The Psalms

1. Psalm 23

2. Psalm 24

3. Psalm 42

4. Psalm 46

5. Psalm 48

6. Psalm 57

7. Psalm 62

8. Psalm 67

9. Psalm 83

10. Psalm 72

11. Psalm 90

12. Psalm 91

13. Psalm 95

14. Psalm 98

15. Psalm 100

16. Psalm 115

17. Psalm 121

18. Psalm 122

19. Psalm 126

20. Psalm 127

See all 23 tracks on this disc

The Psalms,Sir Laurence Olivier,Sony,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age,Pop,Religious / Contemp. Christian,Spoken / Comedy / Radio Shows,Spoken Word

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Average customer rating: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs Great CD! Review of Donnie McClurking CD Good Gospel Music A TOP WORSHIP ALBUM!

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs Donnie McClurkin Manufacturer: Verity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Live Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Day by Day Hero One Church Purified Donnie McClurkin... Again ASIN: B00064LORS Release Date: 2005-04-05

Tracks:

1. Days Of Elijah
2. I Will Sing
3. I Call You Faithful
4. Great And Mighty Is Our God
5. Only You Are Holy
6. Agnus Dei
7. Draw Me Close
8. I Am Thine
9. Oh Lord (Draw Me Nearer)
10. Blood Medley
11. Blood Sermon
12. Total Praise - Richard Smallwood

Tracks:

1. Church Medley
2. I Love To Praise Him
3. I Love To Praise Him (Reprise)
4. Jesus Medley
5. Jesus Medley (Reprise)
6. Awesome God
7. Language Medley
8. Saciame Senor Yo Se Que Estas Aqui
9. Ooh Child - Kirk Franklin

Amazon.com

Diversity is more than just a buzzword for Donnie McClurkin. As shown by his massive success both inside and outside the U.S., the right reverend from Long Island embraces many stylistic approaches (and languages) as he delivers his brand of gospel. It's never more evident than in Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, a McClurkin double-disc live worship celebration. Opening with Robin Mark's "Days of Elijah" and McClurkin's own "I Will Sing," a praise-and-worship motif sets the stage for later similar tracks like Michael W. Smith's "Agnus Dei" and the medley "Draw Me Close/I Am Thine Oh Lord." Backed by a 40-piece orchestra and a powerhouse choir, McClurkin closes the opening disc strongly in tandem with the legendary Richard Smallwood on the classic "Total Praise." The second disc is dedicated more to traditional gospel with tracks like "I Love To Praise Him" and "Jesus Medley." McClurkin livens up the fare with the "Language" medley, singing in English, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, ending the string with Joann Rosario as they duet on "Saciame Senor Yo Se Que Estas Aqui." You shouldn't miss the bonus cut here as well with McClurkin and Kirk Franklin teaming up for a slick and pleasing cover of the 70's soul classic "Ooh Ooh Child." The offering is generous on Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs and Pastor McClurkin holds nothing back in this fire-and-ice worship celebration. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs.......2007-07-07

I love this cd albumn. I love it that Donnie McClurkin and the choir sings in so many different languages! I love the beat and the energy in each song. This is another spiritually uplifting cd, so joyful.....it's a joy to praise God with these songs. The spirit is truly with Donnie and this choir. I give God all the praise for this albumn!

Great CD!.......2007-06-29

This CD has a nice mix of hymns, praise songs and traditional songs from the black church. Both CD's are good, but i do prefer the first one. Favorite songs include:
Agnus Dei
Blood Medley
Days of Elijah
I am Thine/ Draw Me Nearer

Least Favorite:
the last 2 songs on the 2nd CD.

Donnie McClurkin is very talented and I will be purchasing more of his music!

Review of Donnie McClurking CD.......2007-05-25

Excellent praise and worship music. Donnie has a beautiful voice and a great annointing.

Good Gospel Music.......2007-04-30

Good gospel music. The good 'old' stuff that we grew up on.

A TOP WORSHIP ALBUM!.......2007-04-20

I brought this album awhile back and still listen to it frequently.
Whenever I want to worship in my home, I put this album on. How awesome to Praise the Lord with Donnie McClurkin!

This album will never go out of style. Great worship music.
This is a must-have for gospel music!

Sandra K. Bouie
An Everlasting Hope: A Hope That Does Not Disappoint!

Average customer rating: Still the Kaddish of choice, probably Bernstein at His Best Magnificently Performed ChichesterPsalms-A choral work or an orchestral work? Breathtaking!

