Iowa State's most select choral ensemble, the undergraduate Iowa State Singers chooses its membership from about 400 active choristers on campus. Ably directed by Dr. James Rodde, the choir annually presents a 5-concert season, with a repertoire emphasizing the a cappella tradition. "Choral Spectrum I" is a generous collection of 20 songs, from the choir's repertoire from 2001 to 2004, many of them with classical Christian themes, such as Jan P. Sweelinck's "Pseaume 43, Chris Nielsen's Benedictus Dominus, John Tavener's "The Lamb," Emile Desamours' "Alelouya,"Anthony Bruckner's "Locus Iste," Zdenek Lukas' "Magna Est Vis Veritatis," Heinrich Schutz' "Cantate Domino," Josef Swider's "Cantus Gloriosus" and others. Also wonderful are the Moses Hogan-arranged spirituals "Hold On!," "My Soul's Been Anchored" and "The Battle of Jericho," the Alice Parker-arranged "He's the Lily of the Valley," Rene Clausen's "Quicksand Years," Eric Whitacre's "Sleep" and David Dichau's "If Music Be the Food of Love." This is stunningly beautiful material, with perfect leads that soar above the rich harmonies, touching and moving us. Exquisite! |
