Fine recording from an excellent choir
Gracejoy | New York, NY United States | 06/27/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys is considered to be the most outstanding choral ensemble in the Anglican musical tradition in the United States today, and this recording shows us why. The sound of the choir is focused and clear as they deliver these two challenging masses. Several soloists appear throughout the recording (including boy trebles) and they range from good to excellent. I had to listen a few times to begin to actually "feel" the music itself (I tend to prefer earlier music so these modern pieces were not entirely my style), but after a while the music began to grow on me, and I have especially come to enjoy the Williams mass, which is at times hauntingly beautiful. The CD liner notes include excellent detailed information about the composers, the choir, choir school, and the Choirmaster/Organist, Gerre Hancock. If you are not already familiar with this choir, you are in for a treat. I would also highly recommend their "Most Sacred Banquet" and "O God, My Heart Is Ready" recordings, which present some fine selections of traditional Anglican music. You can get both from Amazon.com, or directly from St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, NY."