Dave Brubeck, one of the most well-known jazz pianists of all time, has for some time explored new avenues in composition and performance--including his many choral compositions.
This album features the first recording of Brubeck's Sacred Choral music (less “Sleep Holy Infant, Sleep") premiered by the Grammy-nominated Pacific Mozart Ensemble in concert. The album -- released January 26, 2010 -- also features another Grammy-nominated ensemble, Quartet San Francisco.
Songs of Praise consists entirely of sacred music and opens with Brubeck's three-part Canticles. This work features the English texts prepared by Iola Brubeck and a smaller instrumental ensemble arrangement done by Pacific Mozart Ensemble's music director Lynne Morrow and performed by Quartet San Francisco. Following the Canticles are four holiday works that can be enjoyed year-round.
Also performed are the debut recordings of Brubeck's Commandments, inspired by his time spent serving in the US Army during World War II, which he writes about in the included liner notes. The album continues with Brubeck's setting of Psalm 23, followed by a Credo written for Pacific Mozart Ensemble's 25th anniversary concert. Concluding the album is a prayerful Benediction also written for the ensemble.
Recorded at the highly regarded Skywalker Sound studios, Songs of Praise features extensive liner notes--by Lynne Morrow, Richard Grant (ensemble founder and additional conductor), Michael S. Sherman, o.p. Professor of Theology, and Dave Brubeck himself. It is sure to enlighten, uplift, and entertain classical and jazz fans alike.
Track Listing:
This album features the first recording of Brubeck's Sacred Choral music (less “Sleep Holy Infant, Sleep") premiered by the Grammy-nominated Pacific Mozart Ensemble in concert. The album -- released January 26, 2010 -- also features another Grammy-nominated ensemble, Quartet San Francisco.
Songs of Praise consists entirely of sacred music and opens with Brubeck's three-part Canticles. This work features the English texts prepared by Iola Brubeck and a smaller instrumental ensemble arrangement done by Pacific Mozart Ensemble's music director Lynne Morrow and performed by Quartet San Francisco. Following the Canticles are four holiday works that can be enjoyed year-round.
Also performed are the debut recordings of Brubeck's Commandments, inspired by his time spent serving in the US Army during World War II, which he writes about in the included liner notes. The album continues with Brubeck's setting of Psalm 23, followed by a Credo written for Pacific Mozart Ensemble's 25th anniversary concert. Concluding the album is a prayerful Benediction also written for the ensemble.
Recorded at the highly regarded Skywalker Sound studios, Songs of Praise features extensive liner notes--by Lynne Morrow, Richard Grant (ensemble founder and additional conductor), Michael S. Sherman, o.p. Professor of Theology, and Dave Brubeck himself. It is sure to enlighten, uplift, and entertain classical and jazz fans alike.
Track Listing:
1. Ave Maria (Annunciation) 11:30
2. Concordi Laetitia (Nativity) 8:42
3. Salve Mater (Crucifixion) 10:29
4. Ev'ry Christmas I Hear Bells 2:31
5. Sleep, Holy Infant, Sleep 2:47
6. Why We Sing at Christmas 1:46
7. Precious Gift His Wondrous Birth 1:54
8. The Commandments 7:11
9. Psalm 23 2:59
10. Credo 7:40
11. Benediction 1:01
