In celebration of its 25th anniversary as "an orchestra of voices," the 12 talented men who are San Francisco-based Chanticleer bring us this marvelous retrospective sampling from its rich discography of recordings. In 1978, Louis Botto, a graduate student in medieval and Renaissance music, wanted to hear the music he was studying performed live (a rarity at the time), and gathered a group of singers from the SF Symphony Chorus and Grace Cathedral Choir. They chose the name "Chanticleer" from the clear-singing rooster from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." The early years were difficult, but the group's reputation grew enough by 1991 to make all 12 members full-time employees. There are 19 gems from some of the many Chanticleer CDs that grace our catalog, and it's hard to pick favorites. Those who favor their flawless singing accompanied, we would recommend Ignacio de Jerusalem's "Hymn: Quem Terra Pontus Sidera," "Recessional: Angelicas Milicias" by Manuel de Sumaya, and Mercer & Arlen's "Blues in the Night." For a cappella, we like the Gregorian chant "Ave Maria," Tomas Luis de Victoria's "Alma Redemptoris Mater," Bernard Rands' "This Heart That Flutters Near My Heart," Chen Yi's "Wild Grass," Stephen Foster's "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" (arr. by Gene Puerling), Michael McGlynn's "Dulaman," "Spanish Carol," "Wade in the Water"--frankly, we could list them all! A well-chosen "best of" of one of our favorite choral groups. Highly recommended! |