Bernstein: Symphony No. 3 ("Kaddish"); Chichester Psalms Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bernstein Century - Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" & Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety" Mass Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free Bernstein: Chichester Psalms; Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc ASIN: B000009CYI Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

1. Kaddish, Symphony No.3 ( To The Beloved Memory Of John F. Kennedy): I : Invocation (Kaddish 1)
2. Kaddish, Symphony No. 3 ( To The Beloved Memory Of John F. Kennedy): II : Din-Torah (Kaddish 2)
3. III : Scherzo (Kaddish 3) - Finale. Fugue-Tutti
4. Chichester Pslams For Chorus And Orchestra: I. Pslam 108(Verse 2) & Psalm 100 ( Complete)
5. Chichester Psalms For Chorus And Orchestra: II : Pslam 23 (Complete) & Pslam 2 (Verses 1-4)
6. Chichester Psalms For Chorus And Orchestra: III. Pslam 131 (Complete) & Pslam 133 (verse 1)

Amazon.com

Leonard Bernstein's Kaddish, Symphony No. 3, from 1963 is probably his most famous. It's dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, and comprises spoken and sung texts from Jewish prayers for the dead. It's quite dramatic, very listenable, and not at all pretentious, as some critics have avowed. It ranks with Shostakovich's harrowing Symphony No. 14 and deserves more attention than it usually gets. Which is damned little. The same goes for Bernstein's Chichester Psalms (1964). It's a very engaging choral work that celebrates the practice of psalmody or choral festivals, a kind of celebratory music we don't hear much. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Still the Kaddish of choice, probably.......2007-01-09

Anyone of a certain age can remember the flap caused by the premiere of Bernstein's Sym. #3 "Kaddish," which contains the composer's personal argument with God, as narrated by his wife, Felicia Montelegre. The text is full of ego and blather, and it created the first huge embarrassment for a beloved icon of American music. He would go on the decline as a composer and a public figure soon thereafter, with even more embarrassment over Mass, his ecumenical-hippie memorial to John F. Kennedy.

HOw does Kaddish sound in retrospect? It's still full of ego and blather, but that's part of LB's legacy. His estate has tried to soften the Lenny-give-it-to-God aspect by approving several revisions of the text, one of which LB himself conducts on DG. But why? The original is a rip-roaring show, and LB condeucts as if the world were coming to an end. The music in his first two symphonies is better by far, but Kaddish remains worthwhile. Chichester Psalms is a piece that has survived better, even if it is a direct imitation of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. The composer's recording is more or less definitive. I am giving 5 stars to the performances--you'll have to assess the music on your own.

Bernstein at His Best.......2006-03-03

This recording is a digital remastering of the two works, as originally recorded and issued on Columbia records. I listened to my old, now broken-down vinyl copies again and again, and am very pleased to have the works on CD. The performances are stunning and authoritative; the singing and the playing, exquisite; and the music, electrifyingly dramatic. This album is well worth owning!

Magnificently Performed.......2003-02-05

Leonard Bernstein's Kaddish Symphony is a powerful mass reflected on a Jewish background. With both the composer who is a Jewish American, and the first Cathloic president John F. Kennedy, whom Bernstein dedicated the music to after the tragic assisination, being pious believers of heritage, it's partly fit to empasize and create this "requiem" based on the pure Jewish heritage.

Bernstein's Kaddish is an incredibly powerful piece. Although it's hard to understand the Jewish words sung by the choir, the music itself shows its emotions of savagry, pain, and lament, and to top it off, the narrating voice of the music, played by Bernstin's wife, is more than enough to give importance to the "deep sense of kinship and loss that Bernstein felt" after the president had died. The words can show how remorseful Bernstein, and his wife, must have been.

Regardless of the mediocre technology of digital recording on this performance, this music is a definite buy for those who want anything about Bernstein, or wants to give into an American Tragedy. I don't care how great other performances may be; Bernstein's performance is enough for me.

On the other hand, Chichester Psalms, like the Kaddish Symphony, has no specific story, being based, this time, on Psalms 2, 23, 100, 108, 131, and 133. The first movement is joyous, the second movement is a sort of a 'hymn' sung by a male solo high as a boy would sing, and the third movement closes peacefully. I was especially moved by the third movement. The melancholy sounds of the strings in the beginning of the movement reminded me of the grim, dark lifestyles during the Jewish Halocaust, even though the subject might not have been intended in the music. I can consider the words and the sentiment in the movement to be a song of resettlement after the Nazi's attempted genocide of the Jews.

This performance with the New York Phil too, despite its recording technology, is absolutly unmatched. The only other recording I would listen is the one Bernstein performed with the Isreal Phil on Grammophon during his later years of conducting. By noticing the recognizable use of energy of Bernstein's youthful earlier performance, though, I would recommened this performance than the latter.

Generally, the two pieces are magnificently performed, showing how great Bernstein was. Unless you want really cle-e-e-an recordings, you won't be dissapointed.

ChichesterPsalms-A choral work or an orchestral work?.......2001-02-01

Although at first listen this piece is full of screeching and wailing, it is definitively Bernstein. The syncopated rhythms, odd time signatures, nods to American popular, blues and jazz idioms, as well as the explosive dynamics of this piece make it a fascinating listen. WHat I didn't like about this particular recording, led by the Maestro himself, is that one cannot understand much of the text. It is mushily inarticulated. The orchestra, however, is superb, especially the percussion, and the dynamics on this recording are well differentiated. The boy soprano in the 2nd movement(emulating boy David with his harp)sings gorgeously, but one can't understand a word of the Hebrew text of the 23rd Psalm, too bad.If only Bernstein had paid as much attention to the choir as he did to the orchestra, this would be a fabulous recording of a distinctive work.

