Adler's choral music makes a good entrance point into his work in general, for one can hear the range of expressive purposes to which various musical styles may be put, set against texts that are themselves diverse. Some works, such as the closing How Sweet the Sound here (a re-setting of "Amazing Grace"), are nominally Christian, but in general, the music might be termed ecumenical in spirit. The centerpiece is the title work, with texts in German, Hebrew, Latin, and English, written to mark the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht and first performed in Dresden.

The choir Gloriae Dei Cantores and conductor Richard K. Pugsley specialize in sacred music with a broad, rounded American sound, and this music fits the group's talents. This is quite simply a stunning album of American choral music, with superb sound from Massachusetts' Church of the Transfiguration.

--AllMusic (James Manheim)

The members of Gloriae Dei Cantores are perfectly directed by Richard K. Pugsley and constitute an ideal group of musicians for such a repertoire. They all have an absolute mastery of their art, singers, violinists and organists [alike], in the service of very demanding musical texts for the accuracy, the rhythms, and for the emotional impact that they arouse. Listening is warm, lively and inspiring, enough to make people love music that is often about discovery. Samuel Adler is one of the great American composers of the post-war period. This disc is a very beautiful reflection of his art.

--Res Musica (Frederic Muñoz)