Leo Sowerby: American Master of Sacred Song CD

By Gloriae Dei Cantores

Product Code: 9781612619958

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Leo Sowerby: American Master of Sacred Song celebrates “the Dean of American Church Music” and his contributions to the choral and organ repertory. In the 1920’s, Sowerby’s music was regularly performed by orchestras (especially the Chicago Symphony) and it is heartening to see so much interest in his works in the 21st century. Gloriae Dei Cantores has selected ten anthems to represent Sowerby as an inspired composer for worship as well as several sacred vocal solos and four of his finest works for organ.

The CD set is crowned with a rare performance of Sowerby’s Festival Musick for brass and organ. Sowerby’s rich harmonies and exciting vocal writing capture the listener in such texts as Great is the Lord, O God, the Protector of All, Come, Holy Ghost and Turn Thou to Thy God. His organ music shows a rare ear for color and texture and his style, attractive and accessible, is timeless. As with many of Gloriae Dei Cantores’ recordings, this one contains much music not available elsewhere.

SONG LIST:

Track 1 - Magnificat And Nunc Dimittis In E Minor: Nunc Dimittis

Track 2 - All They From Saba Shall Come

Track 3 - Jesu, Bright And Morning Star

Track 4 - Canon, Chacony, And Fugue

Track 5 - O God Of Light

Track 6 - Thou Art My Strength

Track 7 - Prelude On "Were You There

Track 8 - Christians, To The Paschal Victim

Track 9 - Fanfare

Track 10 - Chorale

Track 11 - Toccata On A.G.O

Track 12 - Come, Holy Ghost

Track 13 - Bright, Blithe and Brisk

Track 14 - O God, The Protector Of All

REVIEWS:

“Gloriae Dei Cantores has a warm, rich, blended sound with impeccable diction. This is exactly the right sound for the wide range of emotions in these anthems ...the choir demonstrates not only a wide palette of colors but also a sincere belief in the texts...it is magnificent choral singing.”

—American Record Guide

“...the choir...sings well throughout the collection. They are well balanced and blended. They display a good dynamic range, which is well controlled and they sing with commitment.”

“All these instrumental offerings are well played. David Chalmers, who has the lion's share, plays with sensitivity and skill and varies his registrations intelligently. James E. Jordan is similarly effective in his contribution.”

“This is a worthy centenary tribute in which all concerned give of their best in Sowerby's cause.”

—Musicweb-international

“Concerning the performances on these discs, it is clear that the Gloriae Dei Cantores choir has been expertly trained by director Elizabeth Patterson. All the anthems are well sung; the intensity of the singers' commitment is evident in every piece. The organ works, too, are extremely well played by David Chalmers...”

—Choral Journal

”The choral work under the direction of Elizabeth Patterson is consistent and well executed...Organist David Chalmers handles the accompaniments to all the pieces very well, complementing the choral ensemble as well as showing off the wonderful subtle changes of color possible on the organ at Mechanics Hall...Chalmers also does a fine job interpreting the organ works...Also of high quality is the Festival Musick, directed by [Richard] Pugsley with James e. Jordan at the organ.”

—Cross Accent