This collection is a fantastic resource for introducing the music of the Renaissance to the male ensemble. These five compositions are well-known and excellent representative works.

Songlist: Adoramus Te, Ave Maria, Cantate Domino, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, O Vos Omnes

The Oxford Choral Classics gathers together over three hundred of the world's choral masterpieces into a unique series of seven volumes that span the whole of Western choral literature. Each volume contains all of the established classics of its genre under a single cover, in authoritative new editions and at a budget price. European Sacred Music is the second volume in the series and a fabulous value for money. From the Allegri Misereri to the Victora O vos omnes, John Rutter and co-editor Clifford Bartlett have researched the best available sources and provided excellent new English singing translations and sensible, practical keyboard reductions.

Songlist: Miserere, Cristus factus est, Otche nash (The Lord's Prayer), O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht, Warum ist das Licht gegeben dem Muhseligen?, Ach, arme Welt, Geistliches Lied, Ave Maria, Christus factus est, Os justi, Locus iste, Magnificat, O vos omnes, Cantique de jean Racine, Panis angelicus, Jubilate Deo, O vos omnes, The Cherubic Hymn (Izhe kheruvimyi), Ave aris stella, Ave Virgo sanctissima, Pater noster, Dixit Maria, Crux fidelis, Ave Maria, Adoramus te, Christe, Ave verum Corpus, Timor et tremor and Exaudi Deus, Crucifixus a8, Psalm 48 (Richte mich, Gott), Verleih uns Frieden, and more

30 Sacred Masterworks presents a wealth of invaluable, original repertoire for upper voice choirs. Many of the pieces collected in this volume are published here for the first time or have not enjoyed the same exposure as much of the mixed voice repertoire. IT builds on the success of Faber music's Choral Programme Series, from which some of the pieces have been drawn. The collection encompasses many eras and offers both accompanied and unaccompanied pieces and is suitable for a variety of services and concerts through the year. This volume is an invaluable resource, both for upper voice choirs seeking new and inspiring repertoire as well as for mixed voice choirs who want to showcase the talent of their female singers.

Songlist: Adoramus te Christe, Die Ehre Gottes aus der Natur, Adoramus te Christe, The Oxen, Sing ye to our Lord a new song, O Salutaris Hostia, O vos omnes, Tantum ergo, O Salutaris Hostia, Love divine, O lovely peace, Ex ore innocentium, In pace idipsum, Tantum ergo, Ave maris stella, Lift thine eyes, O Domine Jesu Christe, Alleluia, Be still, and know I am with you, Hodie Christus natus est, Quando corpus morietur, Danksaget dem Vater, A Celtic Prayer, Ave Maria, Der 23. Psalm, Ave Maria, Have mercy upon me, O God, Laudi alla Vergine Maria, O vos omnes, The First Mercy

This collection aims to provide a comprehensive survey of a highly significant part of the Christian Year: Ash Wednesday and Lent, Passiontide, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Its contents span all musical periods of what is a marvellously rich area of church music and it contains much that is not widely available elsewhere under one cover. Ash Wednesday to Easter for Choirs includes a number of less familiar works together with new or recent arrangements of well-known tunes, such as Philip Ledger's 'This joyful Eastertide', Simon Lindley's 'Now the green blade riseth', and Bob Chilcott's setting of 'Were you there?'. Some of the anthems, for example Richard Shephard's 'Sing, my tongue' and Grayston Ives' 'Ride on', have been newly commissioned specifically for this collection, thus filling certain gaps. Wherever possible new practical performing editions of 16th-century repertoire have been prepared, reflecting current scholarship and including an English singing translation and, where, the original had none, a dynamic scheme. Such dynamics are the editors' suggestions only and may be freely ignored or adapted. Note values have in some instances been halved. Unaccompanied items include keyboard reductions for rehearsal.

Songlist: Lent Prose, Civitas sancti tui (Bow tine ear, O Lord), Lord, for thy tender mercy's sake, The Litany (BCP), The Litany (ASB), Peccantem me quotidie, Agnus Dei, Like as the Hart, Drop, drop, slow tears, Wash me throughly, Christus factus est, The Lamentation, Jesu, grant me this I pray, God so loved the world, Ecce quomodo moritur justus, Adoramus te, Christe, God so loved the world, The Feast of Palms, Hosianna dem Sohne Davids, Hosianna to the Son of David, Ride on, Ingrediente Domino, Pueri Hebraeorum, In the heart where love is abiding, Pange lingua / Of the glorious Body telling, Tantum ergo, Ave verum corpus, A new commandment, Sing, my tongue, In the departure of the Lord, and more

Anthems For Choirs Volume 3 is comprised of anthems in three or more parts and a set of five introits. Four new anthems have been specially commisioned from David Lord, John Rutter, Robert Sherlaw Johnson, and Phyllis Tate. With the exception of Christmas all seasons of the church's year are represented in the collection. There are 24 anthems included in this volume.

