Sunrise Mass is a magical recording that includes compelling music by Ola Gjeilo along with several complementary selections by Durufle, Mendelssohn, and Mocnik. The title was chosen to hopefully represent the journey of each listener to hear new worlds ot colors in each of the selections. At the heart of this recording is Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass, a spiritual, extended work in four movements that will bring you on a metaphysical journey from the heavens to earth. This recording is expertly sung by the Westminster Williamson Voices and conducted by James Jordan. It is simply exquisite. Jordan writes: “This has been our experience living with this music and, for me, allowing this choir to resonate these sounds in the most honest way we could. Gjeilo’s music allows us to connect to a vast wordless world that speaks directly to each of us in deeply personal and meaningful ways. His music was a gift to us, and hopefully will be a gift to you. All of the music on this recording connected itself to us and tethered each piece, one to the other, inside us. And for that reason, and all the reasons above, we are excited to share the magic we felt through sounding all of these incredible scores.”

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REVIEW:

Norwegian New Yorker Aja Gjeilo's music is thoroughly tonal. He seems to specialize in church music, with quotations in this mass from Duruflé and Mendelssohn. Texts by Hildegard von Bingen are rewritten and freely orchestrated. The others are by the composer. Harmony is clean and conservative, with occasional surprises in the voiceleading. For the most part, this is lovely and very beautiful. There is nothing here that could not be sung by well-schooled amateur choir singers. In fact, choral aficionados will surely enjoy this.

– American Record Guide (Allen Gimbel)

Using 20 languages, this recoding reflects what Taize is today—a community of brothers from more than 20 different countries, a meeting place for tens of thousands of young adults from every continent.

The wait is over! The highly anticipated solo piano recording by the incomparable Joseph Joubert is here! These 15 original arrangements of hymns will captivate you track after track. The New York Times describes Joubert's playing as having "...uncommon tonal beauty and musical sensitivity...with telling refinement, poetic lyricism and coloristic delicacy." Joseph’s experience includes accompanying luminaries such as Kathleen Battle, performing for President Bill Clinton, and most recently, directing, arranging, and playing for a string of Broadway hits. You will be awed as you listen. Experience the virtuosic style, melodious sounds, and rich texture of one of the most brilliant pianists of our time.

In this collection you'll find a marvelous setting of the twenty-third Psalm for choir and assembly; a fine choral anthem, "Come Let Us Sing;" a retrospective carol, "Within Our Hearts Be Born;" and the title song—it sings itself! First published in 1990, the Mass for John Carroll was an instant success. Utilizing both English and Latin texts, this Mass provides satisfying yet challenging parts for choir with melodic and singable parts for assembly.

This absolutely delightful one-act play, debuted at the 1990 NPM convention in Long Beach, is easily performed by any parish. Two main characters, the "storytellers," retell familiar stories of salvation—creation, Job, Jesus—in musical renditions. Adult and children's choruses listen and respond in song and dance, bringing to life the timeless stories of our faith, passed on from generation to generation. In addition to Marty's original texts and tunes, he also incorporates two songs by Donna Peña: "I Say Yes, Lord" and "Against the Grain," the Swedish carol "Many Are the Lightbeams," and a new setting of the now classic Fred Pratt Green text, "When in Our Music God Is Glorified." Most titles may be used separately for liturgy and many are ideal for catechists.

Music for Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.

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.

Jeanne Cotter, David Haas, and Marty Haugen have gathered the songs that are most requested at their numerous concert performances and perform them with spirit and style on this live recording.

A funny frolick of silly little ditties for kids containing all of the best of Joe Wise collected from his albums Close Your Eyes, Pockets, and Show Me Your Smile.

After hearing the music in this collection, we're sure you'll agree with this quote from the introduction, "Safety Harbor is full of surprises." You'll find an interesting blend of music for many of the liturgical seasons. For Advent/Christmas: "Carol of the Word, " "Canticle of the Turning," and "Sing We Maranatha." For Lent and Holy Week: "Jerusalem, My Destiny." The title song reflects the image of refuge for the Christian within the Christian community. Five psalm settings, one more useful than the next, round out the collection.

