 | Sonority
Gary Graden and his expert group give astonishing performances of the intense "Bon" by Jennefelt, "Veni sancte spiritus" by Sandstrom, and the bizarre "Muoodaeyiywooum" by Anders Hillborg. Amazing.
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 | December Stillness by The Dale Warland Singers
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $9.88 Renowned conductor Dale Warland and his superb group are at the height of their considerable artistry here, with a gorgeous collection of works by Penderecki, Kverno and Stephen Paulus, among others.
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 | Our American Journey by Chanticleer
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $5.00 With this stunning new recording, Chanticleer proves they are easily one of the world's finest vocal groups, in a well-chosen, eclectic program. Highlight: Steven Stucky's "Whispers."
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 | Ernst Krenek: Lamentation of the Prophet Jermiæ, Op 93
Buy used from: $21.98 Warning: requires concentrated listening, but worth it. Outstanding work from Marcus Creed's highly focused group, in a difficult, austere, little-known masterpiece.
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 | Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale by M. Lauridsen
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $8.91 A haunting collection of works by a contemporary master of choral writing, expertly sung by Salamunovich's group. Highlight: "O magnum mysterium," probably Lauridsen's most popular work.
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 | Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $3.00 This has been in print for years -- and with good reason. Of the many "Vespers" out there, this one might be the best-sung, not to mention the best-recorded.
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| Dominick Argento - An American Romantic - Peter Quince at the Clavier; A Nation of Cowslips; Three Motets; Spirituals and Swedish Chorales by Dominick Argento
Buy used from: $39.95 At least one recording by Philip Brunelle should be on anyone's list, and this might be my favorite. Argento writes dramatically for vocalists, and these singers are among the best anywhere.
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 | Passio
Buy used from: $1.95 Of the many memorable recordings by this group, I keep returning to this, one of Part's most intense compositions, and strikingly performed by the world-renowned Hilliard Ensemble.
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 | Cathedral Classics by Patricia Thompson
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $8.12 The Howells "Requiem," a masterpiece forged from grief, is the highlight of a memorable program that also includes Barber's "Agnus Dei," and the unusual "Mass" by Frank Martin.
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 | György Ligeti Edition 2: A Cappella Choral Works - London Sinfonietta Voices
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $5.92 A treasure-trove of rarities from one of the world's greatest living composers, including his extraordinary "Lux Aeterna" (for 16-part chorus -- SSSSAAAATTTTBBBB, for those interested).
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