Refuge

Track Listings

1. Refuge

2. New as the Dawn

3. Danza

4. Lady Zoe's Dance

5. Star of the County Down

6. Margaree

7. La Noche Cai Suavemente

8. Song for Mary

9. Pilgrim's Prayer

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Steve Pappas is an Ohio-based fingerstyle guitarist/composer/teacher with nearly 30 years of experience.In 1986 he received his bachelor's degree in music from Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music,his principal instrument being the classical guitar.Since that time he has been busy composing,arranging,performing and recording his own original compositions.At present he has two self-produced recordings to his credit with plans being made for a third.Also,in October 2002 two of his guitar pieces "La Noche Cai Suavemente" and "Lady Zoe's Dance"("Refuge") were published by Lathkill Music Publishers (U.K.).

Product Description
Refuge is a collection of instrumental works featuring the classical guitar. The songs contain a blend of Folk,Spanish,Classical,Latin and Rock influences-beautifully performed and elegantly presented.

Refuge,Steve Pappas,Soundhole,Diverse CD fusing,Rock,Classical,Celtic,Spanish, and Latin styles,featuring classical guitar with percussion,woodwinds,brass,bass,electric guitar.

Refuge

Refuge

Welcome to the City
Average customer rating:

Simply Outstanding

It's About Time!!!!!

A Sure Award Winner

Gotta have it

Welcome to the City
The City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir
Manufacturer: Tyscot Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

ASIN: B000QCU9LM
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Introduction
Not About Us
City Song (The Welcome)
Glory To the Highest
He Is Worthy
Jesus
I Will Go
More Of Thee
Everybody Praise
Glory, Glory, Glory
Hellelujah
Holdin' On
Harvest Time
I Will Sing Praises
Alright

Customer Reviews:

Simply Outstanding.......2007-07-17

This CD has to be the #1 Gospel CD so far for 2007. It is very seldom that you get 14 out of 14 songs on a CD to listen to which are this good - this CD is one of them. Every single cut is uplifting, dynamic, and appeals to your gospel music senses.

My advice, if you don't have this CD, listen to the samples, then get it as soon as you can - you will be glad you did!!!

It's About Time!!!!!.......2007-07-01

I've been blessed for years by the preaching ministry of Bishop Noel Jones and have always been anticipating the album debut of his choir(whom I'd only heard at a glance via his television broadcast and on his documentary, the Hoover Street Revival). This album has been a long time coming and since purchasing it I can't put it down...strong classics for those of the Gospel persuasion, praise and worship persuasion, and even of the reggae persuasion. And in addition to highly anointed contributions of members of his praise team and choir, the project features cuts with Donnie Mcclurkin, Deitrick and Damita Haddon. Wow. If you want a little extra you may want to purchase the Wal-mart version that features a free dvd(videos and the sermon, "Focus" by Bishop Jones). If you've been blessed by the releases of Bishop Jakes & the Potter's House Mass Choir, Bishop Eddie Long and the Total Praise Mass Choir, and others...the debut of Bishop Noel Jones & the City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir is a must have. I know where I'll be churchin' whenever I visit the City.

A Sure Award Winner.......2007-06-27

Awesome, this cd is one of the best gospel cd's, or any genre, I've heard in a while. Great worship and praise in combo with great beats, energy, and encouraging lyrics that will uplift the soul.

Gotta have it.......2007-06-27

If you enjoy Good Gospel Music & buying a CD where every song is a blessing then I would strongly suggest "Welcome to the City". I have never Purchased a CD where I enjoyed Every Song until now. This Choir is truly anointed. God Bless.

Average customer rating:

Manhattan Wildlife Refuge
Bill Watrous
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000RMJ5B6
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Album Description

First time on CD for this 1974 album from the Jazz trombonist, one of only two Big Band albums he recorded in the '70s. Featuring musical assistance from Dick Hyman, Joe Beck and Danny Stiles. Also available: The Tiger Of San Pedro. The same fans that buy all our Maynard Ferguson reissues have been screamin' for these! Wounded Bird. 2007.

Vaughan Williams: Mass in G minor; Motets

Average customer rating:

the music survives
Still Underrated
For the masses
Music of transcendant radiance!

