This live 2-CD set features the four Girlchoirs, the Premier Choir, Intermezzo Choir, Debut Choir and Encore Singers in 24 pieces on the first CD, and 14 on the 2nd CD. All pieces are accompanied, by piano, organ, percussion, string quartet and by other instruments. Ably conducted by Roberta Jackson and Debra Burgess, The last 7 selections on the first CD are a "best of" from the Girlchoir's founding in 1989 to 2004 and include a pair of commissioned songs, "Deep Peace, A Gaelic Blessing" and "Spero" (Hope), both written by PSG alumnus Amy C. Burgess. 7 of the pieces on the first CD are sacred Christian pieces, such as Bach's "Christe Eleison from Mass in B Minor" and Rupert Long's "Sanctus from Mass For Many Nations." The Moses-Hogan arranged spiritual "Ride on King Jesus" and his "Music Down In My Soul," Steven Hatfield's "Over the Hills," Gwenyth Walker's "How Can I Keep From Singing" and Lee Kesselman's commission, "Tsvey Taybelekh" (The Two Doves), are particularly fine. Also fine are four movements from Benjamin Britten's "The Little Sweep" from "Lets Make an Opera." A generous, finely-crafted collection from the talented Portland Symphonic Girlchoir. |
