Lorca (translations included in the CD booklet) Romancero Gitano, op. 152 proves to be genuinely attractive work, its wide guitaristic range well essayed by Gregory Newton, whose style suits well the composer's familiar refinement and musical craftsmanship. Is this song accompaniment? Or is it a concerto with voices instead of instruments? Whichever way you look at it, here is an interesting and substantial piece by one of the guitar's 20th century luminaries. Newton is to be congratulated on this revelation (for me, at least), his accomplished playing complementing a fine choir and thus providing a most listenable and substantial item with a real difference. A fascinating timelessness pervades Morten Lauridsen's purely vocal Chansons based on poems by Rilke: simply put, they are quite beautiful in both construction and execution, the eventual arrival of the piano in the fifth (and last) a miniature masterstroke. The Samuel Barber work is as rich as it is brief, while the set of madrigals by Halsey Stevens reveals a fine sonority, as does the group of odes by Randall Thompson: the notes mention that he felt that "a composer's first responsibility is... to write music that will reach and move the hearts of his listeners in his own day." A not unworthy aspiration, and with composition of this ilk it is easy to see how he could justifiably have had the confidence to utter such words. John Chorbajian's Bitter for Sweet, a setting of a Christina Rossetti poem, concludes and - like the music throughout this disc - was all the more touching for its stringency, quite delightful. So, there's only guitar on the Castelnuovo-Tedesco, but that in itself is worth the admission fee: elsewhere the felicitous blend of fine music and equally fine singing makes this CD a pleasing surprise, one to recommend wholeheartedly.

Songlist: Baladilla de los tres rios, La Guitarra, Punal, Procesion - Paso - Saeta, Memento, Baile, Crotalo, En Une Seule Fleur, Contre Qui, Rose, De Ton Reve Trop Plein, La Rose Complete, Dirait-On, Sure On this Shinging Night Op. 12, No. 3, Weepe, o mine eyes, Like as the culver on the bared bough, Go. Lovely rose, Vitas hinnuleo, Felices ter, O fons bandusia, Bitter for Sweet

Los Angeles Children's Chorus : Soundscapes   

Founded in 1986, LACC has over 240 choristers in 5 choirs: Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Intermediate, Apprentice and Preparatory Choirs. Their repertoire includes classical works, gospel, spiritual and folk songs, jazz pieces and pieces commissioned for the Chorus. They have sung with the LA Philharmonic, LA Master Chorale, LA Chamber Orchestra and LA Opera, and have toured extensively in the US, Canada, Europe and South America. This collection of 19 songs features all but the Preparatory Choir variously in 4 "Sounds of" groups: "Joy and Love," "Many Lands and People," "Praise" and "Celebrations." Monteverdi's "Chioma d'oro," the Israeli folksong "Dodi-Li," the French folksong "Une Poule Blanc," Bencini's "Alleluia, Ascendit Deus," the spiritual "My Lord, What a Morning," Bach's "Bereite dich, Zion," and Debussy's "Noel des enfants" are among many favorites. "Soundscapes" is a poised, masterful collection by one of America's finest childrens' choruses. All songs are accompanied, at least lightly.

Songlist: Sound the Trumpet (Henry Purcell), Chioma d'oro (Claudio Monteverdi), El Desdichado (Camille Saint Saens), Dodi-Li (Israeli folksong, arr. Raso), Revontulet (Pekka Kostianen), The Loving Mother (Dimitri Shostakovich), Une Poule Blanche (French Folksong), Un Canadien Errant (French-Canadian folksong), Allein Gott (German Chorale, Decius), Alleluia, Ascendit Deus (Pietro Bencini), Lift Thine Eyes (Felix Mendelssohn), Canticle to the Spirit (Eleanor Daley), Each Life That Touches Ours (Paul Gibson), My Lord, What a Mornin', Long Ago in Bethlehem (Moravian Carol), Tyrley, Tyrlow (Mark Sirett), Bereite dich, Zion (J.S. Bach), Noel des enfants (Claude Debussy), Christ is Here (Ruth Watson Henderson)

Los Angeles Master Chorale : Glass / Salonen   

The acclaimed Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon, brings us the music of Phillip Glass and Esa-Pekka Salonen. Featured is Itaipu by Glass, an ecstatic piece framing the ancient folklore of South America's Guarani Indians against a massive hydroelectric dam at Itaipu on the Brazil/Paraguay border. "Itaipu" is divided into four parts, "Mato Grosso," "The Lake," "The Dam" and "To The Sea." Also featured is the world premiere recording of Salonen's "Two Songs to Poems of Ann Jaderlund." The composer's vision of love as described in these poems is dynamic, richly romantic and enthralling - a tour de force of the sonic capabilities of the 111-strong chorus. Cutting-edge choral music, orchestrally accompanied, stunning and magnificent.