Vaughan Williams: Mass in G minor; Motets

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005RG7R
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

Lord, Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge - Motet
Prayer To The Father Of Heaven - Motet
O Vos Omnes - Motet
Kyrie
Gloria In Excelsis
Credo
Sanctus - Osanna II
Benedictus - Osanna II
Agnus Dei
O Clap Your Hands - Motet
O Taste And See - Motet
O How Amiable - Anthem
Come Down, O Love Divine (Down Ampney) - Hymn Setting

Customer Reviews:

the music survives.......2005-04-15

Despite a less than perfect performance by the Elora Festival Singers and some dismaying choices in audio engineering, Vaughan Williams' otherworldly Mass in G survives intact. I'm convinced almost nothing could destroy this titanic masterpiece. It's simply Vaughan Williams' very finest work among a number of luminous scores (Serenade to Music and the Fifth Symphony come to mind). Why the musicians seem so lackluster here is a mystery, maybe an off day. The singing of the anthems is more attuned, as is, weirdly, the engineering; both elevate as the recording progresses. Besides the Mass, it's a miracle to find the brief and elegant "O Taste and See" (sung wonderfully here) and "Come Down, O Love Divine" - one of the greatest English hymns and especially moving for Vaughan Williams' father having been vicar of Down Ampney when his son was born. Highest recommendation is for the King's College Choir, Cambridge under Wilcox recording of the Mass, but this is a fine effort overall, one whose musicians would be better served by less erratic sound engineering.

Still Underrated.......2005-03-23

Vaughn Williams is still an underrated composer, in my opinion--at least by the musical elite. But then again, so is choral music in general--except by the masses. These works are truly remarkable. Vaughn Williams's harmonic and literary mastery is evident throughout, and anyone who would like to know how to write for a chorus should know these works intimately.

For the masses.......2004-07-28

THIS is not the best recording of R.V.W.'s MASS in G. Although the Elora Singers find themselves doing really good things with the work on more than one occasion, they simply cannot compete with the likes of Matthew Best (Hyperion), New College of Oxford (Meridian) or Holst Singers (Unicorn, also available on Regis at budget price). My own favourite is on a not-so-recent record made by the Roger Wagner Chorale (Capitol LP); per chance, i kept a copy on tape. I am not sure if that's available on cd, perhaps as a bootleg [?]. There's also a persuasive recording from Richard Hickox (Chandos) that compares quite favorably with Dave Willcocks's King's College recording (EMI). Elora's account of the Mass isnt really 'bad'. If it is not mediocre, it is far from remarkable either. In conclusion : The most recommendable performance on cd (almost revelatory - with great quality of sound) is the one by Hilary Davan Wetton and his Holst Singers, which is and should remain available from Regis for just a few bucks over the price of the current Naxos.

Music of transcendant radiance!.......2003-01-22

I will start out by admitting that I bought this CD on a lark, not being at all familiar with the Elora Festival Singers, and being usually prejudiced in favor of such blue-blooded English choirs as King's College Cambridge in this kind of music.

To say I was pleasantly surprised is a big understatement. I am floored! This is choral singing of absolute sumptuousness, recorded in clear resonant sound. The main offering on the CD is the G minor Mass, RVW's 1921 evocation of the sonorities, polyphony and choral textures of the great English Tudor composers Tallis and Taverner. This rich, gorgeous and mystical work receives a most beautiful performance here, with the massed climaxes thrilling.

In addition there are five motets, including the elaborate and colorful "Lord, Thou hast been our refuge" and "O taste and see" which was performed during communion at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and also at the composer's own funeral. An anthem and a hymn-setting round out a very generous recital, which at the super budget Naxos price is more than a bargain, it is a gift!

Tracks:

Refuge
Chen Rezi
Seven Line Prayer
Vajra Guru
Vajrakilaya
Tara Mantra
Final Dedication

Album Details

World Music. Featuring Boris Grebenshikov.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Meditative Music.......2007-05-14

This is a fantastic CD. I use it for my yoga classes.

not her best.......2005-05-09

I love Gabrielle Roth, and have worn out copies of "initiation" and "bones", but this CD just gathers dust for me insteading of making me want to dance.

Unique.......2000-05-31

Too many albums put the word "Tibetan" in the title and end up being the artificial flavor of the month. This CD, on the other hand, is the only one I've found (and I've bought dozens looking) that really bridges the gap between the Tibetan sense of sacred mystery, and the musical vernacular of the west. And with a Russian rock star no less! Listen to this album, and you will find your mind has reached a still place that other "Tibetan" music cannot touch.

For those who are addicted to the western sound "byte" culture, a five word review: YOU MUST BUY THIS ALBUM!

