Search - Henryk Gorecki, Christopher Cock, Robert Shaw Festival Singers :: O Magnum Mysterium

Beautiful Chorale

Shana L. Snyder | New Brunswick, NJ USA | 04/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My association with the text of O Magnum Mysterium began three years ago when I performed Morten Lauridsen's version in a school choir concert. I was in awe of the stark evocative beauty of the text, describing the birth and adoration of Jesus. I find that this work is one of my all-time favorite Christmas pieces, as it concentrates on the religious and symbolic aspect rather than on more secular imagery.Included on this beautifully performed recording are three versions of this text, the first set by Victoria during the Counter-Reformation in the 16th century, the second set by Lauridsen in the twentieth, and the final set by Poulenc in the late twentieth century. All of these versions vibrate with an indescribable beauty that has the power to leave the listener in tears at its transcendent, soaring melodies, and evocative imagery. Also included are other religious chorale pieces, such as several traditional American hymns, some lovely Russian pieces, and other brief Tallis pieces, encompassing a variety of nationality, style, and time period. If you are fascinated by contrasting religious pieces or if you, like me, love the Robert Shaw Singers, this CD will not disappoint."

A Great Tribute to the Art of Robert Shaw

M. Ramos | 09/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a real tribute to the art of the late Robert Shaw. The first four tracks, Renaissance works by Thomas Tallis (If ye Love Me, A New Commandment) and Tomás Luis de Victoria (O vos omnes, O Magnum Mysterium) are released here for the first time. They are a real delight showing the skill of Shaw to achieve both a perfect balance between the voices, tonal beauty and artistic expression. These Renaissance jewels are accompanied by previously released material perfomed by Shaw with both his Festival and Chamber Singers. The whole CD is a great presentation on sacred choral music from different periods. Following the luminous, almost mystic O Magnum Mysterium there are two other settings of the same text (a personal favorite of Robert Shaw). The one by the contemporary composer Morten Lauridsen is truly stunning, as well as the one by Poulenc. The rest of the repertoire, from Rachmaninoff to Górecki, is done in a superb way. This CD is a must for all lovers of choral music."

O Great Mystery!

Brian M. Hinman | Knoxville, TN USA | 09/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For collectors of Shaw recordings there are only four new tracks on this release. Anyone familiar with choral literature from the Renaissance period will recognize the first four tracks as frequently performed masterpieces. Finally, however, they are released by the master of choral music himself, the late Maestro Shaw. As with the rest of the collection, the tracks by Tallis and Victoria are flawless. And despite the numerous times you may or may not have heard these performed, they are renewed with a vibrancy and beauty that only Shaw could achieve. As for the rest of the release, we are graced with a collection of some of the best tracks from six previously released CDs. The eight previously released tracks might be the only drawback for the Shaw collector, but for anyone looking for a relatively comprehensive recording of Shaw's work with the Festival Singers/Chamber Singers this comes highly recommended. The collection represents Robert Shaw at his pinnacle with some of the most beautiful a capella pieces ever composed. For the lover of a capella choral music, you cannot find anything better than Robert Shaw. Whether you are looking for an introduction to fine choral music or adding to the collection you have...this recording is a "must have." And as always, Telarc's release is crystal clear, capturing the brilliance of Shaw's work. This recording is magnificent. What are you waiting for?"