Songlist: Itaipu (1989):, Mato Grosso, The Lake, The Dam, To the Sea, Two Songs to Poems of Ann Jaderlund (2000), -Djupt i rummet, -Kyss min mun

Luther College Nordic Choir : I Will Sing To The Lord   

Westin Noble, director of music activities at Luther College, is an internationally known conductor and clinician. He has served as guest conductor for more than 775 music festivals in the U.S. and abroad. The 68-strong, mixed voice Nordic Choir tours annually through the US in such venues as the Lincoln Center in New York, Kennedy Center, Washington DC, and the Mormon Tabernacle. "I Will Sing" is a joyous collection of Christian sacred music (with the exception of "Eight Chestnut Horses," a Mongolian song). 13 songs, all dramatically and beautifully performed: "Song of Praise," "Sicut Cervus," "Lobet Den Herrn, Alle Heiden," "Christus Natus Est," "Our Father," "Lullaby On Christmas Eve," "Why Rage Fiercely the Heathen," "Dona Nobis Pacem, "Song for Athene,""Done Written Down My Name," "O Lord God" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Inspirational, powerful and lovely.

Songlist: Song of Praise, Sicut Servis, Lobet den Herrn, Alle Heiden, Cristus Natus Est, Our Father, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, Why Rage Fiercly the Heathen, Dona Nobis Pacem, Song for Athene, Eight Chestnut Horses, Done Written Down My Name, O Lord God, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Certainly considered to be one of the great American choral conductors Weston Noble last concert tour is represented on this fine recording. After 57 years at the helm of this top-notch choir Weston Noble certainly knows how to get the very best out of both the material and the singers and this recording is a cumulation of those many years of talent and ability. Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque" is performed to perfection as are all these a cappella pieces.

Songlist: Be Not Fraid, Gloria A 7 Voci, Who Is This?, Hodie, Christus Natus Est, Drop Drop Slow Tears, Alelouya (Haitian Easter), I Heard A Great A Great Voice, O Clap Your Handds All Ye People, Amore De Mi Alma, Gloria, Lux Aurumque, He'll Make A Way, O Lord God, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Luther College Norsemen : Oh Sing Jubilee   

Luther College's rich heritage of singing grew out of Scandinavian and German Lutheran congregations singing hymns. Founded in its present form in 1981, Norsemen is exclusively for men in their first year at Luther College and boasts a membership of 80-90 singers under the direction of Dr. Timothy Peter. 18 songs are here, from the title tune, Bach's "Come Holy Ghost," Pavel Chesnokov's "Bladoslovi, dushe moya, Ghospoda," the Kirby Shaw-arranged "Down By the Riverside," G.B. Martini's "In Mounte Oliveti," Harry Simeone's "Little Drummer Boy," the spirituals "My Lord, What a Mornin'" and "De' Mornin' Come, Cole Porter's "Blow, Gabriel, Blow!" and Michael Smith's lovely "All is Well." There is some light accompaniment. Rich harmonies, spirited leads and the aptly-named Norsemen's rich, deep sound add greatly to our enjoyment and appreciation of each of these tunes. Great stuff!

Songlist: Oh Sing Jubilee, O Vos Omnes, Come Holy Ghost, The King Of Love, Blagagoslovi Dushe Moya Ghospoda, Silent Noon, All That Hath Life And Breath, Down By The Riverside, In Monte Oliveti, Fergus Molly, Little Drummer Boy, My Lord, What a Mornin', Gaudeamus Igitur, Blow Gabriel Blow, Adiemus, Lily's Eyes, De' Mornin' Come, All Is Well

Melodious Accord - Alice Parker : Take Me To The Water   

The Musicians of Melodious Accord are a 16-voice professional chorus in New York City, offering recordings and concerts of many styles. Their conductor, Alice Parker, is internationally known as a composer, arranger, conductor and teacher, with a passion for true folksongs. "Take Me to the Water" is the command, request and plea (founded on John 4:14) made by those who seek the "well of water springing up into everlasting life." It serves as a unifying phrase for the powerful African-American spiritual songs in this collection, which come from the mid-19th century and earlier, from such sources as "Slave Songs," published in NY in 1867. 13 a cappella songs, sung with tremendous feeling, strength and sweetness by the MMA, from "I Know the Lord," "Come On Up to Bright Glory" and "Hush! Hush!" to "Free at Last," the title tune, and "Who'll Be a Witness." "Take Me" is a beautiful, inspirational collection!

Songlist: I Know the Lord, Stayed on Jesus, Come On Up to Bright Glory, Don't Be Weary, Traveler, Hush! Hush!, We WIll March Through the Valley, He Is King of Kings, Let Us Break Bread Together, Is There Anybody Here, Free At Last, Take Me to the Water, Cert'nly, Lord, Who'll Be A Witness

Millikin University Choirs : Hearts All Whole   

This beautifully recorded studio album from Millikin's flagship mixed choir covers a stunning diversity of moods and landscapes. The challenging program and virtuosic performance make for a compelling and rewarding listening experience.