Songlist: Anthems, Introit for Ascension, Introit for Easter, Veni Creator, Introit for Whitsun, O Bone Jesu, Psalm 13, In Praise of God, Ave Regina Caelorum, Quam Pulcra es, Introit for Lent or Passiontide, Anthem for the Trinity, Psalm 150, O Crux Benedicta, O Domine Jesu Christe, Surgens Jesus, Two Canons (Alleluja and Ave Maria), Song of the Sun, Im Himmelreich ein Haus Steht, Christ the Lord is Risen Again, Good Nature to Animals, Hymn to the Virgin, O Vos Omnes

Voice for Life, RSCM Publications' indispensable guide to choral training, now offers four new choral anthem collections specifically designed to accompany their choral training program. These comprehensive and varied collections provide choirs with a vast assortment of anthems ranging in skill level from beginner to advanced. The pieces in each book correspond with the different skill levels in the Voice for Life program. These fine editions also stand on their own as valuable choral collections for any choir

Songlist: Angel voices, As water to the thirsty, At the river, Blessed be the God and Father, Cantate Domino, For the gifts of life and love, Fountain of Sweets, Glorious and powerful God, How beauteous are their feet, I will sing of the Lord's great love, It is a thing most wonderful, Jubilate!, King of Glory, Listen sweet Dove, My Soul, there is a Country, Now go in peace, O God, thou art my God, O Lord, make thy servant, O magnum mysterium, O salutaris hostia, O thou the central orb, O vos omnes, Rejoice, the Lord is King, Salvator mundi, Shepherd of souls, Solus ad victimam, The Beatitudes, This lovely lady, Ubi caritas, Wash me throughly

"O Magnum Mysterium" was written in the late Renaissance period by Tomas Luis de Victoria, this beautiful piece captures the wonder and mystique of Christ's birth. Russell Robinson has arranged O Magnum Mysterium, making it more accessible to both school and church choirs, by setting it in a slightly higher key than the original, and with notation that is more easily understood. The music of the Renaissance has a pure clarity of sound that every singer should experience. Ruth Elaine Schram's setting of "Agnus Dei" is a lush setting with parts intertwining in the most unexpected ways, forming uniquely beautiful harmonies. The cyclical nature of the piece reiterates the meaning of the text, a fervent prayer, "Lamb of God, grant us peace." Festival or contest piece for schools, and a moving Lenten anthem for the sanctuary. A passionate Latin text, "Adoramus Te" embodies all of the purity and pristine beauty of Renaissance music. Sung a capella, this reverent masterwork may be used in concert, contest, or festival settings by school or church groups. Appropriate for high school children. Robert Shaw commissioned Chester Alwes to make an edition of Tomas Luis de Victoria's motet, "O Vos Omnes", which was to be sung as part of the Robert Shaw Summer Festival in France. Robert Shaw has added tempo indication and expressive and dynamic marks, which indicates his feelings about how the piece should be realized in contemporary performance giving modern conductors the guidance of one of America's foremost choral musicians. The a cappella madrigal from the high Renaissance "Adieu, Sweet Amaryllis" is now available as a choral. It features opportunities for dynamic contrasts and development of musical line. John Leavitt has edited the piece with optional cue notes to make the tenor range more accessible to a larger group of singers. This madrigal is stunningly beautiful. This buoyant Spanish love song"Catinga" includes words by Gil Vincente and extols the beauty of one beyond compare, asking sailor, soldier, and shepherd if they have ever seen such loveliness. Cantiga is sung a cappella, with the voices simulating the strumming of a guitar and providing percussive accompaniment to the melody. Great fun!

Songlist: O Magnum Mysterium, Agnus Dei, Adoramus Te, O Vos Omnes, Cantate Domino, Adieu, Sweet Amaryllis, Catinga

The debut recording of the Primus Amabile Men's Ensemble, a group of 25 senior singers, many of whom have sung with the Amabile Boys Choirs since its inception in 1990. Inner Fire portrays messages or remembrance, thanksgiving and hope, and is a personal accomplishment for each of the 25 young men who comprise the Primus Men's Ensemble. It is, in a sense, a trophy after many years of hard and dedicated work, and represents the culmination of almost two decades of singing and growing up together

Songlist: Lux Arumique, Non Nobis, Domine, Ave Dulcissima Maria, Got Ist Mein Hirt, Ave Maria, Steal Away/Nobody Knows, O Vos Omnes, Sing Me To Heaven, The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood, Nukapianguaq, A Celtic Triptych, Carrikfergus, Soldier's Cry, Ramkali, Ne Sedi, Djemo, Esti Dal

The Men's Chorus, open to students from all majors at BGSU, has a motto and a well-deserved reputation as being "America's Finest Singing Machine." Founded in 1923, the BGSU Men's Glee Club began touring Ohio, sang as far away as Chicago and Niagara Falls, and was doing very well until World War II pulled most of its singers away. Reuniting again after the war, the group contained only 15 members when it disbanded in 1953. Beginning again under the baton of Prof. Richard D. Mathey in 1971, the group grew into the active, touring group it is today. After 29 great years, Mathey retired and passed off the leadership of the ensemble to Dr. William Skoog in 2000, under whose direction the group is thriving today, with a membership of over 100 talented men. There are 21 tracks on "Reconciliation," with some lovely, powerful spiritual songs like Randall Thompson's "The Last Words of David," Michael Cox' "I Sought the Lord" and "The Fear of the Lord," Charles Gounod's "Sanctus," Uzee Brown Jr.'s spiritual "I'm Building Me a Home," Glad's "God is My Rock;" popular and folk tunes like Timothy Takach's "The Highwayman," the Irish folk song "Dulaman," Richard Nance's "When I was 1-and-20" and "Loveliest of Trees" from "Songs of a Young Man;" and the title tune, a moving, trumpet-accompanied anti-war requiem. There is some light accompaniment on several of these cuts, but the voices and the effortless, soaring harmonies are the focus and beauty of this wonderful ensemble.

