Search - Alexander Grechaninov, Howard Hanson, Vytautas Miskinis :: Lux Aurumque

Lux Aurumque
Alexander Grechaninov, Howard Hanson, Vytautas Miskinis
Lux Aurumque
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

"The Dale Warland Singers' intonation and clarity of choral texture do nothing less than amaze." -- American Choral Catalog "Outstanding ensemble singing, highlighted by lovely legatos and unisons and by consistently se...  more »

     
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"The Dale Warland Singers' intonation and clarity of choral texture do nothing less than amaze." -- American Choral Catalog "Outstanding ensemble singing, highlighted by lovely legatos and unisons and by consistently sensitive sectional and group balances." -- ClassicsToday "The seamless blend and rich sound of what is probably America's best chorus is on display." -- Seattle WeeklyThe sequel to their beloved Cathedral Classics CD. Includes Morten Lauridsen's enormously popular O Magnum Mysterium. The program is a collection of cathedral masterpieces from various countries--Germany, England, Russia, Latvia, Russia, and the US. The final Dale Warland Singers CD recording before their disbandment in 2004. Within its first month, the Dale Warland Singers' previous release on Gothic (Harvest Home) became the label's best-selling CD ever, and hit Billboard's Top 20 Classical Chart. Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the group was recognized as one of the world's foremost a cappella choral ensembles. This forty-voice professional choir recently celebrated its thirty-first, and final, season of concerts, tours, radio broadcasts, and critically acclaimed recordings following the retirement of founder and director Dale Warland.
 

CD Reviews

The "best" of the best group ever
Paul C. Jeske | Sacramento, CA | 06/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This final recording of America's finest choral group ever (my apologies to Shaw and Wagner)and brings a fitting close to their impressive recording history. A follow-up to their original Catherdral Classics CD, a best seller, this CD has something for everyone. Tons of Russian work done with impeccable intonation, and spectacular performances of newer 20th and 21st century composers. Highlights most certainly are John Rutter's "Hymn to the Creator of Light" and 35 year-old Eric Whitaker's "Lux Aurumque". Both are performed with reverence and delicacy reminding the listener that this is singing from the heart by professionals at the top of their game. Bravo, Dr. Warland...."
Extraordinary
Kevin Lash | Princeton, NJ | 09/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Dale Warland Singers' recordings cannot be missed by lovers of choral music, nor by any lover of fine singing, and this one goes right to the top of the list. It stands, hand in hand with their "Cathedral Classics" (featuring tremendous performances of the Martin Mass and Howells Requiem), as superlative evidence of the marvelous achievements possible in a cappella choral singing. Various flaws can mar many ensembles' otherwise strong performances, but not here; this disc enthralled me as few others ever have. Solid, expert, tender throughout. The repertory is gorgeous, a fitting program for Warland's final offering. Just to name one piece, I've waited long for a great recording of Chesnokov's Spaseniye (Salvation is Created), and indeed this one may not be surpassed for a very long time. Listen to its softest moments: balance, precision, motion, phrase giving way to phrase... all of this and never failing to be beautiful. This harsh critic has rarely been so impressed; I wish, if only it were possible, that every fine work of choral music had been recorded by Warland and his extraordinary ensemble. Bravo.

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Stunning!
Steve Ferrin | UT, USA | 11/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is fantastic. For years I have searched for the perfect recording of Salvation Is Created, and I believe the search is over. It is as close to perfection as humanly possible. This music is a must have. Whitacre's Lux Aurumque has long been a favorite, and this is the finest I have ever heard it performed. It is so well done that it transports the listener into a blissful, soul-searching world made entirely of sound. For me, these two are the highlights, but the remaining works are no less worthy of praise. The recording is crystal clear, and you may as well be standing in front of them.

Bravo!"