Songlist: A Choral Fanfare, Cantus Gloriosus, Kyrie (from Mass in G Minor), O Lord God, Lucis Creator Optime, Sanctus (from Mass in E Major), Christus Vincit, Praise to the Lord, Verbum Caro Factum Est, Sure On This Shining Night, See Dat Babe, Idumea, Till Minne, Wade in de Water, Abide With Me

Minnesota Boychoir : Until We Meet Again   

Until We Meet Again, by the Minnesota Boychoir, contains folk songs from around the world, including many from South Africa. Also included are several hymns such as "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time" and Beautiful Savoir. This highly regarded group is led by Mark Johnson.

Songlist: Siyahamba, Thuma Mina, Niska Banja, Bashana Haba-A, from Three Hungarian Folk Songs:, The Handsome Butcher, The Old Woman, Freedom is Coming, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Non Nobis, Domine, Da Pacem, Domine, And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time, Sound the Trumpet, Al HaNissim, Revelations, Beautiful Savior, Haleluya!Pelo Tsa Rona, I Hear America Singing, Who Can Sail, O Sifuni Mungu, Blessing

Minnesota Boychoir : 35th Anniversary   

The 35th Anniversary Concert of the Minnesota Boychoir was recorded in Benson Great Hall in St. Paul and includes a wide variety of music sung by the Concert Choir, Training Choir and Alumni Choir. The songs range from world folk songs to pieces by Brahms, Britten and even Billy Joel. The twenty six tracks display a breadth of repertoire, interesting arrangements and performed by one of the nation's top boychoirs.

Songlist: Musiken Klang, Ave Maria, Le Sommeil De L'Enfant Jesus, Agnus Dei (from Missa Brevis), Let the Nations Sing, Innoria, Land of the Silver Birch, Nodle Kangbyon, Al Shlosha D'Varim, Gloria Tibi (from Mass), Go Where I Send Thee!, Lone Dog, There Was a Man of Newington, Some One, Bumblebee, Summer Song, Blustery Day, The Longest Time, We Shall Not Give Up the Fight, Old King Cole, Pala Pala, A-Tisket, A-Tasket, I Give You Thanks, Never Tell Thy Love, He Never Failed Me Yet, Blessing

Mirinesse : Hope Sings Eternal   

Co-Conductors Beth Ann Bonnecroy and Rebecca Rottsolk specialize in healthy singing and development of singers' personal vocal technique, and this contributes to the free, beautiful sound their choirs achieve. Seattle's Mirinesse Women's Choir, founded in 2006, has thrilled audiences in and around northwest Washington with the lovely sound of healthy, classically-trained women's voices, singing a challenging and diverse repertoire of historic and contemporary tunes from around the world. "Hope Sings Eternal" is the fourth excellent CD by Mirinesse, an auditioned group of women, ages 21 to 70, who were honored to perform at ACDA Conventions in Oklahoma City and Seattle, and at the 2012 Elektra Women's Tapestry Festival in 2012. There is a generous collection of 16 cuts here, some favorites are Eleanor Daly's "A Hymn for St. Cecilia," the traditional "Peace Like a River," Jaakko Mantyjarvi's lively "Pseudo-Yoik Lite," Nicola Porpora's "Lauda Jerusalem," "Chant for Great Compassion" by Abbie Betinis, Antonio Sacchini's sweet, violin-accompanied "Te Dum Laudamus, mvt 3," Eric Whitacre's violin-accompanied "She Weeps Over Rahoon," Joan Szymko's "The Peace of Wild Things," David Sasso's flute and piano-accompanied "Night" and a live cut, the clarinet and piano-accompanied Yiddish Folksong "Ale Brider." Most of the songs are lightly accompanied by piano and/or other instruments. "Hope Sings Eternal" is a feel-good, soaring collection of perfectly sung tunes, and like us, we think you'll love Mirinesse!

Songlist: A Hymn for St. Cecilia, Da Pacem, Peace Like a River, Ritmo, Pseudo-Yoik Lite, Lauda Jerusalem, Tundra, A Witness to Majesty, Chant for Great Compassion, Heleluyan, Te Deum Laudamus, Magnificat, She Weeps Over Rahoon, The Peace of Wild Things, Night, Ale Brider

MUSE - Cincinnati's Women's Choir : Sing to the Universe Who We Are   

These selections are as distinct as the members of MUSE. The traditional Zulu song "Babethandaza," "Let Us Now Hold Hands," by Jennifer E. Stasack and Pat Mora, and "La Andina - Woman of the Andes," by Libby Harding and "Mountain Songs" by Holly Near are among many which are sure to become favorites. This recording reflects MUSE's commitment to a diverse, exciting repertoire, musical excellence and social change.