Songlist: The Last Words of David, Behold Man, Ave Maria, I Sought the Lord, Sanctus, I'm Build' Me a Home, God is My Rock, Prayer of the Children, Laudamus, O Vos Omnes, The Fear of the Lord, The Highwayman, In Taberna from Carmina Burana, Reconciliation, Kang-Ting Love Song, Dulaman, Dirait-on, When I was 1-and-20 from Songs of a Young Man, Loveliest of Trees from Songs of a Young Man, Touching Shoulders, Brothers Sing On

John Rutter directs the 28-strong Cambridge Singers in the inspiring setting of the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, gathering together 23 examples of English sacred a cappella choral music drawn from several centuries. Some pieces, such as the Taverner "Christe Jesu, pastor bone," or the Howells' "Nunc dimittis," were written for the Catholic liturgy; most of the English anthems were for the Anglican rite; but such pieces as Tomkins' "When David heard," Morley's "Nolo mortem peccatoris" and Amner's "Come, let's rejoice" were probably intended for domestic performance. In all cases, the beauty of the music transcends ancient politics and the years themselves, as it always must!

Songlist: Rejoice In The Lord, Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences, Come, Let's Rejoice, When David Heard, I Sat Down Under His Shadow, These Are They That Follow The Lamb, Christe Jesu, Pastor Bone, O Beatum Et Sacrosanctum Diem, Nunc Dimittis, O Vos Omnes, Factum Est Silentium, Justorum Animae, Hail, Gladdening Light, A Hymn To The Mother Of God, Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God, They Are At Rest, A Litany, Nolo Mortem Peccatoris, O Nata Lux, Loving Sheperd Of Thy Sheep, The Lord's Prayer, In Manus Tuas, Bring Us, O Lord God

Generations of composers have created a remarkable body of choral literature, inspired by the events in the life of Christ. John Rutter directs the 29-strong Cambridge Singers in a cappella renditions of some of the most beautiful works from this body, divided into five groups. In the first group, "The Coming of Christ," we have pieces by E.C. Bairstow, da Palestrina and Handl, as well as a Sarum chant, "Veni, Redemptor gentium." In the second group, "Words of Christ," we find pieces by Heinrich Schutz, P.I. Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. In the third group, "The Passion of Christ," we have works by Anton Bruckner, da Palestrina, T.L. de Victoria, Pablo Casals and Antonio Lotti. In the fourth group, "Resurrection and Ascension," there are pieces by Peter Phillips, da Palestrina and William Bird. And in the fifth group, "Christ in the Eucharist," we have works by T.L. de Victoria, Richard Dering, Samuel Barber, Olivier Messiaen and a lovely Gregorian chant, "Pange Lingua." The 24-page liner notes contain all words and translations. Let us find an imaginary place in the cathedral and hear the soaring praises to the remarkable man for whom it was built!

Songlist: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Veni, Redemptor Gentium, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Omnes De Saba Venient, Ich Bin ein Rechter Weinstock, The Crown Of Roses, Vo Tsarstvii Tvoyem (The Beatitudes), Pater Noster, Christus Factus Est, Good Friday, Reproaches (Improperia), Eram Quasi Agnus, O Vos Omnes, Crucifixus (For Eight Voices), Surgens Jesus, Ascendo Ad Patrem, Viri Galilaei, Jesu, Dulcis Memoria, Ave Verum Corpus, Pange Lingua, Agnus Dei, O Sacrum Convivium

Whether you have a couple dozen albums of English choral music or whether you're looking for an introduction to English choral music, this two CD collection is a must. This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. The first disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. On the second disc, there are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church. The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.

Songlist: Ave Maria, Loquebantur variis linguis, Miserere mei, Haec dies, Ave verum corpus, If Ye Love Me, Hide not thou thy face, Lord, for thy tender mercy's sake, O clap your hands, Bow thine ear, Hosanna to the Son of David, Lord, how long wilt thou be angry, Tho knowest, lord, Hear my prayer, O Lord, Beati quorum via, This joyful Eastertide, Sing Lullaby, A Spotless Rose, What cheer?, O taste and see, A Hymn to the Virgin, Jesus Christ the apple tree, Faire is the heaven, Rejoice in the Lord, Remember not, Lord, our offences, Come, let's rejoice, When David heard, I say down under his shadow, These are they that follow the Lamb, Christe Jesu, pastor bone, and more

A new recording by John Rutter and his Cambridge Singers is always welcome, and this one features 20 works drawn from the sacred choral repertoire of the Renaissance and Baroque. Most of these are motets and many are familiar (Palestrina's Sicut cervus and Exsultate Deo, Gabrieli's Jubilate Deo, Lassus' Timor et tremor, Josquin's Ave Maria) and all are included in Rutter's published anthology, European Sacred Music (Oxford). As Rutter states, the program's theme is to focus on the "wealth of sacred music...created in continental Europe out of the ferment of the age of Reformation", and while Rutter has chosen primarily works resulting from the "extraordinary flowering" of musical activity in the Catholic church during this period, we also are treated to a motet by Bach (O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht BWV 118/231, often mis-classified as a cantata), a Magnificat (presumably) by Buxtehude, and a psalm (100) by Schutz.

Songlist: Jubilate Deo, Beatus Vir, Christe, Adoramus te, Cantate Domino, Sicut Cervus, Exsultate Deo, Christus Factus Est, O Vos Omnes, Timor Et Tremor, Ave Verum Corpus, Laudate Dominum, Magnificat, Jesu, Dulcis Memoria, O Vos Omnes, Crux Fidelis, Ave Maria, Dixit Maria, Psalm 100, Selig Sind Die Toten, O Jesu Christ, Meins Lebens Licht

The 11 men who form the acclaimed Woodbury, MN-based Cantus bring us another perfectly crafted collection of sacred choral music. "Against" includes Sibelius' "Hymnus," Casals' "O Vos Omnes, Orff's Sunt Lacrimae Rerum, Tormis' Varjele, Jumala, soasta, Josquin's Absalon, fili mi, Sibelius' Sydameni Laulu," Schubert's "Grab und Mond," Jennings' "Two Laments on Dylan Thomas," Madetoja's "De Profundus," Thompson's "Alleluia," Debussy's "Invocation" and Barber's "Heaven-Haven." The CD is beautifully packaged, with a small book of all the lyrics poetically presented. One of the best male choruses in the world brings us a gift of timeless spiritual music-music that takes us to another reality, a place of benediction, praise and worship.