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.

Marty Haugen's timeless Mass of Creation was originally written to provide a Eucharist setting usable by SATB choirs accompanied by organ with brass, timpani, and handbells, as well as by smaller ensembles using guitar, piano, and woodwinds. For years this classic has provided an accessible set of acclamations that can be used in all churches with a wide variety of musical forces. The array of editions available offers flexibility with instrumentation and voicing, making Mass of Creation one of the most recognizable and widely used mass settings in the English speaking world today.

Recorded in Bristol, all selections are drawn from Songs and Prayers from Taize.

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.

Bobby Fisher's album for children combines fun-loving songs with great guitar strummin'. It is virtually impossible to listen to this recording without smiling.

Music for Advent.

Renaissance Reborn was, first, the title of a lecture on performance practices given at the 2017 national conference of the American Choral Directors Association. Along with the subtitle “Breathing New Life into Renaissance Music,” the lecture presented historically informed practices that dealt with the subjects of vocal and instrumental forces, sound and pitch, meter and tactus, tempo, phrasing, structure, music dicta and music recta, text underlay, ornamentation, and expression – all the practices supported by primary sources from the Renaissance era and all the music became like restored art works that revealed their original rich and bright colors. The lecture led to the writing of the book Performing Renaissance Music, with expanded material and musical examples, and to the recording of this album, which incorporates the historical practices. The repertoire is from the apex of the era (1538–1618); it includes common gestures of the time (motet, mass, and madrigal) and the most esteemed composers from across Europe.

Tony Alonso’s first Christmas recording has much to offer. The selections include fresh new arrangements of many Christmas favorites plus original material by Alonso, John L. Bell, and Liam Lawton. There is also a real “chestnut” among the titles, which may have passed you by. “Child of Light,” by Dan Kantor (composer of GIA’s popular “Night of Silence”), is a delightful quodlibet using the beloved tune greensleeves and featuring a lush string arrangement. This title was published in 1990 but has never appeared on a recorded collection. Other highlights include “From the Cradle to the Cross,” an original carol by Alonso set in a bluegrass style. This haunting text reminds us of the life that Jesus led and modeled for us all. The collection features two songs in Spanish: one a fresh arrangement of the traditional carol “Alegría” and the other a Latin arrangement of “Ding Dong Merrily on High.” John Bell’s new text, “We Do Not Know,” will enlighten your perception of the timeless Christmas story, and Lawton’s soaring refrain found in “Noel, Noel” will stir your soul. Alonso, Bell, Kantor, Lawton—old songs, new songs—English and Español. This is a treasure!

“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.

Includes…"All Are Welcome," "Unless You Learn," "Abundant Life," "He Came Down," and "The Hand of God Shall Hold You."

Cl�sicos Cat�licos: Cantos en Espa�ol. Con un sentimiento de gran amor para Dios y para la m�sica y el arte de su cultura, Donna Pe�a ha creado una grabaci�n digna de llevar el t�tulo "Cl�sicos Cat�licos." Donna y su Mariachi interpretan con mucha alegr�a estas canciones favoritas de las Americas y de Espa�a. �Excelente!... With a strong love of God and of the music and art of her culture, Donna Pe�a has created a recording worthy of the "Catholic Classics" title! Donna and her mariachi band interpret with much joy these Spanish-language favorites from North and South America and Spain. Excellent! The songs contained in the volumes of the Catholic Classics series have stood the test of time. These are definitive Catholic songs-the one's that are always popular, that everyone sings, knows by heart, and wants to hear over and over again. Perhaps best of all, Catholic Classics is not "for Catholics only." Catholics are joined by Christians across the other denominations in singing these wonderful and beloved hymns.