Traditional American Folk Music - Gloriae Dei Cantores: Copland and Thompson (CD)

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Gloriae Dei Cantores: Copland and Thompson (CD)

This tribute to two of the 20th Century's most well-known composers, Aaron Copland and Virgil Thomson, includes pieces that are both familiar and not. Copland's major foray into choral composition, "In the Beginning," for mezzo-soprano solo and a cappella chorus, is a 16-minute recounting of the biblical Creation. His "Old American Songs" are more familiar, including "Simple Gifts," "Zion's Walls" and "Ching-a-Ring Chaw." The "Four Motets" included here were actually exercises Copland had to complete in his studies. His contemporary, Virgil Thomson, is represented here with his "Hymns From the Old South" and one of his more popular pieces, "When I Survey the Celestial Sphere." All splendidly performed by this Massachusetts vocal ensemble. (67:58 2000)

Song List:
Copland:
In the Beginning
Old American Songs:
Simple Gifts
The Boatmen's Dance
At the River
Zion's Walls
Ching-a-ring Chaw
Four Motets:
Help Us, O Lord
Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever
Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord
Sing Ye Praises to Our King
Virgil Thomson:
Hymns From the Old South:
My Shepherd will supply my need
The Morning Star
Green Fields
Death 'tis a melancholy day
Mass for Two-Part Chorus and Percussion:
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Benedictus
Agnus Dei
Tribulationes Civitatum
De Profundis
When I Survey the Bright Celestial Sphere
(67:58 2000)