Back in Blue: Maximum A Cappella, the eighth album from Vocal Point, BYU's award-winning nine-man a cappella group, is a collection of music that is sure to be a hit with the entire family. From Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" to Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" to Hairspray's "Nicest Kids in Town" to a new a cappella arrangement of "Lead, Kindly Light," this album has something for everyone.
A musical and spiritual celebration of unity, reconciliation, and discipleship, this collaboration by Haas and Roberts breaks down the rigid categories that divide liturgical music and our congregations. These two composers unite with a prophetic community of instrumentalists and singers coming together, joining a circle of synergy, clapping, praying, and singing with full voice. The title song utilizes Herbert Brokering's ever-popular text, "Earth and All Stars," and a wonderful call-and-response melody by David Haas. Leon Roberts contributes three gospel psalm arrangements: "Let Us Go Rejoicing," "To You, O Lord, I Lift My Soul," and "This Is the Day." "E Na Lima Hana" is based on a Hawaiian text written by Joe Camacho. Open your ears and heart to this vibrant new music that fuses traditions and genres.
Celebrating Our Faith is an exciting series for sacramental preparation for the rite of Reconciliation, the rite of Confirmation, and the rite of First Communion. The music on this 2-CD set contains a broad cross-section of the best liturgical music available today. Tightly integrated with the accompanying books published by BROWN-ROA and Celebrating Our Faith Prayer Services, this music is designed to enhance the meaning of each sacrament in the life of the Church, with an emphasis on ongoing reception and celebration.
Capturing the artistry and prayerfulness of David's music, presented before an enthusiastic theater audience, Glory Day brings together a talented cast of musicians, vocalists, and dancers assembled especially for the occasion on October 17, 1996. Glory Day includes seasoned favorites from over 20 collections of liturgical music by David Haas--songs such as "Blest Are They," "You Are Mine," and "We Are Called." In addition, new songs were composed for this event, including "Glory Day" and "The Story of God." Those familiar with David's music will enjoy hearing and seeing these songs performed live, a number of them enhanced by a group of dancers with choreography created especially for the concert. Those new to and those familiar with Haas's concerts will experience the power of his music to inspire prayer and give expression to the Scriptures. David is joined by Bobby Fisher, Stephen Petrunak, drummer Gordy Knudtson, Joe Camacho, Tom Franzak, Lori True, Kate Cuddy, Bob Piercy, Jean Bross...the list goes on.
You are going to love this collection of music for Eucharist. Contents include "Song of the Body of Christ," a delightful communion song based on an ancient Hawaiian chant (with both English and Spanish texts), "I Want to Call You," perfect for RCIA, "The Lord Upholds My Life," an ostinato setting of Psalm 54, "Come to Me," drawn from one of the Scripture's most beloved texts, and "Mass of Light," a marvelous setting of music for Eucharist. Three additional songs complete the collection. "Mass of Light" represents some of David's best writing to date. In addition to a complete setting of the Ordinary, you'll find a lovely musical setting of Eucharistic Prayer IV and, best of all, the Gospel Acclamation (including one for Lent) comes complete with settings of more than 45 Gospel verses from the Lectionary, makeing this collection an indispensable resource for cantors.
There's nothing quite like the rich sound and close harmonies that can be produced by a chorus of men's voices, especially the BYU MEN'S CHORUS. The group traces it's roots back to 1901 when twenty-five members began singing together as the Men's Glee. Today they're in high demand-so popular that they can't begin to respond to all the requests they get to perform. Here is the next best way to enjoy this energetic vocal group. Under the direction of Dr. Mack Wilberg, the BYU MEN'S CHORUS has recorded many of it's most popular songs on cassette and compact disc. Featuring many of Wilberg's own arrangements the group performs a variety of music styles with titles ranging from 'Redeemer of Israel' to 'If I Got My Ticket Can I Ride?' to the American folk song 'Cindy.' the collection includes more than a dozen songs representing a variety of styles from traditional sacred music to lively folk songs to moving spirituals from various nations.
This recording by Donna Peña became a hit within 24 hours of its release at the NPM convention in Long Beach, California. One listen to her vibrant, soul-searching music will win you over. Marty Haugen liked her music so much he recorded two songs from this album on Tales of Wonder. This is a bilingual recording with most songs in English and in Spanish.
This thoughtfully sequenced recording explores sacred music written in the sixteenth and twenty-first centuries. It includes a famous madrigal, a starting point for a mass setting by Philippe de Monte, positioned alongside well-crafted, but previously unrecorded music from the same period. They are complemented by striking contemporary pieces by female composers, including Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Cecilia McDowall, Melissa Dunphy, Rosa Elliott and Kerry Andrew.