Great tape for yoga and meditation.......1999-07-29

We use this tape in my yoga class during the beginning centering meditation and Chen Rezi is just the most beautiful and awesomely calming piece of music I have heard. As a matter of fact I intend to use this when I am in labor, as I am expecting my third child this December. Namaste!

TAKE A LOAD OFF.......1999-07-03

Isn't it nice to relax? This recording will fill your house and take you to the enchanted land of healing within minutes of flinging those constraining shoes at the wall. Perfect for after work!

Average customer rating:

Plain Fun
Refuge Rock not worth the time
I love this album!

Refuge Rock Sublime
Mare Winningham
Manufacturer: Craig N' Co.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Translated From Love

ASIN: B000NA1YS4
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

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Etz Chaim/Tree Of Life
ould David Do
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Refuge Rock Sublime
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Customer Reviews:

Plain Fun.......2007-07-23

This album is just plain fun. What a great combination: traditional Jewish liturgy and themes with Appalachian melodies and genre. Does that make this "Jewgrass?" Loved the album. Too much fun.

Refuge Rock not worth the time.......2007-07-23

I have recently listened to this CD without knowing it was all religious music in Hebrew. There are some songs in english but they are few & far between. Mare Winninghams voice is still great but this is another genre for her & I don't know that it suits her well. I'm not impressed w/this CD's content or orchestration (production).

I love this album!.......2007-06-22

There is something truly "sublime" about Mare's voice. It transcends musical genres, and she has blended her love of bluegrass/country with meaningful lyrics and created a truly unique piece of music. Seeing her live with an adoring crowd heightened the experience!

Average customer rating:

God is an Astronaut Do it Again!!!!!

Far from Refuge
God Is an Astronaut
Manufacturer: Revive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000QEKI4S
Release Date: 2007-05-21

Tracks:

Radau
Far From Refuge
Sunrise In Aries
Grace Descending
New Years End
Darkfall
Tempus Horizon (V 2007)
Lateral Noise
Beyond The Dying Light

Album Description

Post-rock band God Is An Astronaut's third album on their own Revive Records. Don't you love it when your most anticipated release of the year lives up to your expectations. Undeniably my favorite band at the moment has pulled off a stellar release that shows a maturing in their sound. That band is God is an Astronaut. This albums is nine tracks of perfection and will most certainly be a contender for my Top 10 picks of year unless something completely miraculous happens. Their sound is undeniable, but on Far From Refuge, they have taking that sound to a new emotive level. The compositions are intricate and well thought out with moments that explode into quietness. Torsten, Neil and Lloyd are a force to be reckoned with as their brand of post-rock screams into your speakers. --Somewherecold.com

Album Details

2007 Album from the Critically Acclaimed Irish Trio of Torsten Kinsella (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards), Niels Kinsella (Bass, Guitars, Visuals) and Lloyd Hanney (Drums, Synths). Their Ethereal, Mostly Instrumental Music Builds from Ambient Bases to Intense Melanges of Sound that Could Definitely Be Considered Part of the "Prog Rock" Movement of the Noughts.

Customer Reviews:

God is an Astronaut Do it Again!!!!!.......2007-06-13

Don't you love it when your most anticipated release of the year lives up to your expectations. Undeniably my favorite band at the moment has pulled off a stellar release that shows a maturing in their sound. That band is God is an Astronaut. This albums is nine tracks of perfection and will most certainly be a contender for my top 10 picks of year unless something completely miraculous happens. Their sound is undeniable, but on Far From Refuge, they have taking that sound to a new emotive level. The compositions are intricate and well thought out with moments that explode into quietness. Torsten, Neil and Lloyd are a force to be reaconed with as their brand of post-rock screams into your speakers.