Songlist: Hymnus, O Vos Omnes, Sunt Lacrimae Rerum, Varjele, Jumala, Soasta, Absalon, fili mi, Sydameni laulu, Grab und Mond, Two Laments on Dylan Thomas, De Profundis, Alleluia, Invocation, Heaven-Haven (A Nun Takes the Veil)

With its seamless blend of twelve male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, the San Francisco-based ensemble Chanticleer, celebrates the life of their founder Louis I. Botto on the 10th anniversary of his death. Five composers create a mass that evolves organically, as if written by one hand and the ensemble brings it to life. Using Gregorian Chant as a foundation this Mass evolves organically, as if written by one hand. These composers bring international prestige to the project as well as vastly different life paths and points of view. Israeli-born composer Shulamit Ran wrote the Credo to the Hebrew text "Ani Ma'amin." Well-known television composer Douglas Cuomo contributed the Kyrie. Turkish-American Kamran Ince composed the Gloria section in to a sufi text, while Ivan Moody, drawing from the Greek Orthodox tradition, delivered the Sanctus. The Irish folk and medieval music-influenced composer Michael McGlynn (Anuna) composed the Agnus Dei. To seamlessly travel from one composer to the next, Chanticleer offers haunting and beautiful pieces by Gesualdo, Part, Binchois, and Gabrieli.

Songlist: Da Pacem, Domine, Deus, Deus Meus, Respice In Me, Kyrie, (Gloria) Everywhere, O Vos Omnes, Aestimatus, Credo/Ani Ma'Amin, O Salutaris Hostia, Ravenna Sanctus, Peccantem Me Quotidie, Agnus Dei, Da Pacem, Domine

Reflection celebrates 500 years of music-making in the English Parish Church. Over the centuries, on a daily basis, music has played an enormous role in enhancing the experience of Christian worship. The legacy is a vast body of music in many different styles to be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike. Reflection focuses on those works of great beauty which provide spiritual nourishment and a place of sanctuary from today's busy lives. Reflection features familiar composers such as Byrd, Tallis, Bach, Mozart and Elgar giving over an hour's music to soothe the soul.

Songlist: Ave verum Corpus, In pace in idipsum, Come, Holy Ghost, O nata lux de lumine, Ave verum, Lord for thy tender mercies sake, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Ave Maria for 5 voices, O Saviour of the World, Jesus decus angelicum, Thou know'st, Lord, If Ye Love Me, O Taste and See, Ave verum corpus, Panis angelicus, O Vos Omnes, Give alms of thy goods, Never Weather-Beaten Sail for voice, Momento, homo (O Lord, give ear)

Superb ensemble singing from simply one of the finest choirs in the world. Philip Ledger's tenure at King's was relatively short but he produced a sublime sound from the choir. Then are many jewels on this disc from Lotti's 'Crucifixus' to the simply beautiful interpretation of Orlando Gibbon's 'Drop, drop slow tears'. Perfection in delivery and hauntingly beautiful tone quality mark this performance of some glorious holy week music. "The Lamentations of Jeremiah" are usually transmitted as a single piece in most contemporary manuscripts, but they are really two separate compositions in different modes. Tallis and his contemporary John Sheppard were the only 2 English composers of the time to compose hymn settings of any quality. It has been suggested that they had it in mind to compose a cycle of settings for Mary Tudor's chapel. "O Nata lux" may belong to this Marian set. It is almost entirely homophonic, and relies rhetorically upon a flexible declamatory style. " Salvator Mundi" is one of Tallis's best-known motets. The masterly treatment of imitative writing is combined with a fine sense of structure and balance, achieved through repetition, to give a sense of large-scale design, a feature characteristic of Tallis's best large-scale compositions. And the most beautiful anthem on the disc: Tallis's "If Ye Love Me". So much wonderful music, exquisitely sung; a delcious Easter treat!

Songlist: Lamentations Of Jeremiah, O Nata Lux, Salvator Mundi, If Ye Love Me, Crucifixus, There Is A Green Hill Far Away, O Vos Omnes, Nolo Mortem Peccatoris, Tristis Est Anima Mea, Crux Fidelis, Videte Omnes Populi, Drop Drop Slow Tears, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross, Dum Transisset Sabbatum, Jesus Christ Is Risen Today, The Joyful Eastertide, Haec Dies, Let All The World In Every Corner Sing

Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge : Beyond All Mortal Dreams   

On Beyond All Mortal Dreams, Stephen Layton and his acclaimed Trinity College Choir perform a magnificent selection of American a cappella choral works. The recording is a showcase of little-known American composers unearthed by Layton during his travels. These distinctive and luminous compositions illustrate the context in which better-known composers such as Lauridsen and Whitacre - already championed by Layton - learned their craft. The choir is in perfect voice here, and their purity of tone, flawless intonation and depth of feeling are truly exceptional. This wonderful disc is a must for all choral music fans.

