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. |