The album begins with the pulsing beat of Radau. Drums thump and set the tone for the immensity of the album. High hat joins in as spacey keys and guitars fill in the cracks between the pulse. A few moments later, the guitars build and the bass throttles, pushing the rest of the band forward. Radau has a sense of immediacy and desperation. The bass work is by no means mindless on this album, but it mirrors the guitar sounds while keeping the glue necessary between drum and guitar. These Irishmen know what they are doing and their compositions just float on endless keys of anxious moments. A six minute tour de force, Radau opens this disc with high energy and aggressive style. Far From Refuge is the title track and falls in after the album's pounding beginning. A bed of ambient keys floats across the speakers as drums come in to set the pace. This is a nice change of pace and really sets a foil to the first track. The guitar is glimmering and shimmers nicely on top of the careful bass and drums. The mood is somber and more melancholy than the first track, with fluted keys and warbling melodies. The shimmery ambiance eventually takes over as the languid pace plods along at perfect timing. The tumult grows dim and then bursts into loud bass and soaring guitars. This is fades with vibrations and shimmers into the next track called Sunrise in Aries. This track begins with a mid-tempo drum beat, warbly guitar and light keys. The movements in this piece are peaceful and the volume moves up and down to give flavor to the moment. Subtle in execution, Sunrise in Aries delivers a ray of hope in the midst of the Refuge which is lacking.

Grace Descending begins with bright piano in a minor key. The drums play a marching beat on the snare while the bass drum thumps to keep time. The bass glues the pieces together as the piano sings its melancholy tune. The guitar brings in variations on the piano's theme and fills out the voids in the musics cracks. The keys play with decending lines as "grace" falls upon the listener as the drums, bass and guitar explode to provide a contrast with the even handed ivorys. This fades into an ominous oblivion and opens into New Years End which begins with just bass and shimmering guitar in the background. A guitar line plays the melody and the drums slowly work their way into the mix. Eventually, all the pieces come together into perfect composition with keys laying another cushion for all the instruments. Guitar parts become more complex and abundant as the tune goes on, but the subtle quietness of this tune is not lost on the build. The crescendo is immense and breathtaking as guitars blend into one another, creating a wall of sound that does not lose the melody.

Darkfall begins with ambient keys and what sounds like work on a cello. As its title indicates, there is a dark feel to the beginning, but it's not an altogether hopeless darkness. This is a major aspect of GIAA's compositions that I appreciate: they are never so desponant in the compositions not to express some hope. As the hum of underlying keys continues, keys play and float along the stream of ambient air. Tempus Horizon connects to what is prior by beginning with ambient keys, light high-hat, and glittering guitar. The tension built by the softer tune prepares the listener for the coming storm as the band builds and prepares for more explosive moments. The volume eventually erupts as the pace remains steady and still. A slow tempo song, GIAA does not rush and is carefully patient in their compositions. It's as if they are trying to move the listener along at a pace that is emotively humane. As the song continues, the louder moments come less sporadically and begin to escalate in volume. This leads into the ominous beginnings of Lateral Noise. Deep and dark with a creepy vibe, this one starts out with rumbles galore. Then, as the track progresses, light sounding, sparkling keys come in and are drowned out again by fuzz and rumbles. This ominous track sets up the listener for the final track on the disc and makes for a dramatic, episodic introduction to the end. Walls of fuzzy guitar lift into the speakers, explode and dissapear as Beyond the Dying Light soars with spacey guitars and a slow but steady entrance. The track is bright and full of hope as the keys glimmer with guitar, bass, and drums moving at a medium tempo. Guitars build a wall and GIAA's signature sound blasts through the speakers like rays of hope. This track is a perfect finish to an emotive journal through musical perfection.

If it's not obvious, I highly recommend GIAA's new disc. Far From Refuge is anything but a cliche post-rock album. Rather, it is a masterpiece that finds the band's sound maturing. The compositions are intricate yet careful and the album as a whole is fluid and the tracks perfectly selected and ordered. Go buy it now and, if you haven't yet, the rest of their catalog as well.

Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem/Four Hymns/Toward The Unknown Region/O Clap Your Hands/Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Re

Average customer rating:

Best's is best
Great recording, especially the lesser-known works
Great modern-day recording
A superior recording

Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem/Four Hymns/Toward The Unknown Region/O Clap Your Hands/Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Re

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002ZSU
Release Date: 1994-02-01

Tracks:

Dona nobis pacem. I. Dona nobis pacem
Dona nobis pacem. II. Beat! Beat! Drums!
Dona nobis pacem. III. Reconciliation
Dona nobis pacem. IV. Dirge for Two Veterans
Dona nobis pacem. V.
Four Hymns. I. Lord! Come away!
Four Hymns. II. Who is this fair One?
Four Hymns. III.Come Love, Come Lord
Four Hymns. IV. Evening Hymn
Toward the Unknown Region
O clap your hands (Psalm 47)
Lord, Thou hast been our refuge (Psalm 90)

