A Lenten Masterpiece
07/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some of you may not be aware of the work of Larry L. Fleming and the 60-voice, professional-caliber National Lutheran Choir of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their work in upholding and enhancing the a cappella choral tradition that is so characteristicly Lutheran has been nothing short of extraordinary. They are, without a doubt, one of the leading choral ensembles in the nation. Fleming, now retired, compiled a nicely crafted collection of Lenten motets across the centuries that is both deeply moving and masterfully sung. I especially connected to two latter numbers by British composers Arthur Benjamin and George Oldroyd, contemporaries of Vaughan Williams. The choir itself sings with a rich, unified, Northern European tone that in this country seems to stem from another era. For the lover of this musical tradition, I highly recommend "Tree of Glory" as an addition to your collection."