Songlist: Tonight eternity alone, O admirable commercium, O sacrum convivium, O vos omnes, Sanctus, O vis aeiternitatis, Caritas abundat, O virtus sapientiae, Lux aeterna, Fair in face, I beheld her, beautiful as a dove, Rise up, my love, my fair one, How they so softly rest, The day is done, Pilgrims' Hymn, Hymn to the Eternal Flame, Mosella, Te vigilans oculis, Phoenix

Chor Leoni is well known for its Remembrance day concerts, and this latest addition to its CD catalogue is a compilation of works performed at its most recent November concerts. "Is is dedicated to the citizens of all nationalities and faiths who have experienced loss and who deserve our compassion," writes conductor Diane Loomer. The singing is sensitive and beautiful as always, and the selections range from classics such as Schubert's setting of Psalm 23 and Randall Thompson's Choose Something Like a Star to works written for Chor Leoni, including the premiere recording of Stephen Smith's moving Pensive on Her Dead Gazing. And just try to stay dry-eyed during Bring Him Home from Les Miserables!

Songlist: And Death Shall Have No Dominion, Beati Mortui, Christmas in the Trenches, Dulce et Decorum, O Vos Omnes, Dirge from Cymbeline, Tarantella, Psaume 121, Vechnaya Pamiat (from Panhida No. 2), Iltapilvia, Choose Something Like a Star (from Frostiana), Reconciliation, Furusato, Der 23, Psalm, Pensive on Her Dead Gazing, Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables)

Concordia Choir : The Choral Music of Rene Clausen   

Rene Clausen is one of America's leading choral composers. Discover the variety of his compositions as performed by these quality ensembles. This recording features his latest extended work "Crying For A Dream" which is based on Native American texts.

Songlist: *The Concordia Choir*, Crying For A Dream, I. Hear Me, I Will Live!, II. War Song, III. How Can You Buy The Sky?, Three Whitman Settings, I. A Noiseless Patient Spider, II. Quicksand Years, III. The Last Invocation, Tonight, Eternity Alone, Magnificat, Deep River, O Vos Omnes, Seek The Lord, *The Dale Warland Singers*, Set Me As A Seal, *Manitou Singers of St. Olaf College*, Psalm 100

With a tradition going back to the 13th century this highly regarded boyschoir, with its full compliment of 120 voices is ideally suited to large scale compositions. The accoustics of the Kreuzirche contribute to a romantic sound even when the emphasis is on transparency, subtly shading of expression and clarity of articulation. Apart from sacred composistions by Johannes Bach, Asnton Buckner and Max Reger, all masterpieces of romantic choral music, this program also includes some lesser-known composers. Among them are Heinrich Kaminski, director of the Berlin Choir, whose works were banned by the Nazis.

Songlist: Unser lieben Frauen Traum (Und unser lieben Frauen), Locus iste in C major, Ave Maria for Chorus, Wie liegt die Stadt so wust, Psalm 130, Gib dich zufrieden und sei stille, Erquicke mich mit deinem Licht, Motets (2), Op. 74: no 1, Warum ist das Licht gegeben, Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen uber dir, O Vos Omnes, Herr Christ, der einig Gottes sohn, Erquicke mich mit deinem Licht, Schonster Herr Jesu / Darum sage ich euch, Nachtlied (Die Nacht ist kommen)

As directed by Paul Spicer, this English mixed ensemble has devoted themselves to the promulgation of British choral works. The relatively obscure Gustav Holst composed during the turn of the century, whereas Vaughan Williams began his career slightly later, by collecting English folk songs, ultimately accumulating over eight hundred! Later, Williams wrote various pieces for royal occasions and the like, such as "The Souls Of The Righteous" to dedicate the Battle Of Britain chapel. Sometimes dark and mournful ("Valiant For Truth"), hearty and powerful ("Sing Me The Men"), eerie and captivating ("Full Fathom Five") or gentle and pure ("O Lady, Leave That Silken Thread"), this collection is always uncompromised in excellence.

Songlist: The Dark-Eyed Sailor, The Springtime Of The Year, Just As The Tide Was Flowing, The Lover's Ghost, Wassail Song, Ave Maria, Op. 9b, Valiant For Truth, O Vos Omnes, The Evening-Watch, Op.43, No 1, O Taste And See, The Souls Of Righteous, This Have I Done For My True Love, Op. 34, No. 2, Nunc Dimittis, Sing Me The Men, Op. 43, No. 2, Full Fathom Five, The Cloud-Capp'd Towers, Over Hill, Over Dale, O Lady, Leave That Silken Thread, Soft And Gently, The Autumn Is Old, Winter And The Birds, The Turtle Dove

This superb group of singers once again brings forth their signature sound under the direction of Paul Halley-music filled with spirit, nuance, and freshness of expression. Recorded by Tom Jung for his widely respected label, DMP Records, the CD beautifully combines the clarity of sound for which Jung is known with the rich acoustic of this collegiate gothic structure. The realism and immediacy of the performance is documented in a way which truly brings these classic choral pieces to life.

Songlist: Beati quorum via, O Vos Omnes, Ubi Caritas, Justorum Animae, Coelos Ascendit Hodie, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, O Sacrum Convivium, Ave Verum Corpus, Hail Gladdening Light, Ave Maria, Pater Noster, Crucifixus, O Sacrum Convivium

This release from Gloriae Dei Cantores features sacred music from one of the most inspired periods in the arts: the Renaissance. Each of the European schools of composition (Italian, Flemish, German, Spanish, and English) is represented by a total of twenty composers, offering a fascinating cross-section of styles and influences. Great masters such as Lassus, Byrd, and Victoria are featured, as well as lesser-known composers such as Hassler, de Wert, and Nanino. The central work of this recording is the Missa super Bella Amfitrit' altera by Lassus, generally considered one of his finest works. Other selections include Anerio's tender and stirring Requiem aeternum and William Byrd's Terra tremuit, which has been described as "one of the most dramatic texts in the whole of music."