Amazon.com

Vaughan Williams's contribution to 20th-century choral music is substantial, but several of his works inexplicably remain in relative obscurity, one of them being the unabashedly Brahmsian (and a little Wagnerian) "Toward the Unknown Region." This "song" for chorus and orchestra, Vaughan Williams's first major choral piece, is a richly romantic setting of a poem by Walt Whitman, whose ideas greatly impressed many young artists and musicians in the late 19th century. Another rarely heard work is his Four Hymns, for solo tenor, viola, and strings. This wonderfully sonorous and inventive piece deserves much greater notoriety--an event that certainly will be helped by John Mark Ainsley's fine performance here. The monumental Dona Nobis Pacem-the best known of the works on this program--also receives a strong, dynamic, and compelling reading that places it among the best on disc. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Best's is best.......2006-05-31

Deeming a particular recording 'best' is highly subjective but the pun could not be resisted. All the same, of the four recordings of 'Dona Nobis Pacem' that I own, this is my favourite. (As someone once asked me, why would you own four recordings of the same piece? My answer, because that's all that are available.) No one recording of this cantata is superlative in every single respect. For example, Thomson's features the best soprano performance, that of Edith Wiens. Hickox with the LSO has perhaps better orchestral playing and terrific crescendos, and the best 'Beat Beat Drums' section. But I prefer Best's recording for two reasons. First, because of his attention to nuance. The trailing voices on the phrase 'this soiled world', the ominous, distant tympani in the Agnus Dei, the way the Dirge section builds, then fades to piano on "All the channels", and the complex segues from trumpet to organ to strings in the final section, all reveal a loving attention to the details of this hugely variegated score. Second, and more important, this performance most eloquently captures the passion of the subject and of Whitman's poetry. For example, the baritone solo and violin in the 'Reconciliation' section are so well paced and achingly well played and sung. 'Reconciliation' is perhaps the most important section of the oratorio, and Best's version is unsurpassingly sublime. The fact that there are perhaps fewer voices in the choir is evident in the final 'Glory to God', but I feel that overall the singing is more expressive than say, Shaw's version where the choir's velvety smoothness and fullness fails to convey any excitement at all. The soprano, Judith Howarth, is lovely and ethereal especially in the sustains of the opening passages. As for the rest of the recording, the 'Four Hymns' pair well with the Cantata. 'Toward the Unknown Region', an earlier Vaughan Williams work, is also well done, and provides another wonderful Vaughan Williams' setting of Walt Whitman's work. I could say more, but recommend this recording without reservation.

Great recording, especially the lesser-known works.......2004-07-07

About half this CD is given over to "Dona Nobis Pacem," Vaughan Williams' 1936 anti-war cantata. Other recordings of this work exist--notably Robert Shaw's Grammy-winning Telarc recording, and Richard Hickox's EMI recording. While this version doesn't quite match the grandeur of Shaw and Hickox, it is still a very good recording in its own right.

What makes this CD worth the money, though, is the generous "fillers" that complete the CD. John Mark Ainsley is magnificent in the "Four Hymns" (scored here for tenor, viola, and string orchestra), and the Corydon forces do an admirable job with "Toward the Unknown Region" and "O Clap Your Hands."

But my personal favorite track on this CD has to be the finale, "Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge," which skillfully combines a Biblical version of Psalm 90 with the first verse of Isaac Watts' famous poetic version (O God, our help in ages past). It is a surprising work, yet RVW's handiwork is obvious and unmistakeable.

If you're a fan of RVW, this CD is definitely worth the money.

Great modern-day recording.......2002-06-20

This was actually the second recording of the Dona Nobis Pacem that I purchased. I can't decide if I prefer this modern-day recording or the historical recording (released by Pearl) with the composer conducting. If you enjoy Vaughan Williams or choral music, both should actually be in your library, but this recording's greater sound quality probably qualifies it more for the more casual listener. Enjoy both of them from time to time!

A superior recording.......2000-10-20

Matthew Best and the Corydon Singers have made one of the finest, precise recordings of RVW's choral works. No muddy sound from a cathedral, it is clear and precise. The range of warmth and excitement appropriate to each piece will satisfy choral afficionados. Ainsley's interpretation of "Four Hymns" is arresting. "O clap your hands" makes my heart quicken. If you've wanted the "Dona Nobis" THIS is the recording.

