Dr. Christopher Aspaas, assistant professor of choral/vocal music at Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College directs the Viking Chorus, a group of more than 80 first-year student men who have been organized to sing the highest quality literature. Their repertoire includes motets, cantata movements and anthems, contemporary choral pieces, spirituals, folksongs, and music traditionally associated with men's singing groups. There are 17 songs here, some favorites are the Moses Hogan spiritual "Plenty Good Room," the African song "One by One," from "Rhythm of the Pridelands," "The Water is Wide/Blow Ye Winds" medley, the profound "This is My Song" by Jean Sibelius, the rhythmic gem (with non-vocal percussion) "Betelehemu," the powerful spiritual "Rainbow Round My Shoulder," Ludovico Viadana's "Exsultate Justi," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria," Eric Sayre's "Agnus Dei," and the traditional songs "Danny Boy," "Byker Hill," "Loch Lomond" and "Shine on Me." There is some light accompaniment (such as organ, piano and percussion). "Repertoire" is a strong collection, sung with a masculine, soulful spirit that touches and moves us! |
