How Do I
Choral Music on Compact Disc
Featured Collection June 2009
For some music lovers, it's the clear and perfectly-pitched vocal sounds of the English choral tradition that defines their ultimate "soothing listening" experience. Others might find transcending inspiration in the purity of medieval chant sung in unison, or the chant-like effects found in contemporary a cappella choral works. Still others are inspired by the great choruses of the oratorio repertoire, baroque era to modern day.
Whether your choral enthusiasms lie in the intimate subtleties of unaccompanied choral singing, the heroic power of a large-scale choral and orchestral extravaganza, or in something in-between, the following suggestions are sure to provide you with soothing choral music listening. Here's a sampling from the music department's 15 drawers of choral music CDs.
Choral Music
COMPACT DISC Ch Bar #5686
In "Reincarnations," listen for an enchanting and haunting harmonization of the lyrics of Gaelic poet Anthony Raftery, translated by Dublin poet James Stephens.
Requiem
COMPACT DISC Or Ber # 10038
There's something for everyone in this masterpiece, from the angelic, off-stage children's "Sanctus" chorus, to the thundering intensity of 16 timpani and dueling brass choirs in the "Dies Irae."
Motets
COMPACT DISC Ch Bra #2684
The sublime beauty of "Lass dich nur nichts" belies the sound craftmanship of Brahms' most sensitive choral writing.
Sacred Motets
COMPACT DISC Ch Bru #166
Matthew Best leads the Corydon Singers in sublime performances of Anton Bruckner's most passionate choral gems. The motet "Os Justi" virtually explodes into 8-part vocal cascades of harmony!
A Cappella
COMPACT DISC Ch Cam #4480
Exquisitely rendered English, German and French choral works. Debussy's "Trois Chansons" is positively ethereal.
An American Journey
COMPACT DISC An Ive 20036
A delightful collection which includes the energetic unison choral romp "A Circus Band," and the aptly named "Serenity."
Peace like a River
COMPACT DISC Ch Mor 34320
The title says it all! Here you'll find some of the most soothing and inspiring renditions of classic American melodies like "Swing low, sweet chariot" and "Deep River," sung by America's favorite choir.
Gloria
COMPACT DISC Ch Pou 33664
Both elegant and witty, devout and irreverent, this joyous blend of choral and orchestral sounds is a perennial favorite among choral music lovers.
A cappella
COMPACT DISC Ch Sha #24814
Sumptuous harmonies of Brahms and sparse, haunting chants of Arvo Part define this masterful collection of Shaw Festival Singers recordings from 1989-1997.
Frostiana
COMPACT DISC Ch Tho #13809
Music critics refer to Thompson as the 20th century American Palestrina, as is evident in these settings of the poetry of Robert Frost.
Harvest Home: Songs from the Heart
COMPACT DISC Ch Dal #25642
Dale Warland leads his singers in beautiful arrangements of classic American hymns, spirituals, and folk songs.