Average customer rating:

Thou Art My Refuge
Gloriae Dei Cantores
Manufacturer: Paraclete Press
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0009Q33PE
Release Date: 2005-08-03

Tracks:

Psalm 42: I cried unto the Lord with my voice W. Bayley 2:16
Psalm 85: Lord, thou art become gracious unto thy land A.S. Hemmings 3:09
Psalm 120: When I was in trouble, I called upon the Lord W. Sterndale Bennett 2:02
Psalm 25: Unto thee, O Lord, will I lift up my soul W. Russell 4:27
Psalm 61: Hear my crying, O God C. H. Lloyd 2:07
Psalm 132: Lord, remember David G. Elvey 4:27
Psalm 70: Haste thee, O God, to deliver me W. Hine 1:37
Psalm 130: Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord C. Hylton Stewart 2:35
Psalm 6: O Lord, rebuke me not in thine indignation T. Purcell 2:38
Psalm 42: Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks S. Wesley 3:46
Psalm 43: Give sentence with me, O God S. Wesley 1:53
Psalm 51: Have mercy upon me, O God, after they great goodness W. Morley 5:14
Psalm 49: O hear this, all ye people T. A. Walmisley 4:43
Psalm 69: Save me, O God C. Hylton Stewart 8:58
Psalm 137: By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept C. Hylton Stewart 3:10
Psalm 102: Hear my prayer, O Lord C. Macpherson 6:16
Psalm 138: I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my whole heart T. Aylward 2:46
Psalm 13: How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord; forever? C. Hylton Stewart 1:53
Psalm 64: Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer H. S. Oakelay 2:28
Psalm 11: In the Lord put I my trust J. Goss 2:02
Psalm 32: Blessed is he whose unrighteousness is forgiven J. Jones 3:35

Product Description

The Psalms have been used for private and public worship for thousands of years. While they have been interpreted in numberous ways, they have also been a source of hope and comfort for many. Perfect for contemplative listening at any place or time, Thou Art My Refuge will be welcomed by all who love the Psalms for their beautiful poetry and spiritual depth.

English Romantic Choral Music: Howells: Requiem; A Sequence for St. Michael; The House of the Mind / Vaughan Williams: Prayer to the Father of Heaven; A Vision of Aeroplanes; Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge

Average customer rating:

Magnificent
First-rate and unusual
Wonderful performance

English Romantic Choral Music: Howells: Requiem; A Sequence for St. Michael; The House of the Mind / Vaughan Williams: Prayer to the Father of Heaven; A Vision of Aeroplanes; Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000AOI
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Prayer To The Father Of Heaven: Andante sostenuto
A Sequence For St Michael: Poco allegro, affrettando
A Vision Of Aeroplanes: Moderato - Alla marcia - Piu lento
The House Of The Mind: Quasi lento
Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge: Lento moderato
Requiem: I Salvator mundi.
Requiem: II Psalm 23.
Requiem: III Requiem aeternam (1).
Requiem: IV Psalm 121.
Requiem: V Requiem aeternam (2).
Requiem: VI I Heard A Voice From Heaven.

Amazon.com

It is interesting to compare this Howells Requiem with that on Hyperion, where the Corydon Singers convey convincing but abstract grief with cool white tone and precise tuning. Here, the Finzi's warm tone and dynamic range seem more empathetic, pulling you into the agonized suspensions of the Requiem æternam and the comforting light of the final movement. The shorter works are all worthwhile, but two by Vaughan Williams stand out. A Vision of Aeroplanes sets an uncanny prophecy of Ezekiel; the whirling organ pedals sound like an old Sopwith Camel. "Lord, thou hast been our refuge" intersperses Psalm 90 (to a beautiful melody) with the hymn "O God, our help in ages past"--it opens with hushed tenderness and closes powerfully as a trumpet blazes through the hymn. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent.......2004-09-20

I bought this disc for the Howells Requiem, but was certainly not disappointed by the remainder of the music.

Being a lover of choral music, the quality of the choir is always a central concern for me in choral recordings. This group-only 18 in number but sounding like far more-is truly superb. Their intonation and tuning are true without being sterile-indeed, there is great warmth to their sound and their interpretive approach to these works.

Howells' Sequence for St. Michael is a work that I had never heard before I heard it on this recording. It is stunning from the first cry of "Michael" from the chorus to the end. Not knowing the circumstances of its composition, I can't help but think that Howells' response to this text was colored by the tragic death of his young son, Michael, a tragedy that is reflected in much of Howells' greatest music.

I agree with the earlier reviewer who said that the Vaughan Williams Psalm 90 is a wonderful work, wonderfully done. I am always a bit shy of choral works that incorporate hymns, but this is an exception.