Songlist: Exsultate justi, Mirabile Mysterium, Adormus te, Christe, Voce Mea, Requiem Aeternam, Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Angus Dei, Ave Maria, Jubilate Deo, Improperium, Peccavi Super Numerum, Eripe me de inimicis, Rorate Caeli, Dixit Maria, Verbum caro factum est, Duo seraphim, Ecce sic benedicertur, O Domine Jesu Christe, Ego sum panis vivus, O vos omnes, Rorate Caeli, O magnum mysterium, Terra tremuit, Laboravi in gemitu, Tibi Laus

Seventeen of Gloriae Dei Cantores' finest recordings make their way onto Paths of Grace, the final companion volume to earlier anthologies Eternal Light and Joy and Gladness. The recording features works of Palestrina, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mathias, and many others. The pieces capture a reflective, peaceful spirit with music of graceful melody and flow. Gloriae Dei Cantores' expert renditions of these pieces have had critics reaching for superlatives for nearly two decades now. Their absorption of each composer's style produces interpretations of richness and depth. Experience the special sound of Gloriae Dei Cantores through this wonderful spectrum of choral music.

Songlist: Super Flumina Babylonis, Anima nostra Op. 133, Angel Vopiyashe, Es ist das Heil uns Kommen her Op. 29, O vos omnes, Come, Holy Ghost, Veni Sancte Spiritus, Mirablie Mysterium, The Best of Rooms, Crucifixus, Bogoroditse Devo, Liubov' Sviataya, Pokayanniy stih, Angelus, O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf Op. 74, Adoremus te, Christe, Otche Nash

Gloriae Dei Cantores celebrates the rich contribution of Spanish music and culture to the world. This recording spans 500 years, from the golden age of the Spanish Renaissance, with works by Guerrero, Victoria and Morales to the 20th century, with music by Rodrigo. Also included are works of Mexican composers de Zumaya (a striking setting of the Miserere) and Carlos Chavez, and Latin-American composers such as Villa-Lobos, Casals, and Joaquin Nin. Esperanza will be a revelation to those unfamiliar with the riches of Spanish literature and a great discovery for all devotees of choral music.

Songlist: Manus tuae Domine Missa Beata Maria Virgine in Sabbato, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, Angus Dei Three Christmas Carols, Oyd, oyd, una cosa, Virgen Sancta, A un nino llorando, O sacrum convivium, Miserere, Tree of Sorrow, Villancico Gallego, Villancico Asturiano, Villancico Castellano, Villancico Andaluz, Duermete, Nino, O vos omnes, Psalm 150, Salmo 150, Magnificat-Alleluia

Although he writes in all genres, Rene Clausen is today one of America's most popular choral composers, and for more than twenty years he has been the conductor of the internationally acclaimed Concordia Choir of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. On this release, choral works by Clausen are performed by the Kansas City Chorale, another choir of great international renown, whose recording, with the Phoenix Chorale, of Grechaninov's Passion Week won a Grammy award in 2008, in the category Best Classical Recording, Engineering. 'Set me as a Seal' is arguably the composer's best-known work, and has long been popular at weddings, funerals, and in the concert repertoire. Clausen has described the work as 'various kinds of discussions between God and humans, both from the human aspect and from the God aspect, so a lot of variations... of love, of disappointment, of anxiety, of doubt'. All that hath life and breath is one of Clausen's earliest works, and a favourite of choirs across the world. The Mass for Double Choir was commissioned by the Kansas City Chorale. The composer, who had never written a mass before, looked on it as an 'interesting challenge'. In the work emotions ebb and flow kaleidoscopically, taking the listener from the strength of the unison writing at the opening, to the sorrowful falling lines of the Crucifixion of Christ and the bubbling, dancing figures for the Resurrection. Expressions of praise spill forward atop one another in the Sanctus, a choir of angels too exuberant to be contained.

Songlist: All that Hath Life and Breath Praise the Lord, O magnum mysterium, The Tyger, The Lamb, Mass: Kyrie, Mass: Gloria, Mass: Credo, Mass: Sanctus, Mass: Agnus Dei, Magnificat, Prayer, O vos omnes, A New Creation: Set me as a seal

Pillars of Light is a collection of pieces by Rene Clausen, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre. Lauridsen's "Ave Maria" is absolutely gorgeous with its indulgent harmonies. "Veni" was written by Clausen for Kantorei and is premiered here. Whitacre's "i thank you god for most this amazing day" is a very tranquil setting of the e.e. cummings poem. All of these pieces are great examples of the beauty that can come from modern choral compositions. The warm rich often dissonant sounds envelop the listener.

Songlist: Les Chansons des Roses:, En Une Seule Dleur, Contri Qui, Rose, Do To Reve Trop Plein, La Rose Complete, Dirait-On, Three Whitman Settings (from "Leaves of Grass"):, A Noiseless Patient Spider, Quicksand Years, The Last Invocation, Lux Aeterna: III. O Nata Lux, Veni, Ave Maria, O Vos Omnes, In Pace, I Thank You God For Most This Amazing Day

Mike Brewer and his award-winning chamber choir Laudibus have unearthed some rare and precious gems in this recording of a cappella choral music by one of England's best-loved composers. Little-known works both early and late nestle alongside repertory staples such as the glorious Mass in G minor in a program that puts Vaughan Williams' indebtedness to both the sacred and secular instincts of his Elizabethan predecessors on display.

