Product Description

Mack Wilberg, associate director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, is a musical treasure. In addition to the many works he has created for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, his music has been performed and recorded by choral groups throughout the world. His arrangements and compositions have inspired audiences and touched hearts. Now, many of his most important original works have been recorded on a single album. O Light of Life spotlights six Mack Wilberg compositions, including Requiem, which features solos by noted Welsh opera star Bryn Terfel and famed American mezzo- soprano Frederica von Stade.

Track Listing

1. Requiem, for mezzo-soprano, chorus, organ & orchestra: Requiem aeternam
2. Requiem, for mezzo-soprano, chorus, organ & orchestra: Kyrie
3. Requiem, for mezzo-soprano, chorus, organ & orchestra: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
4. Requiem, for mezzo-soprano, chorus, organ & orchestra: How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place
5. Requiem, for mezzo-soprano, chorus, organ & orchestra: O Nata Lux
6. Requiem, for mezzo-soprano, chorus, organ & orchestra: The Lord Is My Shepherd
7. Requiem, for mezzo-soprano, chorus, organ & orchestra: I Am the Resurrection and the Life - Requiem Aeternam
8. Ubi Caritas et Amore, for double male chorus
9. Lord, When the Sense of Thy Sweet Grace, for chorus & organ (or orchestra)
10. O Light of Life, for chorus & orchestra
11. Jesu, The Very Thought Is Sweet, for chorus & orchestra
12. Let Peace Then Still the Strife, for chorus & orchestra

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12881 in Music
• Released on: 2008-01-29
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Customer Reviews

A Transcendent Masterpiece
This is a glorious recording. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the soloists, Bryn Terfel and Fredericia Von Stade are outstanding. But this music belongs to the composer, Mack Wilberg and to the recording engineers. And yes, to the newly renovated Tabernacle building for it's acoustical splendor.

This is the first major work we have heard from Mack Wilberg. Well-known for his splendind choral arrangements, it has long been obvious that this gentle man has been endowed with extraordinary musical talent. But his magnificent Requiem now elevates him to the ranks of major American composers.

For this Requiem is other-worldly. While Wilberg's sound evoke elements of Vaughn-Williams, Brahms, Faure, and Durufle', this work is entirely his and truly original. The lush strings in orchestral accompaniment are obviously predominant and add deeply-felt mesmeric themes to the work. Sung by a musical organization unlike any other, this recording exhibits a combination of excellence that all serious music lovers will want to add to their music collection.

Five other Wilberg short works complete this album. It's difficult to hold back from using every beautifully descriptive adjective I can think of to all this lovely music.

If there ever was a "ten" rank, this recording deserves it.

Bjarne Christensen
Bentwater, Texas

A Beautiful Surprise
What a beautiful thing this new requiem is! The Requiem is reminiscent of the ones by Brahms or Faure -- non-liturgical but beautiful in its own right. Mr. Wilberg has a musical voice and a musical palette that are all his own. The writing is contemporary but highly approachable.

Among a 1000+ CD's that I own, this one is a gem. When I was a youth and could afford only about one classical album per month, I would listen to it over and over again to "learn" the pieces on the album. I will likely revert to that youthful approach with this CD because I "want" to know these pieces well.

The performances, balances, and quality of sound are all exemplary. Unlike the recent Grammy nominated Christmas CD, this one was recorded in the acoustic of the Tabernacle. The Requiem was written for one of a number of festival concerts given last year in behalf of the re-dedication of that venerable building after extensive structural renovation.

Highly recommended for lovers of choral music and large contemporary concert works. Bravo to all concerned!

Glorious
I have long been a fan of Dr. Wilberg's work. Most people are more familiar with his arrangements, but this disc of original works is beyond words. The Requiem has some of the most gorgeous sounds possible, especially considering the humble orchestration that omits all brass but horns. The middle movement, "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place", is so hauntingly beatiful with Ms. von Stade's solo voice and TWO English horns. I love every facet of the music for this well-conceived masterpiece. The other pieces here are equally brilliant. I suggest this disc for any- and everyone. Truly awe-inspiring.