Search - Philip Brunelle, Christopher O'Riley (piano) :: Dominick Argento - An American Romantic - Peter Quince at the Clavier; A Nation of Cowslips; Three Motets; Spirituals and Swedish Chorales

Exemplary Choral Writing and Performance

Christopher J. Hoh | Arlington, VA, USA | 12/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are small masterpieces for chorus by Dominick Argento. Known best for his many acclaimed operas written in the last decades of the 20th century, he brings the same combination of compositional mastery and melodic appeal to these choral works. "Peter Quince" is oddly named; it's really the biblical story of Susanna and the elders. The piquant instrumentation complements the inventive vocal writing for an arresting listening experience. The other selections are, as best I recall, variously pretty and poignant, mostly a cappella. The composer spins musical lines that fit the voice naturally but are full of fresh ideas. The ensemble sings with verve and finesse. This is a recording to put in a time capsule or launch into space and demonstrate that recent American choral composition and performance is as fine as any one could ever imagine! The hearer cannot help but be delighted. (I'm sorry the previous Amazon reviewer had technical problems and could not play this wonderful music.) Dominick Argento, Phillip Brunnelle and the Plymouth Ensemble Singers are three national treasures!"