These recordings from 1991 and 1992 offer exemplary versions of several familiar works, as well as similarly first-rate renditions of pieces for men’s choir that we rarely hear. In this latter category are three Janácek partsongs–Loučení (Parting); Holubička (The Dove); Žárlivec (The jealous man)–and another three by Schubert (Leise Leise Lässt uns singen; Der Geistertanz; Die Nacht), along with two gems by Cecil Armstrong-Gibbs (Tranquility and She walks in beauty) and one by Delius (Wanderer’s song). As you can see, the disc’s title doesn’t really apply to much of the program, but in the face of music and singing this good, who cares?
The opening tracks are lovely Renaissance works by Josquin, Sheppard, Tallis, and Byrd, all expressively sung with warm tone, clearly defined lines, and ideal balance and blend. Poulenc’s Quatre Petites Prières de Saint François d’Assise have been recorded many times, but never with more meaningful conception or spiritual ambiance.
The disc concludes with four spirituals, three arranged by Dale Adelmann. His settings of Swing low, sweet chariot and (especially) Steal away are masterpieces of the genre and these performances alone are worth the price of the disc. So too are the three Janáček songs, which, along with many of this composer’s other men’s choral pieces, are among the more unique creations of their kind, particularly the delightfully evocative, six-minute-long Žárlivec, with its often weird chromaticisms, odd harmonic shifts, dramatic dynamic and rhythmic changes, and unusual voicings.
The recordings are made to optimum clarity, perspective, and balance of the voices, in a nicely resonant space within Wells Cathedral. My only disappointment is with the packaging, which, although offering short notes on the music gives no texts or translations (which would have been particularly nice in the Czech works, where not even the titles are given in English). Nevertheless, in the all-important matter of listening, this eclectic program is 70-plus minutes of pure pleasure. [8/10/2005]