Songlist: Babethandaza, Change of Heart, Miss Celie's Blues, We Are, Les Sirenes, On Children, Take Back the Guns, Shir Lashalom, Let Us Now Hold Hands, Seven Principles, A Small But Fateful Victory, Simply Love, Everything Possible, To Be Strong, Wade in the Watah

National Lutheran Choir : I Sing Of Thy Mercies   

Founded in 1986 by Dr. Larry L. Fleming, and now directed by Dr. David Cherwien, the Minneapolis-based, mixed-voice NLC is comprised of professional choral musicians. "I Sing" is a limited edition CD, celebrating the Choir's 2003 West Coast Tour. Included are 9 songs, the spirituals "Ain'a That Good News" and "Tell 'em I'm Gone," the title tune, M.A. Blakireff's "Send Out Thy Light," Urmas Sisask's "Oremus," "Prayer for Peace" (by director Cherwein), Barber's "Lamb of God" and Tavener's "Song for Athene." Beautiful and inspirational.

Songlist: Ain't That Good News, I Sing of Thy Mercies, Send Out Thy Light, Tell 'em I'm Gone, Lord God, You Have Called You Servants, Oremus (XXII from Gloria Patri), Prayer for Peace, Lamb of God, Song for Athene

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

Pacific Mozart Ensemble : A Story Of Freedom   

The Berkeley, CA-based PME has just been getting better and more innovative since its founding 20 years ago. This rich, powerful, live collection of 23 authentic Spirituals is their 3rd winning recording in the Primarily A Cappella catalog. Some songs are recorded at the Green Room in San Francisco, and the rest at the Oakland Museum. All of our favorites are here, with fresh new arrangements: "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel," "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel," "His Name So Sweet," "Freedom Train," the heartbreaking "Steal Away," "Do Lord, Remember Me," "Elijah Rock," "The Battle of Jericho," "Amazing Grace," "Mary Had a Baby" and many others. Every song a gem, soaring solos, great music, live performance excitement-what could be better? We loved "A Story of Freedom!"

Songlist: Lord I Want To Be A Christian, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Ain't That Good News, His Name So Sweet, Freedom Train, Steal Away, Soon And Very Soon, Deep River, Do Lord Remember Me, Great Day, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Chile, Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen, Abide With Me, Elijah Rock, I'm Gonna Sing 'til The Spirit Moves In My Heart, The Battle Of Jericho, Down By The Riverside, Who Is Dat A Yonder, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Amazing Grace, Behold A Star, Mary Had A Baby

Peninsula Women's Chorus : Nature Pictures   

On this recording, the PWC celebrates a close relationship with prominent Estonian composer, Veljo Tormis. Influenced by his deep conviction that ancient song traditions reflect a close connection to nature, the prolific Tormis gives us the four seasons in 36 miniatures of intense choral imagery in his evocative song cycles, Looduspildid (Nature Pictures). We are proud to present the first American recording of this cycle! This eclectic recording continues the theme with Karl Korte's "Spring", Chen Yi's "Looking at the Sea" and Samuel Barber's "To be Sung on the Water." Also included are Edward Elgar's "The Snow" and Kenneth Leslie's lovely "Cape Breton Lullaby," a PWC favorite.

Songlist: Day Break, On Hilissuvi (It is Late Summer) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Ule Taeva Jooksevad Pilved ( Clouds Are Racing) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kahvatu (Pale Light) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Valusalt Punased Lehed (Painfully Red Are The Leaves) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Tuul Konnumaa Kohal ( Wind Over the Barrens) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kulm Sugisoo (Cold Autumn Night) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), Kanarbik (Heather) -Sugismaastikud (Autumn Landscapes), The Snow, In Meeres Mitten, Talvehommik (Winter Morning) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Kulm (Cold) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Tuisk (Blizzard) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Virmalised (Northern Lights) -Talvemustrid (Winter Patterns), Spring, Miniwanka, Looking at the Sea, Kevadtuul (Spring Wind) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Lehtivad Pungad ( Flowering Blossoms) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Ohtune Taevas (Evening Sky) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Toominga All (Under the Bird-Cherry Tree) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Kollane Leek (Yellow Flame) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), Hiliskevad (In Late Spring) - Kevadkillud (Spring Sketches), La Ruisseau, To Be Sung On The Water, Pauailm (Dry Weather) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Aike (Thunderstorm) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Suveoo (Summer Night) - Suvemotiivid (Summer Motifs), Cape Breton Lullaby

Portland Symphonic Girlchoir : Girlchoir Favorites   

Now entering its third decade, ably led by Co-Conductors Roberta Q. Jackson and Debra R. Burgess, the award-winning PSG is taking its place among the finest children's choral ensembles in the country. Over 1,000 young women ages 5 to 18, who love to sing, have come together through the years to create the distinct voice of the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, and the 100+-strong ensemble joins the 33-strong, "20th Anniversary Alums & Mums Choir" for 17 piano-accompanied, selected live cuts, recorded from 2008 to 2010. Favorites are a pair by Duke Ellington," "It Don't Mean A Thing" and "Mood Indigo," Charles Collins' "Mary Had A Little Blues," Bill Perison's "Naughty Four O'Clocks," "Gershwin for Girls," Moses Hogan's "Ride On, King Jesus," Charles Collins' "The Star," Stephen Hatfield's "Living In a Holy City," "Deep Peace, a Gaelic Blessing" and David Brunner's "A Song to End All Wars." We love the sweet, spirited sound of the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, one of the best in the world!

