a r t i s t : Morten Lauridsen (Polyphony with Britten Sinfonia)
t i t l e : Lux Aeterna
d a t e : 2005
l a b e l : Hyperion
g e n r e : Classical
r l s. d a t e : May/2006
t r a c k s : 14
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 84,1 MB
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This new disc from the multi-award-winning choir Polyphony is
something rather special. At once genuinely original and yet
reassuringly accessible, the music of Morten Lauridsen has
achieved something of a cult status in his native America (O
magnum mysterium currently being the top-selling choral octavo
in the country û the number 2 spot is also a Lauridsen work),
and Stephen Layton draws from his musicians some of the most
ardently lyrical performances of recent years.
Lux aeterna was greeted by The Times after its London premiere
thus: æa classic of new American choral writing à in this
light-filled continuum of sacred texts, old world structures
and new world spirit intertwine in a cunningly written score,
at once sensuous and spareÆ. Were a comparison to be sought,
it would perhaps with with FaurΘÆs Requiem, but this new work
must surely be allowed to stand as unique.
The Madrigali, subtitled "Six Fire Songs on Italian
Renaissance Poems", are phenomenally challenging unaccompanied
choral works, very much in the tradition of Monteverdi and
Gesualdo. Yet the technical difficulties they present to the
performer are disguised from the listener by a seamless sense
of purpose which unites the cycle into a whole of stunning
effect.
Occupying a similarly opulent sound-world to Lux aeterna, the
three Latin motets which conclude this disc are truly modern
masterpieces in the traditional motet genre.
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'Layton and company have here produced the finest I've heard
among several excellent collections of Lauridsen's work. None
are quite as exquisitely nuanced or sung with such glowing
vocal sheen as this. Clear and shimmering sound, plus
Hyperion's usual complete and user-friendly booklet, make it
all the more attractive. No committed choral fan or singer
will ever regret letting Lauridsen into his life' (American
Record Guide)
'Stephen Layton's feel for the inner line and structure melts
the heart, as does the impeccable, unforced singing of
Polyphony. Their music-making remains in heavenly realms
throughout the virtuoso Madrigali: pure choral gold' (Classic
FM Magazine)
'This Hyperion release is superb and the disc is a must. I
hope you enjoy it as much as I have' (Classical Music Web)
'It's not often I have to brush away the tears when I'm
reviewing a recording, but I will happily confess that on this
occasion Lauridsen got me again and again. I can't give this
disc a higher recommendation than that. Run out and buy it as
soon as you can' (Fanfare Magazine, USA)
'a flawless, perfectly balanced performance from the British
choral group Polyphony, directed by the gifted Stephen Layton,
and ably assisted by the Britten Sinfonia. If you love choral
music, if you appreciate compositions that lift you from the
mundane, you should not miss Lux Aeterna' (St Louis-Post
Dispatch)
'Conventional choral wisdom suggests that the American Morten
Lauridsen is a one-work wonder and certainly O magnum
mysterium is wonderful, with vocal lines that arch out like
fan vaulting. With this new recording Stephen Layton and
Hyperion are clearly out to prove that Lauridsen's gifts are
not just for Christmas but for all seasons too à now the jury
is back: the choir and Layton have acquitted Morten Lauridsen.
Here's a three-, perhaps four-work wonder!' (International
Record Review)
'The music has freshness and an affecting emotional pull to it
that explains its popularity with singers and audiences across
the pond. Stephen Layton's Polyphony, whose recent recordings
of PΣrt, Tavener and others have been revelations of choral
singing, brings a comparable firmness, tonal opulence and
refinement to this new repertoire, which will undoubtedly gain
new admirers as a result' (Daily Telegraph)
'Above all, these performances by Stephen Layton's Polyphony
are breathtakingly beautiful, powerfully expressive without
trace of forced sentimentality. Hyperion's Disc of the Month
for March should become one of the year's classical hits'
(Musicweek)
'Every one of the works on this mesmerising Hyperion release
is deliciously lyrical and harmonically sumptuous, but spiced
with delicate dissonances that are Lauridsen's signature à
Every performance here is delivered with liquid perfection'
(The Scotsman)
'This is compelling and challenging music that deserves wider
performance. The world-class ensemble Polyphony has made many
first-rate recordings, and this is another - and it will be an
immediate acquisition for this composer's growing legions of
fans à if you love choral music, Lauridsen's work is required
listening' (www.classicstoday.com)
'exquisitely sung by Polyphony with strong support from the
Britten Sinfonia under Stephen Layton' (Observer)
'The sound is very clean, very focused and detailed, and has
remarkable sound-stage depth. Even more so as an SACD à The
bottom line is, if you aren't familiar with Lux Aeterna, your
life is the poorer for it. You do need a recording of it'
(Stereophile Magazine, USA)
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01-introitus [06:36]
02-in te, domine, speravi [04:14]
03-o nata lux [03:39]
04-veni, sancte spiritus [02:21]
05-agnus dei - lux aeterna [09:46]
06-ov'e, lass', il bel viso [02:48]
07-quando son piu lontan [04:18]
08-amor, io sento l'alma [01:53]
09-io piango [03:30]
10-luci serene e chiare [02:48]
11-se per havervi, oime [04:22]
12-ave maria [06:45]
13-ubi caritas et amor [07:02]
14-o magnum mysterium [06:41]
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66:43 min