“Choosing music for a wedding liturgy can be a daunting task, especially since most couples have never thought about choosing music for worship before their own wedding.” Tony Alonso and Marty Haugen … Tony Alonso and Marty Haugen combine expressive texts and beautiful tunes to create this collection of engaging wedding music in a variety of styles sure to appeal to couples with a broad range of tastes. Songs for the entire wedding liturgy are included and the use of familiar and beloved hymn tunes will encourage the participation of the assembly. The title track "Arise, My Love" is a touching piece based on Song of Songs. As with other selections, this piece features a lush arrangement for string quartet. In addition to an exceptional selection of psalms, hymns, and songs, two innovative pieces are presented. "Love Has Brought Us Here Together" and "Gathered in the Love of Christ" are crafted to function as instrumental processionals that flow gracefully into songs of gathering. Arise, My Love is a valuable resource of liturgical wedding music for engaged couples, liturgy planners, pastoral musicians, and wedding coordinators that will make planning that special day an uplifting and inspiring experience.
At long last, GIA proudly releases Michael Joncas’s first collection in over 8 years. Containing themes of divine providence, rescue, and sustenance, this recording comes from the heart of Joncas’s own suffering due to a bout with Guillain-Barre syndrome. After his recovery, Joncas experienced a new surge of musical creativity that gave birth to In the Sight of the Angels. The lush sounds of choral singing and the elaborate instrumentation of brass, harp, flute, organ, and other instruments makes In the Sight of the Angels a beautiful recording replete with psalm settings, including “Drink in the Richness of God,” “In the Sight of the Angels,” and “Till the End of My Days.” Also present are settings of the three New Testament Lukan infancy canticles—the “Canticle of Zechariah,” the “Canticle of Mary,” and the “Canticle of Simeon.” But, perhaps most appropriate in light of Joncas’s recent experiences are the songs delineating the work of the Holy Spirit, God’s breath (ruach): “All Who Are Led by the Spirit,” “Lord, Send Out Your Spirit,” and “Veni, Sancte Spiritus.” This tranquil recording has a pastoral feel. It is tender and depicts a merciful God who gives us hope in light of suffering. Joncas’s newfound wisdom resonates through this music. It is his sincere wish that those who sing it, play it, and/or hear it will grow closer to God.
This thoughtful and sincere recording by new GIA artist Paul Melley contains poignant and relevant texts, many straight from the Lectionary for Mass. With solid Catholic theology and a contemporary Christian style, Humbled will truly inspire both your worship and your private meditation. Contemplative songs like “Out of the Depths,” “You Will Know,” and “I Am” feel like a warm embrace of peace and comfort while “Our Help Is from the Lord,” “Faith, Hope, and Love,” and “The Lord Has Done Great Things for Us” will stir your spirit and move you to sing and dance for joy. You can’t help but become involved in this music. This disciple of Christ sings his faith from the heart, and the songs on this recording go beyond mere hearing, beyond mere singing, beyond mere understanding to a place that resonates deep within the soul. Melley is a contemporary mouthpiece for God, and Humbled is his testament.
GIA is proud to welcome composer Paul Tate to our roster of artists with this beautiful collection of 13 arrangements for solo piano. Those who are familiar with Paul’s liturgical compositions are well acquainted with his lush, frequently surprising harmonies and well-crafted arrangements. As the title implies, Seasons of Grace spans the liturgical year, featuring some new songs composed by Paul, as well as fresh arrangements of beloved hymn tunes and some GIA favorites. For Advent and Christmas, Paul includes gems such as Dan Kantor’s “Ave Maria.” Songs like the Passion Chorale “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” stir the soul during the holy seasons of Lent and Easter. The collection is rounded out with a wonderful selection of tunes for Ordinary Time. The recording is ideal for quiet listening, reflection, and meditation. The music book is a must-have for every church pianist, featuring arrangements that are interesting, accessible, and simply lovely.
In the Spirit of Taize, a new American recording of the music of Taize, was recorded live at Ascension Church in Oak Park, Illinois under the direction of David Anderson. Since October of 1992, on the first Friday of each month, Ascension Church has welcomed Christians from many traditions to pray in the spirit of the Taize Community. Praying in word, song, and silence, the gathering has grown from an initial group of 30 people to over 800 people each month, including both local Chicagoans as well as visitors from around the world. The purpose of this ecumenical gathering is to pray for peace and reconciliation throughout the world. Together, all who attend raise their voices in song, and as one worshiping body, they lift their hearts in reverent silence. Their differences are left outside. At Ascension’s monthly prayer in the spirit of Taize, praising God is all that matters. This magnificent recording truly captures the spiritual experience felt each month at Ascension and is a worthy record of the service’s outstanding reputation in the Chicago area and beyond. This recording is filled with the spirit of Taize!
When tragic or troubling events change our lives forever, we are left wounded and weeping. We look for solace in any place we can find it. Marty Haugen has created a compilation of his music that can help guide us through those difficult times of grief. The result is an incredibly compassionate recording. During times of tragedy Turn My Heart seeks to fill the need for consolation through music and does so with tender care.
Long a singing talent on the recordings of David Haas, Marty Haugen, and others, Lori True now emerges as a bright new composer with a voice of her own in A Place at the Table. This impressive debut by a major new liturgical voice is a well-rounded collection of music you'll use again and again. The title song, with an evocative text by Shirley Erena Murray, was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at the 2001 National NPM Convention. Texts by established hymn writers Ruth Duck, Brian Wren, and Sylvia Dunstan, as well as original texts by the composer, are also paired with Lori's truly singable melodies. Plus, this is simply a great-sounding recording.