Songlist: Give Us Hope, Music Is Indeed, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Mood Indigo, Mary Had A Little Blues, Naughty Four O'Clocks, Gershwin For Girls, Birth Of The Blues, Bye Bye Blackbird, Living In A Holy City, Ride On, King Jesus, My Lord, What a Mornin', The Storm Is Passing Over, Deep Peace, A Gaelic Blessing, The Star, She Shall Have Music, A Song To End All Wars

San Francisco Choral Artists : Music Among Friends   

The SFCA has been delighting Bay Area audiences since 1985 with their perfectly-balanced blend of 24 voices, fresh and unusual song selection and elegant presentation of choral classics and new music by contemporary composers. Magen Solomon has been Music Director of the group since 1995, and she also directs the Oakland Symphony Chorus. "Music Among Friends" celebrates the ties of this chamber ensemble with the "lively community of local composers who have generously shared their wonderful music with us." 16 of these 22 works, chosen from live performances of the last 5 years, are by Bay Area composers, many are world premieres and several others have never been commercially recorded. Some of our favorites are a pair by Russell Burnham, "The Dance" and "Sonnet 4: O You Tender Ones," Paul Chihara's "Lie Lightly, Gentle Earth," Allen Shearer's dissonant gem "The Marriage," John Kelley's poignant "When You Are Old," Paul Crabtree's "First and Last Kiss," Wm. Hawley's soaring "Vita de la mia vita," Robert Starey's surprising, powerful "It Is an Easy Thing," Kirke Mechem's beautiful "Loveliest of Trees," Halsey Stevens' "Go, Lovely Rose," Conrad Susa's "The Gallant One" and "The Kings of the Deck" and the lovely hymn, "In the Valley." There is occasional accompaniment, but mostly wonderful a cappella harmonies from this polished, talented ensemble. We loved every cut of "Music Among Friends!"

Songlist: The Dance, Salve Regina, Charm Me Asleep, Sonnet 4: O You Tender Ones, Lolas Epitaph, Lie Lightly Gentle Earth, Sound Of The Sea, The Marriage, Vita De La Mia Vita, When You Are Old, First And Last Kiss, It Is An Easy Thing, A Critical Success, Go Lovely Rose, Lovliest Of Trees, The Gallant One, The Kings Of The Deck, Landscape, O Little Town, In The Valley, Awit Sa Panginoon, Coventry Carol

Santa Fe Women's Ensemble : Music Is Our Joy   

Santa Fe Women's Ensemble has been singing together for New Mexico audiences since 1981, and has performed all its Christmas concerts in the acoustically magnificent Loretta Chapel in Santa Fe. The 14-voice group performs seldom-heard and challenging music from all periods, and has commissioned 22 new works. The pieces on this Christmas album are from Christmas and Spring Offering concerts from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Linda Raney has directed the SFWE since 1988 and is director of music and organist at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe. There are 24 songs, some lightly accompanied, in this generous, eclectic collection. Jim Leininger's soaring "Deo Gracias," Karl Henning's "Alleluia in D," William Byrd's "Non Nobis, Domaine," Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "What Can Lambkins Do," Daniel Gawthrop's dissonant "There Is Sweet Music," Pavel Chesnokov's "Otche nash" and Stuart McIntosh's "Baloo Baleerie" are lovely, rarely-heard, unexpected selections for a Christmas album, but they work. Michael Larkin's "Ave Maria," "Carol of the Drum," Palestrina's "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "Four Noels," "Il est ne, le divin Enfant," "Polish Christmas Carols" and Handl's "O magnum mysterium" are more familiar and no less enjoyable. "When the Savior Christ is born," "He is sleeping in a manger," "Sleep Thou, my Jewel," Keith Christopher's "Beyond Winter," Naomi Stephan's "Hodie" and Uzee Brown Jr.'s "Oh, the Savior's Comin, Hallelu" are all relatively new to us, lovely and fine. A beautiful, impressive, eclectic holiday collection from one of New Mexico's finest women's ensembles!

Songlist: Deo Gracias, 'Tis a Gift, Alleluia in D, Non Nobis, Domine, What Can Lambkins Do?, There Is Sweet Music, Kdyby tu Nic Nebylo, Otche nash, Baloo Baleerie, Ave Maria, Carol of the Drum, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Four Noels, Venez divin Messie, Il Es Ne le Divin Enfant, Dans Cette Etable, On ne Craint Plus Dans l'Univers, Polish Christmas Carols, When the Saviour Christ is Born, He is Sleeping in a Manger, Sleep, Thou, My Jewel, Hodie, Beyond Winter, Magnificat, O Magnum Mysterium, Oh, the Savior's Comin, Hallelu

Santa Fe Women's Ensemble : A Celebration of Song   

"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!