Songlist: The Souls of the Righteous, Greensleeves, Three Shakespeare Songs, Prayer to the Father of Heaven, Mass in G minor, O Vos Omnes, Ca' the yowes, Love Is a Sickness, Three Elizabethan Part Songs, Silence and Music, Hearts Music

Luther College Norsemen : Oh Sing Jubilee   

Luther College's rich heritage of singing grew out of Scandinavian and German Lutheran congregations singing hymns. Founded in its present form in 1981, Norsemen is exclusively for men in their first year at Luther College and boasts a membership of 80-90 singers under the direction of Dr. Timothy Peter. 18 songs are here, from the title tune, Bach's "Come Holy Ghost," Pavel Chesnokov's "Bladoslovi, dushe moya, Ghospoda," the Kirby Shaw-arranged "Down By the Riverside," G.B. Martini's "In Mounte Oliveti," Harry Simeone's "Little Drummer Boy," the spirituals "My Lord, What a Mornin'" and "De' Mornin' Come, Cole Porter's "Blow, Gabriel, Blow!" and Michael Smith's lovely "All is Well." There is some light accompaniment. Rich harmonies, spirited leads and the aptly-named Norsemen's rich, deep sound add greatly to our enjoyment and appreciation of each of these tunes. Great stuff!

Songlist: Oh Sing Jubilee, O Vos Omnes, Come Holy Ghost, The King Of Love, Blagagoslovi Dushe Moya Ghospoda, Silent Noon, All That Hath Life And Breath, Down By The Riverside, In Monte Oliveti, Fergus Molly, Little Drummer Boy, My Lord, What a Mornin', Gaudeamus Igitur, Blow Gabriel Blow, Adiemus, Lily's Eyes, De' Mornin' Come, All Is Well

Without doubt the music written by the prince of Verona is some of the most macabre yet outlandishly fantastic music ever written. The famous unprepared chromatic side steps remain decidedly unnerving even to a devoted Second Viennese School. The effect of the chromatic spirals is often vertigo inducing but also deeply moving and ultimately awe-inspiring. This is truly sublime music by a neglected genius. The performances here are amongst the very best available of Gesualdo's music - at any price. This would be a perfect place to start exploring this bizarre but inspired musical universe.

Songlist: Illumina faciem tuam, Deus refugium et virtus, Exaudi Deus deprecationem meam, Tribulationem et dolorem, Tribularer si nescirem, Precibus et meritis beatae Mariae, O Crux benedicta, O vos omnes, Dignare me laudare te, Maria mater gratiae, Laboravi in gemitu meo, Ave dulcissima Maria, Domine ne despicias, Peccantem me quotidie, Sancti Spiritus Domine, Hei mihi Domine, Venit lumen tuum Jerusalem, Reminiscere miserationum tuarum, Ave Regina coelorum

The final years of Robert Shaw's life saw a return to his devotion to unaccompanied vocal music. Many will remember the Robert Shaw Chorale which was so popular in the 1950s and into the '60s. For two decades ending with his official retirement in 1989, Robert Shaw was the conductor and music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. During that period most of his choral work was for orchestra and chorus. Yet even before his retirement he had established the Robert Shaw Choral Institute which devoted it's efforts to furthering choral arts through conductor training, workshops and performances. Through the establishment of its summer festivals beginning in 1989, participants who were selected by audition came to the Quercy district of south-central France for two weeks of instruction and intensive rehearsal, culminating in a week of performances in the wonderful medieval churches of the region. Many of the recordings on this release were obtained by Telarc during the momentary summer existence of the Robert Shaw Festival Singers. In the winters Robert Shaw created the Chamber Singers to further the practice of choral music. From both these groups has been assembled a group of recordings which reflect the deeply spiritual nature of the founder. Several of them have never been released before. You will find classical works by Tallis, Poulenc, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, and others in addition to several gospels sung by some of the most beautiful voices of the time. This is glorious full choral splendor!

Songlist: If Ye Love Me, A New Commandment, O Vos Omnes, O Magnum Mysterium, O Magnum Mysterium, O Magnum Mysterium, Praise The Name of The Lord, Der Entfernten, American Hymns and Spirituals : Wondrous Love, Amazing Grace, Sometimes I feel Like a Moanin' Dove, Totus Tuus, OP. 60

Since his death in 1999, Robert Shaw continues to be revered by American choral directors and music lovers, and his recorded interpretations are regarded as the gold standard among all those available. His numerous Grammy Awards attest to the regard in which he was held by his fellow musicians. This collection of seventeen choral selections are in recognition of Shaw's stellar body of work and were recorded during his last decade. These tracks are considered the best of the best, exquisite examples of the deep spiritual rapport Shaw achieved with unaccompanied choruses. One piece, the Verdi "Ave Maria," is performed by his 200-voice Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus in one of their rare opportunities to engage in a cappella singing. The remaining sixteen tracks were recorded by the smaller ensembles he formed in his final years-the Robert Shaw Festival Singers, who performed and recorded at his summer choral festivals in the south of France, and the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers, which brought together the best of his Atlanta voices for concerts and recordings during the winter months.

Songlist: O Vos Omnes, A New Commandment, Vinea Mea Electa, Videntes Stellam, Dieu! Quil La Fait Bon Regarder!, Waldesnacht, Abendstandchen, Heavenly Light, Svete Tikhyi, Vzbrannoy Boyevode, Ride On, King Jesus, Sometimes I Feel Like A Moaning Dove, Same Train, In A Garden Shady, Ave Maria, Magnificat, Kyrie

Music from a turning point in history .... the short-lived marriage between Mary Tudor and Philip II of Spain, although barren and doomed, resulted in a glorious flowering of Anglo-Spanish music which saw the greatest musicians from the two nations meeting and working together. The music for a flamboyant Christmas Day ceremony in St. Paul's Cathedral in 1554 was a celebratory focal point of an extraordinary resurgence of the Catholic faith in England, fuelled by hopes, soon to be dashed, that Mary was pregnant.

