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State of Grace II: Turning to Peace
Paul Schwartz
State of Grace II: Turning to Peace
Genres: Dance & Electronic, New Age, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

Paul Schwartz is back with a follow-up to the popular series State of Grace, with State of Grace II: Turning To Peace. Having always been drawn to the great Latin texts that have inspired so many great composers before hi...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Paul Schwartz
Title: State of Grace II: Turning to Peace
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Windham Hill Records
Original Release Date: 10/7/2003
Release Date: 10/7/2003
Genres: Dance & Electronic, New Age, Pop
Style: Meditation
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 828765301725

Synopsis

Album Description
Paul Schwartz is back with a follow-up to the popular series State of Grace, with State of Grace II: Turning To Peace. Having always been drawn to the great Latin texts that have inspired so many great composers before him, State of Grace II: Turning To Peace is based on two Latin texts: the Magnificat and the Stabat Mater. "The Magnificat is taken directly from the Bible, from the Gospel of Luke: it is the prayer of Mary expressing her joy in the knowledge that she will bear the son of God. The Stabat Mater is a medieval poem that describes the sorrows of Mary as her son?s life is taken. I wanted to oppose the two images: the rejoicing expectant mother, and the eventual tragedy that overcomes her. These texts and the other songs on the album form a journey from joy, to sorrow, to joy again." ? Paul Schwartz With Lisbeth Scott once again lending her vocal talents, this is possibly Schwartz? most beautiful release yet!

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CD Reviews

Once again, I'm in a state of grace...
Clarissa | Ontario, California | 04/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Inspired and based on two Latin texts: the Magnificat and the Stabat Mater, Paul Schwartz set out to create yet another masterpiece filled with unspeakable beauty. For some reason 'State Of Grace II' took a while to grow on me but I've come to love it dearly. I don't think it's as good as the first 'State Of Grace', and it doesn't live up to the standard of his other works either, but it was still remarkably done and you can't expect anything less than excellence from this brilliant, BRILLIANT man. There are many classical crossover acts nowadays but none have blown me away in quite the same way composer Paul Schwartz has. Amidst the lush orchestrations and ambient rhythms, there's much more chamber-like choral singing than ever before but fear not for Lisbeth Scott's angelic vocal talent is present in almost every track, including my absolute favorite, "Turning To Peace". Every time I hear that song I get choked up at the passion evoked in her voice as the spirit rises within her. Another highlight is "Curacion (Sunlight On Water)", which is a rendition of the amazing "Miserere" from the last State Of Grace. It sounds very different from the original, though. It's an instrumental that features the mystical/legendary Santana on guitar. By no means am I a fan of "church" music but he takes religious themes and creates some of the most gorgeous pieces I've ever had the pleasure of indulging in with modern compositions. There's just no denying his exceptional, God-given genius so why not give in and buy this already? You won't be disappointed."
Better than the first
Clarissa | 12/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Schwartz has followed State of Grace with a sequel that is even better than his first effort. My favorite song on the first one was Miserere, because of the choir, and this cd has 4 songs that feature the choir. Lisbeth Scott sounds amazing, particularly on Stabat Mater, which is hauntingly beautiful. By the way the reviewer below who complains about the presence of Ave Maria has misunderstood something. The Ave Maria is a text, not a song. This version that Mr. Schwartz has written is a brand new song, not a cover of a pre-existing song. There are probably thousands of settings of the Ave Maria words, although Schubert's is the most famous. Anyway, the version here is gorgeous.I'm giving this cd out as a Christmas present. It's perfect!"
Will send chills down the spine of anyone breathing!
brwillia | Atlanta, GA | 10/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Schwartz creates truly unique music that is complex and beautiful. State of Grace 2 is a recording of very high quality that will absolutely push your stereo to its sonic limits. The choral and orchestral arrangements are simply beautiful! Way to go, Paul! Can't wait for Aria 3 and SoG 3.Brent"