Songlist: Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes, Dona Nobis Pacem, As I Lay Upon a Night, Antiphon, Gaude Virgo Gratiosa, On the Eve of the Wedding, Esto Les Digo, He Came Down, Sanctus from A Little Jazz Mass, Benedictus from A Little Jazz Mass, K'wae-jina Ching-ching Nah-neh, The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Willows by the Water Side, Echoes of Assisi, Ding Dong Merrily On High, How Far Is It To Bethlehem?, Rouse Good Folk, Watching At Night, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, In Dulci Jubilo, O Magnum Mysterium

Seattle Pro Musica : Alnight by the Rose   

Featuring Morten Lauridsen's stunning Madrigali: Six Firesongs on Italian Renaissance Poetry and pieces by Italian Renaissance composers Claudio Monteverdi and Carlo Gesualdo. The works of Monteverdi and Gesualdo inspired Lauridsen to write his Madrigali. Also includes Arvo Part's beautiful Magnificat and Karen P. Thomas' Medieval Lyrics, as well as works by Hildegard von Bingen, Frank Ferko and Guillaume Dufay.

Songlist: Ave Regina caelorum, Gedeanis area, O cruor sanguinis, O successores, O verbum Patris, O splendidissima gemma, Laus Trinitati, Magnificat, Medieval Lyrics, To Mistress Margaret Hussey, Alright by the Rose, Dolcissima miaw vita, Si, ch'io vorrei morire, Madrigali: Six "Fire Songs", Ov'e, Lass', Il Bel Viso, Quando Son Piu Lontan, Amor, io sento l'amlma, Lo piango, Luci Serene E Chiare, Se Per Havervi, Oi

Seattle Pro Musica : Rachmaninov   

From 1880 to 1917 was a renaissance in Russian choral music, a great outpouring of sacred compositions by major composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Chesnokov and Kastalsky. While Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) only wrote a few choral works, they are among the crowning achievements of Russian choral music. "Vsenoshchnoye Bdeniye Op. 37 (Vespers)" encompasses a wealth of moods and emotion, ranging from meditative introspection to praise and proclamation. The 76-strong, award-winning Seattle Pro Musica is the perfect ensemble for this material, dramatically powerful on a piece like "Priidite, poklonimsya," (Come Let Us Worship), sweetly meditative on songs like "Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda" and "Shestopsalmiye: Slava v vyshnikh bogu" (The Six Psalms: Glory Be to God in the Highest), filled with wonder on "Tropar: Dnes spasneniye" (The Troparion: Thou didst Rise from the Tomb), and joyfully triumphant on "Vzbrannoy voyevode" (To Thee, the Victorious Leader). Truly wonderful, rarely-heard sacred music from one of great composers of all time.

Songlist: Priidite, polonimsya (Come, Let Us Worship), Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda (Bless the Lord, O My Soul), Blazhen muzh (Blessed is the Man), Svete tikhyi (Gladsome Light), Nyne otpushchayeshi (Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart), Bogoroditse Devo (Rejoice, O Virgin), Shestopsalmiye: Slava v vyshnikh Bogu (The Six Psalms: Glory to God in theHighest), Khvalite imya Gospodne (Praise the Name of the Lord), Blagosloven yesi, Gospodi (Blessed Art Thou, O Lord), Voskreseniye Khristovo videvshe (Having Beheld the Resurrection of Christ), Velichit dusha moya Gospoda (My Soul Magnifies the Lord), Slavosloviye velikoye (The Great Doxology: Glory to God in the Highest, Tropar: Dnes spaseniye (The Troparion: Today Salvation Has Come), Tropar: Voskres iz groba (The Troparion: Thou didst Rise from the Tomb), Vzbrannoy voyevode (To Thee, the Victorious leader)

Sistrum : Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn    

Lansing, MI's award-winning, 30-strong women's chorus Sistrum's vision is "to provide a musical haven where women may find their voices and enjoy the camaraderie offered by the Sistrum community." They further endeavor "to create a choral instrument by which our members can use their voices to raise beautiful music and powerful energy." This CD was inspired by Sistrum's first commissioned work, the 3-part "Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn," with words by Kris Radish and music by Jenni Brandon. There are 15 songs here, a World tour, if you will, beginning with the piano-accompanied French tune "Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser," a lighthearted piece about a girl trying to get a monk to dance with her by bribing him with material possessions; two chants; with roots in the Celtic pagan culture, "Full Moonlight Dance" and "Everything She Touches;" "Koowu" is directly translated as "strength" and incorporates Middle Eastern scales; Stephen Hatfield's "Camino Caminante" is inspired by the swirling mix of cultures in Miami; and the lightly percussioned, Tamil-based "Odi Odi" urges us to look internally for inspiration and empowerment. Randi Driscoll's powerful "What Matters," the traditional Spiritual "Balm in Gilead," Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow," the 3-part, piano-accompanied title tune, and "Still I Rise," an ode to survival regardless of the challenge or obstacle, complete our list of favorites. "Dancing" is a beautiful, inspirational collection from talented Sistrum!

