Mendelssohn & Mozart Set Box Set Gloriae Dei Cantores, Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms. Mendelssohn & Mozart Set Box Set Gloriae Dei Cantores (Artist), Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola (Artist), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Composer), Felix Mendelssohn (Composer), Johannes Brahms (Composer)

Faith of My Heart - Faith of My Heart explores the lesser-known, deeply spiritual side of Franz Liszt by presenting an overview of his sacred choral music, including the Missa Choralis, settings of the Pater noster and Ave maris stella, and other works. Despite the intense personal suffering and upheaval in his life, Liszt always returned to the church for refuge, comfort, and strength. This hard-won peace, as well as his passionate insistence on raising the caliber of sacred music, is reflected in this recording

The talented American choir Gloriae Dei Cantores offers a selection of music that allows the listener to experience the mandorla a sacred, spiritual space that bridges the human and the divine. Their new Super Audio CD features three visionary works the Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin, the Four Psalms by Edvard Grieg, and The Cherubic Hymn by Howard Hanson. These three 20th century composers and their works are tied together not by creed, conviction, nationality (although all three have some roots in Scandinavia and the Netherlands), or style, but by their illuminations of humanity s need for salvation and their expressions of the intimacy and glory of these sacred encounters between heaven and earth.

THE CHANTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT • Gloriae Dei Cantores women’s schola • GLORIAE DEI 057 (SACD: 51:30 Text and Translation)


As in their last two issues ( Fanfare 36:5), a schola of seven members of the choir based on Cape Cod have sung another collection of Gregorian chants, preparing the interpretations among themselves without a director. The Mass Propers of Pentecost (except the second alleluia verse) are supplemented by the Propers of the Vigil of Pentecost and a couple of communion chants that focus on the Holy Spirit. The program concludes with Dufay’s setting of Veni Creator Spiritus for three voices in an alternatim setting. The hymns that Dufay set for the Sistine choir are frequently recorded, but the only sizable collection came from Schola Hungarica (13:1). Dufay provides a climax to the series of chants. In the middle of the program is a brief reading of the Pentecost event as related in Acts. I was always impressed by chant recorded here under Richard J. Pugsley and Mary Berry, but this new approach worked out for the last three discs strikes me very favorably. It’s the difference in later music between a vocal ensemble under a director and one without a director, the latter creating the effect that characterizes chamber music in the classical repertory. I hope they give us more, especially if the thematic program or the liturgical event is worked out as well as these are. Nicely done.
—J.F. Weber, Fanfare

"It just so happens that three of the finest chant CDs have been released over the last year by Gloriae Dei Cantores: The Chants of Angels, The Chants of Mary, performed by the men of the ensemble, and The Chants of the Holy Spirit, performed by the women.... "
—Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star

"The renditions of this music have rarely been as perfectly presented as what the Schola accomplishes here. . . . its primary vision [is] a living and loving manifestation of these ancient chants as something that breathes life into a contemporary cultural setting. Technically they are immaculate, and one can hear the evident love and devotion in every breath taken in this astoundingly beautiful music."
—Steven Ritter, Audiophile Audition

Gabriel V Brass Ensemble presents Celebration in Brass - an inspiring collection of fanfares, beloved hymns and masterworks arranged for brass by twentieth-century composers. Music lovers will revel in these resounding works of praise, meditation and faith-filled celebration, which include music by James Curnow, Karl Jenkins, Jack Stamp, and John Stevens. Joining Gabriel V are the award-winning members of Spirit of America Band's Winter Percussion Ensemble. Recorded in the stunning acoustics of Mechanics Hall, Worcester, this Super Audio CD provides the listener with all the warmth and brilliance of hearing Gabriel V perform firsthand.

For the Beauty of the Earth is a dazzling celebration of the creation of the earth. The contemporary works, which feature brass, organ, and percussion, come from some of the most prominent composers of the day, such as David Marlatt, Charles Widor, and James Curnow. Especially notable is David Marlatt's Earthscape, which is a beautiful lyrical work inspired by the view of our planet from outer space. "In the silent, black vacuum of space exists this bright blue planet, slowly rotating... a serene and breathtaking view of the only source of life..." (Alfred Music) Organist Sharon Rose Pfeiffer performs alongside fifteen-member Gabrial V Brass Ensemble to create a thick and evocative sound for these tracks. These tracks were recorded in Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA- a building known for it's superb acoustics.

