Description

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Arvo Pärt’s music is deeply rooted in his profound faith and aims to touch the soul. The expressive beauty and clarity of his music shines through the joyful setting and dance-like rhythms of Peace Upon You Jerusalem and the glorious setting of Mary’s words in the Magnificat. His masterful setting of L’abbé Agathon sets the scene of this ancient 4th century story of the chance (or was it?) meeting of the hermit Agathon and a leper. After several testings of the hermit’s patience and his generosity, the leper reveals himself to be an angel, and blesses the hermit Agathon and goes on his way. The final work is one of Arvo Pärt’s largest choral works—Stabat Mater, written to express the passion, agony and love of Mary at the foot of the cross of her son. Each stanza is set in a contrasting style with instrumental interludes that weaves a texture expressing the text and Mary’s desire to stand with her son through his passion at the cross.

Hybrid SACD
MCH 5.0 DSD
Stereo DSD
Standard RedBook CD

About the Author

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Gloriae Dei Cantores (Singers to the Glory of God) holds a passionate dedication to the faithful representation of spiritual and musical authenticity in the choral arts. Sharing its vision of inspiration and hope, the choir has touched the hearts of audiences in twenty-four countries in Europe and Asia, as well as extensive tours and concert series in the United States. The choir's catalog of more than fifty recordings showcases an expansive repertoire, encompassing both masterworks and rarely performed musical treasures from Gregorian chant to the twenty-first century. Richard K. Pugsley and Gloriae Dei Cantores have garnered high praise for bringing lesser- known, yet fully deserving composers and their works to light. The choir makes its home at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts, where it sings worship services throughout the year.

Praise For…

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“Seventy minutes of exquisite spiritual power.” —Fanfare
 
“Arvo Part’s music conveys a universal message…totally convincing.” —Pizzicato (Luxembourg)
 
“Sumptuous blend.” —Boston Classical Review
 
“Radiates conviction and urgency, a sense of belief in every phrase.” —San Francisco Classical Voice
 
“Tremendous emotional content…excellent.” —Cadence World
 
“Deeply felt performances.” —Classics Today
 
“Speaks beautifully to a modern audience.” —TransCentury Communications
 
“A true meeting of East and West.” —OrthoChristian.com (Russia)
 
“Impressive.” —KathPress (Austria)
 
“Virtuosic solo singing and ensemble cohesion.” —San Francisco Classical Voice
 
“Intonation is spot on, emotional fervency at a high level.” —Audiophile Audition
 
9/9 “Excellent performance…extraordinary.” —Classics Today
 
“Profoundly moving music…superbly performed.” —Fanfare
 
“Expresses dynamics and momentum…fascinating contrasts, even spiritual elation.” —ClassiqueNews (France)
 
“Weaves a musical tapestry out of the inextricable strands of worldy and spiritual life.” —HRAudio.net
 
“Outstanding.” —Classical CD
 
“Expert Performances.” —New York Classical Review
 
“A technical preparation that leaves nothing to be desired.” —Pizzicato (Luxembourg)
 
“Top five (Classical BILLBOARD) in one of the largest classical music markets of the world.” —Estonian World (Estonia)
 
“Very convincing…masterly…profound.” —MusicWebInternational.com (UK)
 
“Superb…rare sensitivity and luminosity.” —Chicago Classical Review