Songlist: Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser, Full Moonlight Dance, Everything She Touches, Koowu, My Love Walks in Velvet, Both Page and Pen, Camino Caminante, Odi Odi, What Matters, Balm in Gilead, Over the Rainbow, The Dark Line, Morning Prayer, Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn, Still I Rise

Voces Sacrae : Edmund Rubbra   

A beautiful disc of (mostly) World Premiere recordings, this first-ever CD to be devoted solely to his choral music will act as a herald to next year's Rubbra centenary celebrations. The earliest are the Five Motets of 1934, settings of 16th century metaphysical poems. It was madrigalist Thomas Campion whose poems provided the basis for two delightful sets of Madrigals, and charming too are the group of four simple Carols. It is for his liturgical music that Rubbra is perhaps best known today, and the four substantial works included here demonstrate why. There is his largest a cappella piece, Lauda Sion, a magnificent Aquinas setting, plus his second setting of The Beatitudes. Two settings of the mass are featured, his third, written in medieval style, and his fifth. This is the focal point of the whole collection, the Mass in Honour of St Teresa of Avila of 1981 which was Rubbra's last major choral work, and summarises the composer's mature harmonic language.

Songlist: Five Motets, Eternitie, Vain wits and eyes, A Hymn to God the Father, The Search, A Song, Four Carols, Mary Mother, Op. 90, Entrez y tous, Op. 93, Star of the Mystic East, Op. 81, The Holy Dawn, Op. 135, Missa a3, Op. 98, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Lauda Sion, Op. 110 (1960), The Beatitudes, Op. 109, Five Madrigals, Op. 51, When to her lute Corinna sings, I care not for these ladies, Beauty is but a painted hell, It fell on a summer's day, Though you are young, Two Madrigals, Op. 52, Leave prolonging thy distress, So sweet is thy discourse, Mass in Honour of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)(1981), Kyrie, and more

Vox Femina : Simply   

The 30 talented women of Vox Femina LA, directed by Dr. Iris S. Levine, went into the recording studio in July, 2002 to record repertoire from their first 5 seasons, showcasing two new commissions: "The Tolerance Project" and "Alarcon Madrigals, Book II." Founded in 1997, VFLA is a women's choral ensemble dedicated to the performance of quality choral literature with an emphasis on music by women composers. They are a family of diverse women who are lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual. This CD is in 3 parts, 8 songs from "Miniatures of Kin," 11 songs in "Alarcon Madrigals, Book II, and 3 from "The Tolerance Project," based on the poetry of LA high school students. All songs are lightly piano accompanied. Particularly nice are the opening cut, "The Gathering," the traditional "The Water is Wide," the Serbian folk tune "Niska Banja," "Wood River," "Both Page and Pen," "Another Language," "Totally Exposed," "Warrior," Holly Near's "Simply Love," "I Come From Good People," and "I Love A Rainbow." The extensive liner notes include all the touching, poignant and joyous lyrics. "Simply..." is a gift.

Songlist: (Miniatures of Kin), The Gathering, Sisters, Cousins, Parting, The Water is Wide, Niska Banja, The 23rd Psalm, Wood River, (Alarcon Madrigals, Book II), I Want to Stop Being an Endless Night, Wind, Bird, Both Page and Pen, Matriarch, Another Language, I Thank You God, Totally Exposed, Warrior, Simply Love, I Come from Good People, (The Tolerance Proect), Pendulum, Afraid, I Love a Rainbow

Vox Femina : Still I Rise   

Los Angeles' 31-strong women's ensemble Vox Femina blew us away with their 2002 debut album "Simply," and we have waited a long time to be able to hold CD #2 in our hot little hands. "Still I Rise," directed by Dr. Iris S. Levine and accompanied by Lisa Edwards on piano, celebrates Vox Femina's 10th anniversary season, highlighting the best of Vox's live performances. The 15 very different songs share fine arranging, flawless performances, and the exciting fact that they are live recordings. The rhythmic opening cut "Odi Odi," the spiritual "Deep River," Hildegard von Bingen and Roger Bourland's "O viridissima virga/Both Page and Pen;" Debussy's "Salut Printemps;" Ysaye M. Barnwell's lovely "Breaths;" Roy Brown's "Sky Dances;" Stuart Stotts' "Music in My Mother's House," Holly Near's "Imagine my Surprise;" Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's "At the Ballet" and the title tune by Rosephanye Powell are some favorites. But Vox is very special group of women, a bridge-building group, and each of these songs needs to be listened to, appreciated and savored. Besides piano, you might hear some flute, drums, bass, guitar, oboe and zils. Exquisite!