Breathtaking!.......1999-07-10

I was not alive when President Kennedy was asassinated, but the dramatic lyrics of the Kaddish helps me to understand and appreciate the tragedy in a way I have never felt. Likewise, The Chichester Psalms are done extremely well. I would recomend this cd to anyone that can appreciate good music. It is truly pure heaven.

Average customer rating: Robert Craft Gives Us Special Stravinsky Choral Works

Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stravinsky: Three Greek Ballets (Apollo, Agon, Orpheus) Stravinsky: Pulcinella; The Fairy's Kiss Shostakovich: The Golden Age Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Original Version); Petrushka (Revised 1947 Version) Classical Evolution: Rite of Spring ASIN: B000I2IUSO Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

1. Otche Nash (Pater Noster) - The Gregg Smith Singers
2. Ave Maria - The Gregg Smith Singers
3. Credo - The Gregg Smith Singers
4. Kyrie - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
5. Gloria - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
6. Credo - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
7. Sanctus - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
8. Agnus Dei - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
9. A Lyke-Wake Dirge (Versus I; Prelude) - Fred Sherry
10. Ricercar I: 'The Maidens Came' - Fred Sherry
11. A Lyke-Wake Dirge (Versus II; 1st Interlude) - Fred Sherry
12. Ricercar II: 'Tomorrow Shall Be' - Fred Sherry
13. A Lyke-Wake Dirge (Versus III; 2nd Interlude) - Fred Sherry
14. Westron Wind - Fred Sherry
15. A Lyke-Wake Dirge (Versus IV; Postlude) - Fred Sherry
16. Babel - David Wilson-Johnson
17. Psalm 38, Verses 13 And 14 - Philharmonia Orchestra
18. Psalm 39, Verses 1 To 5 - Philharmonia Orchestra
19. Psalm 150 (Entire) - Philharmonia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Robert Craft Gives Us Special Stravinsky Choral Works.......2007-02-07

This CD is a grab bag, but a very special one. It contains five choral works, garnered from fairly recent recordings on the Koch and MusicMasters labels, sung and played by exceedingly sensitive musicians and led by surely the best Stravinsky conductor we have, Robert Craft. These are among the best recordings I've ever heard of these works.

Probably the most important, and certainly the best known, work here is placed last: the Symphony of Psalms, with the Simon Joly Chorale and the Philharmonia Orchestra. This performance very much emphasizes that the work is for chorus with orchestra, not an orchestral work with incidental chorus, and it is generally gentler than most performances one hears. The Simon Joly Chorale is simply sensational here, with subtle inflections and dynamics, clear diction and impeccable intonation. Craft wisely lets the music unfold without any special rhetorical flourishes and in this respect it resembles Stravinsky's own classic recording. The very slow opening ('Alleluia. Laudate.') of the final movement, Psalm 150, is ecstatic, making the irruption of the agitato section all the more effective. This is a superior Symphony of Psalms.

The disc opens with a cappella works, Three Russian Sacred Choruses, sung in Slavonic versions of the Pater Noster, Ave Maria and Credo. Texts with translations for these and the other works here are not in the Naxos booklet but can be found at www.naxos.com/libretti/symphonyofpsalms.htm . Craft conducts them slightly faster than Stravinsky does in his classic recording but they actually gain from that. The Gregg Smith Singers are the chorus.

Mass (1944-48) was written in New York but there is absolutely no new world influence in the work, unlike other things he was writing at the time. It is sung by The Gregg Smith Singers, the group who also recorded the work in 1960 and who have sung it innumerable times since. This is glorious performance that I prefer by a slight margin to Stravinsky's own version, not only because it is in much better sound but also because the choral soloists are better. They are given superb support by members of the Orchestra of St. Luke's. The orchestration is especially inventive, consisting as it does of two quintets, one of oboes and bassoons and one of trumpets and trombones.

Cantata (1951-52) is based on early English verses including the Elizabethan bridal song, 'The Maidens Came' and the traditional 'Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day.' Written hard on the heels of Stravinsky finishing 'The Rake's Progress', the solos were written for two of the singers in that opera's premiere, Hugues Cuénod and Jennie Tourel. The musical forces, in addition to the tenor and mezzo soloists, are a female chorus (from The Gregg Smith Singers) and an instrumental quintet of two flutes, two oboes and cello. The excellent vocal soloists are Mary Ann Hart and Thomas Bogdan. The redoubtable Fred Sherry is the cellist.

