F. Melius Christiansen founded the 65-strong mixed voice Concordia Choir at Moorhead, MN's Concordia College in 1911, then led the choir until handing it over to his son Paul in 1937. Rene Clausen has been conductor of the Choir for more than 20 years, and is also a well-known composer and arranger, having written over 100 commissioned compositions. This veteran, prolific choir boasts over 22 finely-crafted CDs and DVDs in the Singers.com catalog and has long been one of our favorites and best-sellers. The rich, angelic, soaring sound of the Concordia choir is beautifully evident on each of these 10 cuts. Some of our favorites are the title tune, by William H. Harris, Frank Martin's lovely "Agnus Dei," four songs by Eric Whitacre, "When David Heard," "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine," "I Thank You God for most this amazing day," "This Marriage" and "With a Lilly in Your Hand;"and two versions of "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming," Hugo Distler's soaring take on it and Jan Sanderson's haunting, surprising carol. Several of these (all a cappella) pieces are difficult and eclectic, but the Choir handles them all easily. Enjoy this remarkable collection by one of America's greatest choirs! |
