Since its founding in 1997 by director Diane Loomer, C.M., recipient of the Order of Canada, 57-strong men's chorus Chor Leoni has been recognized as a Canadian choral treasure, and lauded for its innovative programming, technical precision and commitment to the creation of new Canadian works for male choir. We have given high praise to the ensemble's collections of Folk, Pop, traditional and original tunes in the Singers.com catalog, and totally enjoyed this collection of traditional Christian hymns, like "Shall We Gather at the River," "All Beautiful the March of Days," the Shaker hymn "Not One Sparrow is Forgotten," "Precious Lord," "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," "In The Garden," "Abide with Me" and "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal;" Spirituals like the title tune, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I See," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin'," "Witness," "Over Yonder" and "Ain'-A That Good News!;" and Folk songs like Stephen Foster's "Hard Times" and Antonin Dvorak's "Goin' Home." There is some piano accompaniment. Chor Leoni doesn't overpower us with testosterone as some large, all-male choruses have a tendency to do, but touches and moves us with beautiful leads and sweet harmonies. Kudos and thanks to Ms. Loomer for crafting one of our favorite men's choruses, and for another stellar collection, "Meetin' Here Tonight!" |