Finally, there is the brief 'Babel' that recounts the Genesis story of the building and destruction of the Tower of Babel. The piece was originally part of a suite of works by several composers (including Schoenberg) that retold Genesis texts. The work has a narrator who reads from Genesis, Chapter 11, verses 11-19, with one chorus sung (by the Simon Joly Chorale) to 'Behold the people is one, and they all have one language.' The orchestra, quite prominent in the work, is the Philharmonia at the top of their form. I had not listened to my old recording of Stravinsky conducting the work in many years, but on comparison with it I find that narrator David Wilson-Johnson is much superior to John Calicos on the old recording, largely because he is less overtly, how shall I say, hammy.

This issue is impeccably presented and recorded. I would urge Stravinsky fans, even those who have earlier recordings, including those of the composer himself, to grab it.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating: I love it and I give it as a gift MarMSED Diverse range but the songs are butchered...

The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever! Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Charpentier | Charpentier, Marc-Antoine | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Górecki, Henryk Mikolaj | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Orff | Orff, Carl | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tavener | Tavener, John Kenneth | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The #1 Choral Album Choral Masterpieces The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration The Greatest Cinema Choral Classics (2 CD SET) ASIN: B00002ZZH6 Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

1. Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
2. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
3. Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
4. Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
5. Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
6. Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
7. For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
8. The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
9. Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
10. Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
11. Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
12. Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
13. Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
14. Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
15. In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
16. Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
17. Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
18. Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
19. Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

1. Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
2. Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
3. Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
4. Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
5. Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
6. Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
7. And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
8. L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
9. Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
10. Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
11. Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
12. Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
13. Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
14. Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
15. Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
16. The Lamb - Vasari Singers
17. Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
18. Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
19. Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
20. O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
21. Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Average customer rating: Pain - Pslams of Extinction Pain? A great industrial metal album! EXCELLENT RELEASE This might just be the best Pain CD yet....(4.5) stars

Psalms of Extinction Pain Manufacturer: Roadrunner ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nothing Remains the Same Rebirth Dancing With the Dead Live Is Overrated Fiction ASIN: B000OT8KMC Release Date: 2007-05-14

Tracks:

1. Save Your Prayers
2. Nailed To The Ground
3. Zombie Slam
4. Psalms Of Extinction
5. Clouds Of Ecstasy
6. Play Dead
7. Does It Really Matter
8. Computer God
9. Just Think Again
10. Walking On Glass
11. Bottle's Nest
12. Bitch

Album Description

Peter Tagtgren - musician, producer and creative brain behind Pain - is used to pushing boundaries. It's been a career that has involved fronting bands - notably Hypocrisy, and now Pain - or shaping their sounds - as he has done with Celtic Frost, Children Of Bodom, Dimmu Borgir and Immortal, among others. He has been described by Alternative Press as "the Rick Rubin of Scandinavian metal." Pain is a solo-project in which T gtgren played every instrument, culminating in a sound that is electronica infused metal with an ethereal ambience and setting Pain apart from other industrial based artists. A stellar cast of musicians have helped on 'Psalms Of Extinction'. In Flames bassist Peter Iwers, Children Of Bodom guitarist Alexei Laiho and Mot rhead drummer Mikkey Dee.

Album Details

Pain is a Solo-project in which Tagtgren Played Every Instrument, Culminating in a Sound that is Electronica Infused Metal with an Ethereal Ambience and Setting Pain Apart from Other Industrial Based Artists.

Customer Reviews:

Pain - Pslams of Extinction.......2007-07-19

The first time I heard of the band pain was through a home made game video, and the song was dancing with the dead. When I went to our local music store there where absolutly no pain CS's what so ever. So I went home and downloaded the discography and was amazed. Nearly every song on this CD, and "dancing with the dead" where by far all amazing songs. Even though Zombie Slam seems to not be sung my Peter, or at least not without effects, all songs are amazing and a recommended buy for anyone looking for a Metal CD. Highly recommend both albums.

Pain?.......2007-07-04

I'm still getting a grasp of all of these various incarnations of metal music. The lines start to blur here, as this just simply cannot be categorized correctly without adding some kind of sub-genre into your tag. The one tag that I can assimilate to Pain is metal, but from that point I find myself flipping and flopping all over the metal genre looking for a proper metal placement. Pain is metal, it's some other kind of metal, and it's good metal. Buy this album and remeber the new saying "NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS THAN METAL".

A great industrial metal album!.......2007-06-29

Pain's 'Psalms Of Extinction' is essentially an apocalyptic metal album that seems quite unhappy about an ending world full of cretins and conservative sociopaths. Peter Tagtgren is the creator, vocalist, and composer of PAIN. This band (Pain) is nothing like Tagtgren's other music projects which include both singing and guitar playing for the bands Hypocrisy, and The Abyss, and producing albums for black metal bands Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Marduk, and Celtic Frost. There is nothing black Metal about this band, just in case you were seeking such a thing. This album stands out as an original work of music, combining symphonic metal with coldwave industrial electronica, certain to appeal to fans of bands such as Fear Factory, Rammstein, Ministry, and early Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails. The song "Play Dead" is a Bjork cover, "Zombie Slam", "Nailed To The ground", "B**ch", and "Computur God" are potential dance hits for the industrial nightclubs, and the song "Just Think Again" is an emotionally charged anthem to the world's starvation epidemic. The totality of the album is a five star effort and a must have for fans of hard-pounding, guitar-heavy, industrial metal with intelligent lyrics. Below are some of the lyrics, I would have included some other songs here but PAIN uses explicit lyrics so I picked out a few non explicit examples.

