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Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale
: As a former member of the LA Master Chorale and voice major at USC, I am proud to purchase this outstanding recording to share with my voice and music appreciation students. The shifting patterns of light and dark are called "chiaroscuro" in vocal technique. This recording brings new dimensions to the concept.
This is a magnificent recording. I am a major choral music junkie and find American choirs (for the most part) lacking compared to European choirs (mainly English); however, the Los Angeles Master Chorale is the exception. Paul Salamunovich has worked wonders with this choir over the years and it is a shame that he is retiring. I am so pleased that Morten Lauridsen has written choral works to make the LAMC shine and a fitting swan song for its conductor. This recording is beautiful beyond words and I heartily recommend it to all who love choral and sacred music. I enjoyed all the tracks -- especial Lux Aertena -- and hope Lauridsen writes more works of this kind of beauty in the future.
I heard this selection as I was driving the Pacific Coast Highway after a Latin Mass. To those who despair of modern times - Listen, Absorb and realize that this piece was created last year! This is in the finest traditions of choral music, any time, any composer. It does us all proud.
 I picked this cd up because it looked interesting and the composer was from Eastern Washington. [Well if you were raised in Eastern Washington you'd understand that is reason enough]. Reading the reviews I expected O Magnum Mysterium to be excellent. In fact, Ave Maria is the piece I find most interesting, because at points it shares a common aesthetic with Biebl's Ave Maria. Beyond that I found the cd to be interesting music that fades quickly into the background - lush, soothing, and forgetable. Lauridsen is good at taking advantage of the best of choral sounds ... the music simply lacks originality.
I had heard Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium before, but the LA Master Chorale perfects every aspect of Lauridsen's beautiful and picturesque music. The Lux Aeterna is simply marvellous - a pure masterpiece! BUY THIS CD!!!!!
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