The Lord Is My Shepherd - The Lord Is My Shepherd is the third volume in the American Psalmody series, a distinguished series devoted to musical interpretations of the psalms by American composers. Of a previous recording in this series, Fanfare Magazine raved, "This interesting collection of sacred music, American style, can hardly miss: God Himself seems to have placed His seal of approval on it."

Appalachian Sketches (2001) Mark O'Connor/Gloriae Dei Cantores

Esperanza: A Gift of Spanish Song Gloriae Dei Cantores celebrates the rich contribution of Spanish music and culture to the world. This recording spans 500 years, from the golden age of the Spanish Renaissance, with works by Guerrero, Victoria, and Morales to the 20th century, with music by Rodrigo. Also included are works of Mexican composers de Zumaya (a striking setting of the Miserere) and Carlos Chavez, and Latin-American composers such as Villa-Lobos, Casals, and Joaquin Nin. Esperanza will be a revelation to those unfamiliar with the riches of Spanish literature and a great discovery for all devotees of choral music.

Eclipse: The Voice of Jean Langlais - A centennial celebration of Langlais' legacy of sacred music, featuring three masses and nine anthems for choir, organ works, and rare compositions for brass.

Mozart: Rare Chorale Works - The world has enjoyed the genius of Mozart through his symphonies, operas, chamber and piano music. In addition, his Requiem, left incomplete at his death, remains one of the most beloved of sacred choral works. Gloriae Dei Cantores presents a rare look at a side of Mozart that is not so well known: his contribution to music for the Church. Included in this recording are two rarely heard major works of great beauty and invention: Davide Penitente K. 469 and the Litaniae de venerabili altaris Sacramento K. 243. Also included are a further litany, several motets, and two of the famous church sonatas for small orchestra and organ, giving a rounded picture of Mozart, the sacred musician.

Mathias: Sacred Choral Works - Gloriae Dei Cantores celebrates the exuberance and touching humanity of this great Welsh composer. This recording of Mathias's sacred choral music includes several recorded premieres as well as his last sacred choral work, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. Also featured are the Missa Brevis, Rex Gloriae (four a cappella motets), The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) sung in Welsh by the men's choir, and Veni Sancte Spiritus (commissioned for the Three Choirs Festival in 1985), among other works. This CD was awarded a Rosette by the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs.

Coming of Christ-A Celebration of Faith in His Name - The Coming of Christ is sung by the Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola and conducted by Dr. Mary Berry, CBE, reknowned experts who bring a wealth of experience to the interpretation of Gregorian chant. Well-known pieces alternate with numerous antiphons to bring us closer to the time of Christ's birth and early childhood. The prophetic announcements, the longing and anticipation of Christ's birth as well as the joy of the angels' message are all vividly portrayed in the Gregorian chant.

Peace Be With You - Gloriae Dei Cantores released this double CD set of sacred choral cantatas, motets, and works for organ in honor of the 250th anniversary of the death of J.S. Bach. These compositions provide a window into Bach the young musician, and to Bach the aging master. Featured works include the well-known cantata Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit (God's time is best) and the bass solo cantata, Der Friede Sei Mit Dir (Peace Be with You). Like the choral works, the organ works featured on this recording exemplify Bach's entire creative outpouring. "Overall, this collection is exceptional. The eclectic array of compositions will please any listener, especially one who fancies the diversity of the composer. Organ works, cantata with chorus and instruments, and unaccompanied motets, all performed with excitement and vigor, make for two hours of musical entertainment."- Choral Journal

By the Rivers of Babylon - Following on the success of Make His Praise Glorious, Gloriae Dei Cantores continued a distinguished series of recordings dedicated to psalm settings by American composers. By the Rivers of Babylon shows a wide range of style and includes several works recorded for the first time. From the lush romanticism of the setting of Psalm 137 by Charles Loeffler (composed in 1901) to the adventurous setting of de Profundis by Arnold Schoenberg (composed in 1950), Gloriae Dei Cantores explores the great variety of psalm settings by American composers.