Lyrics taken from the song "Computur God":

Computerized technoligy
Wipes Out all your enemies
Digital world controls
A dying analogue blasphemy

Distorted codes in your DNA
Passwords running through your veins
Our brain cells overwon
By the zeroes and the ones

This is the end of huamnity - thrill me, kill me
Computur God is the enemey - decieve me, delete me
There is no lord that will set us free - thrill me, kill me


Lyrics taken from the song "Nailed To The Ground":

Nothing in life is for free, everything has it's price
You start to pay when you're born until the day you die
They turn you into a machine and keep you in the line
If you fall out of their path they will come after you

I don't believe in God or destiny
I always lived my life with one foot into the grave
The world is cruel and filled with enemies
I take my chances cause I know my life won't go anywhere

Lyrics from the song "Psalms Of Extinction":

Why do we have to live in fear?
The Future's looking dark
Noone seems to care

EXCELLENT RELEASE.......2007-06-22

I agree with the first reviewer falzano, sums up what i think too in all honesty. Peter tagtgren really makes an album more industrial than previouse works, its more original to the genre. Not to degrade his other works, every release is awesome, memorable songs, but this one, hits the jackpot, cant wait for his next release!! worth every penny, you love industrial GET THIS ALBUM!!!!!

This might just be the best Pain CD yet....(4.5) stars.......2007-06-01

For a while I considered Pain's 2nd CD 'Rebirth' it's best CD, but then after the release of 2005's 'Dancing with the Dead,' I started to reconsider. But here we are in 2007 & Peter Tagtgren (band creator/mastermind & frontman) delivers once again with the excellent 'Psalms of Extinction.' If you are a fan & you really liked those previous albums that I've mentioned, then you will truly like this CD as it is a combination of those 2 albums rolled into 1 industrial metal masterpiece! If you are new to this genre I would still strongly recommend checking this CD or ANY Pain CD (well the first CD sounds more metal than industrial metal) for some really well made music to get your adrenaline pumping. Also, if you are looking for some HIGH QUALITY & HEAVY extreme metal, then I would also check out Peter Tagtgren's Hypocrisy.

Average customer rating: Emotional Music of Great Composer, Adequate Conductor About as Good as Stravinsky (the composer) gets. A prized recording Essential History more important than the Sound.

Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms/Symphony in 3 Movements Manufacturer: CBS ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Petrouchka/ Le Sacre du Printemps Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Firebird-Complete/Scherzo/Firework Stravinsky: Three Greek Ballets (Apollo, Agon, Orpheus) Stravinsky: Le Sacre du printemps/L'Oiseau de feu/Jeu de cartes/Petrouchka/Pulcinella Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony ASIN: B0000026GK Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Symphony in Three Movements: I - Overture; Allegro
2. Symphony in Three Movements: II - Andante; Interlude: L'istesso tempo
3. Symphony in Three Movements: III - Con moto
4. Symphony In C: I - Moderato alla breve
5. Symphony In C: II - Larghetto concertante
6. Symphony In C: III - Allegretto
7. Symphony In C: IV - Largo; Tempo giusto, alla breve
8. Symphony Of Psalms: Part I
9. Symphony Of Psalms: Part II
10. Symphony Of Psalms: Part III

Amazon.com essential recording

Stravinsky was seldom the best conductor of his own music, but this disc of his three symphonies is an exception. In the first place, none of them are all that difficult to conduct--at least compared to some of his earlier works--and he seems to have been in particularly good form throughout these recording sessions. He gets a particularly enthusiastic response from his Canadian forces in the Symphony of Psalms--one of this century's great choral masterworks, and seems to really enjoy the neo-classical elegance of the Symphony in C. Of all of the individual releases from Sony's complete Stravinsky edition, this one has pride of place. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Emotional Music of Great Composer, Adequate Conductor.......2007-07-21

Stravinksy was certainly passionate about his music and world's happenings, here exhibited by Symphony in Three Movements composed around world events of 40's.

Symphony in C was done during time of great illness for the composer, yet he persevered under commission.

Finally the Symphony of Psalms, based on his coming to faith in latter life, which is based around Psalm 150 and here energetically performed by Canadian choir. His choice of Latin is spot on I believe, giving an aura of poetic movement and grandeur to the piece. The allegro is favorite, with its vision of Elijah's chariot climbing after the swinging low descent.

About as Good as Stravinsky (the composer) gets........2007-01-16

After listening to several of his 'classical period' stuff, especially his operas, I was really pleased to listen to these works which contain elements which made his ballets the great works they are. Being a sucker for choral works, I especially liked the Symphonie of Psalms. Hurray for CD's of classic recordings.