Howells' Requiem was a personal response to the death of his beloved son, which he penned and then put away in a drawer. When he wrote his Hymnus Paradisi, he drew some of the material from this work. Many years later, he showed the manuscript to Sir David Willcocks, who convinced him that the Requiem was a great work in its own right and that Howells should permit it to be published and performed. I find the Requiem to be much more intense and soul-baring than the Hymnus Paradisi, and it receives an incredibly passionate and moving performance on this disc. It does not set the traditional text of a Requiem mass, but texts selected by Howells. There is no Dies Irae here, and, in this context, that is certainly not a loss.

The opening movement, which sets the text "O Saviour of the World" so famous in its setting by John Goss, would make a more-than-welcome alternative to that old warhorse. Howells included settings of two psalms, very beautifully done, two settings of a portion of the Latin "Requiem aeternam" and a rapt vision of heaven in the closing movement, "I heard a voice from heaven." This performance alone, at around 20 minutes, would be worth the price of the entire disc.

If you love the passionate music of Howells, which reaches ecstatic heights in the synthesis of joy and sorrow, this is a recording not to be missed.

First-rate and unusual.......2004-04-09

Along with their recording of Finzi's choral works (Chandos 8936), this was the earliest of the Finzi Singers' remarkable recordings of English choral music for Chandos. Howells' Requiem, becoming quite popular in the USA, has been excellently performed & recorded by several ensembles (including a beautiful rendition by the Dale Warland Singers), and this disc is certainly in that company. The House of the Mind was the Howells piece that blew me away, though -- a rare work, well worth buying this CD. The Vaughan Williams repertoire is also unusual and fascinating. Check out other Finzi Singers' recordings as they traverse the great British repertoire: Bax, Bliss, Finzi, Holst, Leighton, Moeran, Walton, Warlock, and more Howells & VW. All are worthwhile.

Wonderful performance.......2000-06-23

I first became familiar with the works of both Vaughan Williams and Howells in combination on another CD featuring Howells Requiem. This is yet another fine recording of that Requiem by a very fine group of singers. I very much appreciated the blend and the tonality of the group. I must admit that I am biased anyway because Vaughan Williams is my favorite composer; nevertheless, I think that is a worthwhile CD for anyone who chooses to peruse it. The works of Vaughan Williams on this CD are not his most common, such as his Mass in G minor or Three Shakespeare Songs are, but are a wonderful addition to any collection of his works.

Average customer rating:

Most innovative album in years
backporch Sonic Youth
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY

City of Refuge
John Fahey
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001FK9
Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

Fanfare
The Mill Pond
Chelsey Silver, Please Come Home
City Of Refuge I
City Of Refuge III
Hope Slumbers Eternal
On The Death And Disembowelment Of The New Age

Customer Reviews:

Most innovative album in years.......1999-05-19

If you don't think that there are great songs on this with some great guitar playing then you obviously didn't listen to cuts like Chelsey Silver, Please Come Home or City Of Refuge III. But what sets this album apart is his courage to experiment which most people of his age are usually afraid to do. They usually want to give something to people that they can immediately understand, that they don't have to think too much about. Well, to Fahey, it's all about art, just like it's always been to him. Yeah, there are moments of noisy self-indulgence, but if you really listen, it's all just emotion. That's really all he's ever done, just played his emotions.

backporch Sonic Youth.......1998-11-07

For certain it has little to do soundwise w/ Fahey's more traditional guitar stylings, but plenty of assocation and reference to his earlier experiments in musique concrete. Sounds like some weird cross between Derek Bailey and John Cage maybe. I especially enjoy the opening overture, which sounds like Fahey jamming with an old noisy refrigerator motor. This CD is grating at times but I've got a lot of respect for Fahey for announcing his 'comeback' with such a thoroughly uncompromising disc of new material.

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY.......1998-10-24

Whatever this is it is absolutely unlistenable. I can't give it away. I have some of Fahey's earlier work which is fabulous. I lost touch with his work and actually kind of forgot about him. Then I heard the stories of his illness and his mental breakdown. Well evidentally it's all true if this is any indication. The liner notes are but a small peek into what it must be like to be Fahey as he rants on about being missunderstood. Is it any wonder? Instead of buying this may I suggest you slam your head in a car door about seven times. You'll enjoy it much more than you would listening to seven seconds of this.

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