'Songs' joins 6 other strong recordings by Vancouver's prize-winning pride of lions, led by Loomer, one of Canada's top choral conductors (she also conducts the Amabile Singers, the UBC Choral Union and is co-conductor of Canada's award-winning women's choir Electra). 'Songs of War and Peace' reflects the various reactions of artists and composers to war, some are swept up in the swell of nationalism and idealism and glorified the bravery of soldiers, others have written songs to encourage the troops and pray for their safety, and some have spoken out against the glorification of warfare. The lightly-accompanied songlist focuses first on the sacrifice and loss of the soldiers with Mike Sammes' 'For the Fallen,' John McRae's 'In Flanders Field' and the stark, frightening 'A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map' by Samuel Barber and Kirke Mechem's haunting 'Blow Ye the Trumpet.' The cheery, martial air of Charles Gounod's 'Soldier's Chorus' provides a counterpoint to the powerful, dark story of Percy Grainger's 'Danny Deever,' the poignant 'An Irish Airman Foresees His Death,' and Eric Bogle's Australian ballad 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda.' Particularly touching is the medley 'Songs Soldiers Sing,' which includes 'Lilli Marlene,' 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary,' White Cliffs of Dover,' 'Pack Up Your Troubles' and 'We'll Meet Again.' The Irish air 'The Minstrel Boy' and a pair of American Spirituals, 'Over Yonder' and 'We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace' provide a fitting close to this powerful, thought-provoking collection. |