A prized recording.......2004-07-07

Igor Stravinsky conducts three of his own masterpieces in this compilation of recordings from the 1960's. SYMPHONY IN THREE MOVEMENTS was inspired by wartime newsreels. The vitriolic outer movements show definite jazz and big-band influence - which the CBC orchestra glories in - while the second movement is of a classical tranquility and grace. The elegant SYMPHONY IN C was meant as a tribute to Haydn and Bach; but the haunting, unresolved bitonal chord that dissolves into silence in the end makes the work quintessentially modern. And the SYMPHONY OF PSALMS, one of the great religious works of the 20th century, is heavenly music; Stravinsky and his forces give it an austere reading of almost chamber-music clarity. These performances leave nothing to be desired. This CD has become one of my most prized recordings.

Essential.......2004-05-26

Who better to interpret a composer's music than the composer himself? This CD is an excellent introduction to these 20th-century masterworks. THREE MOVEMENTS bristles with explosive energy and PSALMS is austere and perfectly controlled, the lines of polyphony in the second movement coming through with extraordinary clarity. Not only is this a great recording, but it is an important historical document which tells us how Stravinsky intended these works to sound. As such, it could be an important reference to other conductors. I enjoyed this recording very much and I highly recommend it.

History more important than the Sound........2001-01-12

OK, so this recording was made a long time ago, and it shows.

Never mind! You will never hear grander performances of these three works. Who better to interpret Stravinsky's music than the composer himself?

The two orchestral symphonies are wonderful, but the prize on this recording is the Symphony of Psalms. The first time I ever heard the piece was at a San Francisco Symphony concert with Stravinsky conducting-- an electrifying experience. This recording, though it's of a different performance, captures that moment perfectly. I can close my eyes and see Stravinsky's tight, coiled beat-- can watch the concertmaster's eyes as he was transfixed by the composer's every move-- can see the awe-struck chorus members as they nervously blended with the orchestra.

And I can relive that moment when the sound died finally away and the audience leaped as one person to its feet.

If music can change people (and it can), then this music will change people forever.

Average customer rating: Make a joyful noise! Just what I wanted. Analog recording superior High comfort level Oldie But a Goodie

The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Psalms For The Soul O God, My Heart Is Ready - Psalms (Anglican chant) and Hymns from St. Thomas Choir New York Great Choral Classics from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge ASIN: B000009OQF Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. I Was Glad
2. Like As The Hart/Give Sentence With Me
3. Praise The Lord, O My Soul
4. Hear My Crying, O God
5. The Earth Is The Lord's
6. I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
7. The Lord Is My Shepherd
8. God Is Our Hope And Strength
9. O How Amiable
10. Lord Who Shall Dwell
11. By The Waters Of Babylon
12. O Praise The Lord
13. O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
14. O Sing Unto The Lord
15. O Praise God In His Holiness

Customer Reviews:

Make a joyful noise!.......2007-03-13

It's amazing how hearing these settings can help you to understand the Psalms more fully than simply reading them might permit. This performance is clear and precise, and in no way lacks emotion or expression. I have always found these settings to be very moving, and King's College certainly conveys their power. A must buy for those who long for traditional settings, and who find modern "religious" music to be tiresome and unimpressive.

Just what I wanted........2007-01-03

An escape from "modern christian" music. These are the words of the Psalms set to music, sung in a cathedral by angelic voices. This is what Heaven's music sounds like I'm sure!

Analog recording superior.......2005-11-10

This is a fantastic recording from I believe 1968 when the King's Choir was led by Willcocks. In my opinion, these older analog recordings are sharper and more distinct -- you can actually hear individual boys and parts. Perhaps that has more to do with engineering and placement of microphones than digital vs. analog. But the bottom line is this is a vintage recording and is as good as it gets.

High comfort level.......2004-11-07

I would surely like to obtain a complete collection of all psalms by this choir. For years I have looked, searched, for this collection which I heard as a child played every sunday in South America. A great collection, ageless and timeless something have and play in the home for upliftment and inspiration even if you are not a religous person. Endless stars ****************************

Oldie But a Goodie.......2003-03-28

Had this music been recorded digitally, it would have been beyond sublime. Alas, it still has an analog sound to it, despite the remastering. Nonetheless, it is worth the purchase (though for a better recording of the 46th Psalm, check out the Choir of Christ's Hospital recording of it).