Songlist: Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599): Ave Virgo sanctissima, Thomas Tallis (1505-1585): Suscipe quaeso, Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611):, O Vos Omnes, - Vere languores, - O Domine Iesu Christe, Thomas Tallis: Agnus Dei from mass "Puer natus", Tomas Luis de Victoria:, - Super flumina Babylonis, - Vadam et circuibo, - Laudate Dominum omes gentes, John Sheppard (1500-1558): Verbum caro, Philippe de Monte (1521-1603): Super flumina Babylonis, William Byrd (1543-1623): Quomodo catabimus

The vast power of the Royal Courts of England and Scotland may be long gone but the sumptuous sounds of their worship are not lost. This disc brings together music of some of the most outstanding but now little-known composers of the 15th and 16th centuries, and introduces a major new work by one of this century's most remarkable composers, James Macmillan. Robert Carver's mesmeric setting of the devotional text "O bone Jesu" has long been admired and has now proved an inspiration to James MacMillan who has chosen with this special commission for The Sixteen, to clothe the same text in his own musical language of reflective beauty. "This 25th Anniversary CD is a delight, and like all great recordings it gets better the more you listen to it." - BBC Radio 3, CD Review

Songlist: Dum Sacrum Mysterium, Credo From Mass, O Bone Jesu, When David Heard, In Monte Oliveti, O Vos Omnes, How Are The Mighty Fallin', Salve Regina, Ave Maria Mater Dei, O Bone Jesu

The sublime new album from the star composer of the Royal Wedding. Performed by the Tenebrae Choir and also features the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra the album includes the moving A Spotless Rose and Ubi Caritas, performed at the Royal Wedding. "Paul Mealor has a deep connection with our choral heritage yet his works have immediacy and modernity. He has the rare gift of being able to create joyous melody within music that is both sincere and profound. This is an album with hints of Celtic mystery, moments of great solemnity, splendiferous singing and above all sumptuous tunes." - Gareth Malone - Choir Master and BAFTA Award-winning BBC Presenter of The Choir

Songlist: Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal, Lady, When I Behold The Roses Sprouting, Upon A Bank, A Spotless Rose, She Walks In Beauty, O Vos Omnes, Stabat Mater, Salvator Mundi: Greater Love, Locus Iste, Ave Maria, Ubi Caritas

An outstanding choir, the University of Miami Chorale sings great pieces from the modern choral repertoire. Included are pieces by such composers as Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre and Rene Clausen. The dramatically moving suite "I Never Saw Another Butterfly," by Joel Hardyk is based on poems written by children imprisoned in Terezin and is for unaccompanied treble voices with oboe solo. The choir is led by Jo-Michael Scheibe and Robert Gower, piano.

Songlist: Music of Great Poets:, Lament for Pasiphae, Do To Reve Trop Plein, Water Night, Our Sacred Heritage:, - Let All the World, - Psalm 117, - Salve Regina, O Vos Omnes, Holocaust Suite:, - Roznov Clock, - I Never Saw Another Butterfly :, - At Terezin, - The Little Mouse, - The Butterfly, - Tema, - Prayer Before Sleep, Music of the People:, - Mungu Ni Pendo, - Marianne, - J'entends le moulin, - Welsh Lullaby, - Sometimes I Fee Like a Mounin' Dove, - Ah! si mon moine voulait, - Set Me As a Seal

This is a lovely program by the University of Miami Chorale. Led by Jo-Michael Scheibe the choir explores sacred and secular love. The program begins with O vos omnes by Victoria and an Ave Maria by Steven Edwards. Scheibe puts a spin on the Mass. In an Eclectic Missa Brevis he pairs two movements from Byrd's Mass for Four Voices with two movements from the Messe by Frank Martin. Some interesting pieces are the five Hebrew love songs by Eric Whitacre. They are set to poetry by Hila Plitman and accompanied by string quartet. This CD is a nice mixture of styles and is well sung.

Songlist: O vos omnes, Ave Maria, An Eclectic Missa Brevis:, - Kyrie (from the Mass for Four Voices), Gloria (from the Messe), Sanctus (from the Messe), Agnus Dei (from the Mass for Four Voices), Five Hebrew Love Songs:, - Temuna, - Kala kalla, - Larov, - Eyze Sheleg!, - Rakut, Selections from Neue Liebeslieder, op. 65, - Verzicht, o Herz, auf Retung, - Finstere Schatten der Nacht, - Ihr schwarzen Augen, ihr durft nur winken, - Rosen steckt mir an die mutter, - Vom Gebirge Well' auf Well', - Weiche Graser im Revier, - Nagen am Herzen, - Alles, alles in den Wind, - Schwarzer Walk, dein Schatten, - Nein, Geliebter, setze dich mir, - Flammenauge, dunkles Haar, - Zum Schluss: Nun, ihr Musen, genug!, Las Agachadas, Dear Sarah, The Gartan Mother's Lullaby, Two Rose Songs:, and more

Darwin Sanders, nationally recognized language and diction specialist,teaches pronunciation for over 35 of the most common Latin texts used in choral singing. Each text is spoken by Sanders and is echoed by an onscreen ensemble. A helpful reference DVD for choral singers and conductors.

Songlist: The Roman MAsss, The Requiem MAss, Adoramus, Alma, Redemptoris, Ave Dulcissima, Ave Maria, Ave Regina, Coelorum, Ave Verum Corpus, Beatus Vir, Cantate Domino, Christus Factus Est, Confitemini Domino, De Profundis, Dixit Maria, Exsulate Deo, Exsulate Justi, Gloria PAtri, Haec Dies, Hodie, In Dulci Jubilo, Locus Iste, Magnificat, Non Nobis, Nunc Dimittis, O Bone Jesus, O Fili, O Magnum, O Nata Lux, and more