Songlist: Odi Odi, Ah! si mon moine voulait danser, Deep River, O viridissima virga /, Both Page and Pen, Salut Printemps, Ya Faraoule, Breaths, Yo le Canto Todo el Dia, Sky Dances, Sweet Woman, Music in My Mother's House, Imagine my Surprise, At the Ballet, Closer to Fine, Still I Rise

Western Wind : The Happy Journey   

A Delightful and moving compendium of early American song including Shaker Songs, New England Anthems' Folk-hymns and Fuging-Tunes by rough-hewn Yankee tunesmiths Billings, Ingalls, Jenks and Wood. Also featured are Southern Spirituals, both black and white, including the first published version of Amazing Grace (called New Britain) and the first piece of published music written by an American woman, The Promised Land by Miss M Durham.

Songlist: Shaker Songs, The Happy Journey, Now My Dear Companions, Funeral Hymn, Who Will Bow and Bend Like A Willow, From the Moon, New England Anthems, Folk-Hymns and Plain Tunes, Honor to the Hills, Brevity, Sorrow's Tear, Decay, Columbia, Lamentation, Evening Hymn, Complainer, Euroclydon, an Anthem, Southern Spirituals (Black and White), Wake Up, Musgrove, The Bower of Prayer, Weeping Mary, The Angels Done Bowed Down, Calvary, Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass, Wondrous Love, New Britain

Women's Chorus of Dallas : Change of Heart   

Change of Heart" was recorded at Dallas' Meyerson Symphony Center in March, 1997 at the close of TWCD's eighth season, and it is a celebration of love in its many forms. In addition to Dr. Timothy Selig, director, and Anne Albritton, accompanist and composer/arranger, we have guest artist Holly Near. We are given 13 songs here (actually more than that, "Love Is...," for instance is a medley of 8 love songs), all accompanied and beautifully and richly sung by the over 100 TWCD members. As with all TWCD CDs, the liner notes are beautifully done, extensive and touching.

Songlist: Change of Heart, Love Is..., My Romance / What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life, My True Love Has My Heart, I've Got You Under My Skin, The Sun Won't Stop, How To Handle A Woman, Heart We Will Forget Him, You'll Never Walk Alone, Love Changes Everything, Speak To the Child of Love, Great Peace March, Reprise: Change of Heart

Women's Chorus of Dallas : Our Turn   

The 90 singers of the WCD, ably directed since 1994 by Dr. Selig, present a subscription concert series in addition to touring nationally. "Our Turn" is a sampling from their 5th Anniversary concert in June of 1994 called "We're Five!" There are 16 songs, with some light accompaniment by piano and other instruments. "Echo Song," "Sound the Trumpet," Mozart's "Alleluia," Brahms' "Ave Maria" Arron Copland's joyous "Ching-A-Ring Chaw," John Rutter's "For the Beauty of the Earth," Rossini's "Duetto Buffo di due Gatti," "Women's Medley," featuring the title tune, Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" and David Shire's "I Want It All;" Suzanne Buhrer's hilarious "God Loves A Woman," Walter Hawkins' spiritual "I'm Goin' Up A Yonder," "Les Miserables" and Henley and Silbar's "Wind Beneath My Wings" are favorites. "Our Turn" is a strong collection of sweet sounds from the Lone Star State! Some light accompaniment.

Songlist: Echo Song, Sound the Trumpet!, Alleluia, Ave Maria, Come In, Ching-A-Ring Chaw, Nigra Sum, A Birthday, For The Beauty Of The Earth, Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti, Women's Medley, God Loves a Woman, I'm Goin' Up A Yonder, Les Miserables, Wind Beneath My Wings, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

WomenSing : Songs of Innocence and Experience   

Listen to rousing gospel songs, an eloquent arrangement of the hymn Amazing Grace by Ron Jeffers, Vivaldi's spirited Beatus Vir accompanied by the Jubilate Orchestra strings, contemporary works by composers such as Andrew Carter, Otmar Macha, and WomenSing's commissioned work by Libby Larsen. As its title suggests, the emotions portrayed will run the gamut as well: from the mystery of Annunciation to the menacing meandering of The Wendigo; from the full range experience of love fulfilled in the sensual Nigra Sum by Catalunyan composer Pau Casals, to the dreamy lilting of the Canadian folk tune Away From the Roll of the Sea.

Songlist: Nigra Sum, Beatus Vir, Kyrie, Sanctus Benedictus, Ave Maria, Annunciation, Ho-ja-ja, The Tyger, La Estrella, Of Being is a Bird, The Wendigo, Away from the Roll of the Sea, Amazing Grace, Thou My Everlasting Portion