Average customer rating: Amazing Celtic Band Simply Excellent Pure Heaven Wow! Healing and Comforting

Celtic Psalms Eden's Bridge Manufacturer: Straight Way ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Celtic Worship Authentic Worship: Celtic Worship Revival in Belfast II Revival in Belfast Come Heal This Land: Live Worship From Northern Ireland Featuring Robin Mark ASIN: B000006002 Release Date: 1998-03-10

Tracks:

1. Fear No Evil
2. Praise The Holy Lord Above
3. The Lord Is My Light
4. I Lift Up My Eyes
5. El Shaddai
6. He Will Never Be Shaken
7. Blessed Is The Man
8. In The Lord Lord My Heart Takes Refuge
9. How Long O Lord
10. Shout For Joy
11. In The Morning
12. Psalm 23
13. Your Love Is Better Than Life

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Celtic Band.......2006-01-29

There is not one song on this CD that I don't like. This is the type of Celtic music I have been searching for. I'm so glad I discovered Eden's Bride! The music is soothing, yet won't put you to sleep while you are driving because it is somewhat on the contemporary side, but not too much. It is inspiring as well. I highly recommend this CD.

Simply Excellent.......2006-01-13

The Lord has sure blessed them and I'm glad they're using their blessing to share the Word with us.

Pure Heaven.......2005-09-09

After hearing Eden's Bridge's album "Celtic Worship 2", my husband and I went searching for more of this phenomenally talented group and came upon "Celtic Psalms" on the Amazon website. It is just as musically and spiritually uplifting and beautiful as "Celtic Worship 2", if not more so. This group is a joy to listen to, and the lead singer sounds like an angel. While I greatly value talented musicians (and they are!), as a linguist, I am particularly touched by lyrics, and these are some of the best--touching, haunting, piercing, uplifting--they express everything you have ever wanted to say to (or about) God and then some. We will be looking for more of their music.

Wow!.......2004-05-15

I am a big fan of the Celtic Christian Prog band IONA and so grabbing onto Eden's Bridge was, for me, a natural progression. Admittedly, the sound Eden's Bridge creates is, I believe, more of a worship experience than I have enncountered in some time. Sarah's voice is unbelievable and very soothing to me. You can hear her heart stretch forth in it's attempt to tell God how much she loves Him. The rest of the band is solidly behind her in that attempt. I just bought their Isle of Tides CD and will review that ther, but it is also worth getting.

Healing and Comforting.......2003-05-07

A year ago I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life. I was seeking God and looking for His guidance in my life. This CD was a big part of that process. I found comfort and healing in the songs. It brought so much strength and healing into my life. I do not know if it will have the same effect on your life, but through listening to the CD I have found a solace and comfort. Even today when I have a crazy, hectic day I just listen to my Celtic Psalms and re-align myself again.

Thank you, Eden's Bridge! :)

Average customer rating: A very welcome reissue--but why was it ever out of print? Celebratory Music for All Seasons!

Poulenc: Gloria; Concerto for Organ; Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem, etc / Bryden Thomson Poulenc: Gloria; Stabat Mater Brahms: Alto Rhapsody; Nänie; Gesang der Parzen; Schicksalslied Barber: Prayers of Kierkegaard/Bartok: Cantata profanna/Vaughan Williams: Dona nobis pacem Walton: Belshazzar's Feast; Bernstein: Chichester Psalms; Missa Brevis ASIN: B0002M5TAC Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

1. I. Gloria
2. II. Laudamus Te
3. III. Domine Deus
4. IV. Domine Fili Unigenite
5. V. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
6. VI. Qui Sedes Ad Dexteram Patris
7. Concerto In G Minor - Michael Murray
8. Part I. - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
9. Part II. - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
10. Part III. - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

A very welcome reissue--but why was it ever out of print?.......2006-05-30

One of my most cherished CDs was a used copy of the Symphony of Psalms and the Poulenc Gloria, which was among Shaw's first CDs for Telarc. The only problem with that CD was that it was already well-used, and on the verge of being unplayable. So, naturally, I was horrified to find out--in the mid-90s--that the CD was out-of-print (the Symphony of Psalms was reissued in a coupling with Verdi's Quattro Pezzi Sacri). So, naturally, I bought this CD the day I saw it was available. At a mid-level price, this CD is hard to beat.

This CD contains those same two recordings, which are nearly impeccable. Both of these works contain strict instructions on performance, and Shaw captures them all perfectly. A couple of moments that stand out are the "Ad dexteram patris" in the final movement of the Gloria that Poulenc asks to be sung "like a murmur, almost imperceptibly," and the piccolo trumpet at the close of the second movement of the Symphony. Nevertheless, both works receive outstanding performances, and Sylvia McNair's solos in the Gloria are simply sublime.

And, as if simply reissuing the CD weren't enough, Telarc added a bonus, the Poulenc Concerto for Organ, Strings, and Timpani. Not a very "flashy" work, it shows by turns both Poulenc's serious and playful moods. Michael Murray does an excellent job with the solo, and Shaw handles the strings admirably.

As I said at the beginning of this review, the original was one of my all-time favorite CDs, and I'm still wondering why Telarc ever allowed it to go out of print in the first place. But that won't stop me from recommending this CD now that it's back.

Celebratory Music for All Seasons!.......2005-11-29

Holiday season and the stores are filled with carols and pop tunes that seem further removed from Christmas every year. At the same time all the choral ensembles around the country are scheduling the Messiah and festivals of carols and it is refreshing to turn to less well know works on CD for instilling a warm mood, works that while perhaps are not particularly for the Christmas season are none the less celebratory and appropriate now - and anytime.

This release by the venerable Robert Shaw and the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and Chorus reminds us just how fine a conductor he was. Poulenc's 'Gloria, for soprano, chorus & orchestra' is performed all too seldom. It is a bracingly modern work that alternates choral movements with orchestra separated by movements that include soprano solos - and some of the most graceful vocal writing in Poulenc's repertoire. Here Sylvia McNair is the right choice, her clearly focused voice has the range to breathe through the long arching lines with ease. The chorus, orchestra (especially the brass!) and soloist just blend beautifully.

Michael Murray is the fine soloist for Poulenc's 'Concerto for organ, strings & timpani in G minor', a mystical work that also calls forth thunderous organ passages. The contrast between the organ and strings with tympani allows the organ to solidly represent all of the brass and woodwind instruments and the effect is eerily dramatic. For years the old recording of these first two works with Georges Pretre conducting were the gold standard: that may now have changed!

Shaw wisely completed this grouping with Stravinsky's infectious 'Symphony of Psalms', another work that is slowly becoming a standard in orchestral repertoires for very good reasons. Here are the driving irregular pulsating rhythms that mark this period of Stravinsky's writing coupled with the ongoing fascination for the Russian orthodox music that he quoted throughout his career. Shaw and his Atlanta forces give a richly colored and broadly spaced reading and the sounds resulting from all three of these works is first rate. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, November 05

Average customer rating: Uneven quality but great value A superb collection of Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Viola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set] Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set] Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set) Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set) Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set] ASIN: B00062FLJ2 Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Uneven quality but great value.......2007-04-30

Brilliant Classics has found a niche with their extremely low-price multi-disc collections of the work of a single composer or performer. The Bach, Mozart and Chopin Complete Editions are legitimately considered to be artistic and economical triumphs. But the Masterworks series are more uneven. Currently available from Amazon France at about a buck per CD, they're still a bargain for those interested in quickly building a music library. But it's worth keeping a few things in mind. Unlike the Bach and Mozart Editions, these are not always historically informed performances. In this Mendelssohn set, the Hanover Band puts in a cameo (in Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), but most of the ensembles use modern instruments, techniques and proportions. This doesn't always work out, as in the case of the ponderously heavy recordings of the String Symphonies by an apparently full complement of Gewandhausorchester Leipzig strings (Mendelssohn likely wrote these early works for a much smaller group). The caliber of the performances varies too, ranging from good to poor, and from marquis musicians such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau to a few Dutch who-dats. The chamber musicians generally acquit themselves well (though the Octet recording is marred by an engineering flaw in the last movement, distortion, at least on my copy). But the symphonies suffer from some substandard performances, such as the Italian Symphony's live recording with not only audience noise but also ensemble flaws such as a distracting clarinet squeak in the first movement's recapitulation. Another strike is the lack of program notes. Brilliant's Complete Editions provide a booklet or CD-ROM with program notes, but here you'll need to do your own research.

Despite these shortcomings, this set is still good value (at least at Amazon France's current price of 31 Euros). And it's a fine way to become acquainted with Mendelssohn's music.

A superb collection of Mendelssohn.......2007-03-24

Let me preface this by saying that most of these works were not new to me - I own many other Mendelssohn CDs and have enjoyed his compositions for some time now. Also, this set is available much cheaper elsewhere, particularly from European retailers.
The symphonies are well-performed. 'Reformation' is an inspired live recording. The 12 string symphonies, written in Mendelssohn's youth, are also included. The concertos are exceptional - the violin concerto is as good as you'll find anywhere. The oratorios Elijah and Paulus are included, as well as the complete chamber works and a diverse assortment of choral works. The last few discs include the Lied ohne worte, the epic organ sonatas, and excellent renditions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Fingal's Cave. While there are a few sketchy performances in the choral and chamber works, the performances and recordings are generally very solid, and the body of work couldn't be better.

Meditation Music:

1. The Sounds of Monterey Bay
2. Things to Come/Psi-Fi [Import]
3. Thought Tones, Vol. 2
4. Three Color Sun
5. Tranquil Nights: Nature's Retreat
6. Transparent [Import]
7. Traveler
8. Tun Huang (Silk Road 3)
9. Under a Big Sky
10. Wind Over Water

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

In the Bag

Rachmaninov Plays Chopin

Lucky That Way

Music: Live from Spivey Hall

Providence: Original Motion Picture Score

Questside (Untold Tales)

Old Ways [Gold CD]

One [CD-single] [Import]

L'etrangere [Import]

Mozart: Great Mass in C Minor

Mr. Smith (and bonus EP "Dramatic Instrumentals")

Pesni Ribaka (Fisherman's Songs) [Import]

Papi Chulo [CD-single]

Harlem Street Singer

Phallus Dei