When I first started to collect boy choir music I very quickly came across the American Boychoir and fell in love with their sound. It’s not surprising that even after hearing dozens of other choirs this is still one of my top three favorites. It’s useless to try and describe what they sound like, they just have to be heard because it’s a great sound, sophisticated and imaginative, that is easily recognizable.
One CD that touches me is the album Hymn.
This is from the liner notes, “Hymn singing has been a part of the human experience for many centuries. We might remember our first experiences of singing together when we were children, singing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs in churches, synagogues and temples. “
This CD has hymns from the Middle Ages through the Reformation as well as more recent works. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy is the best version I’ve ever heard and Fairest Lord Jesus is very moving and emotional.
Anyone with a Southern Baptist background, like myself, will have fond memories of Softly and Tenderly which starts out with a sweet treble soloist. That was a favorite at our church.
Their version of Amazing Grace features a classical guitar and the warm, clear voice of Steven Curtis Chapman.
A few of the other songs are Morning Has Broken, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Praise to the Lord and several others, all really great.
Music is provided by the wonderful St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, a prefect choice for this choir’s style. This is a CD that I keep listening to and I never seem to get tired of it.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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If you don't already have it, I would suggest getting "Harmony - American Songs of Faith" released in 2007. It features the American Boychoir, their Alumni Choir, and St. Olaf Choir.
ReplyDeleteIt has a great selection of ole time favorite church songs such as: Kumbaya, This Little Light of Mine, Jesus Loves Me, Shall We Gather at the River, and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. There are 20 tracks total.
I promise, you will not be disapointed, the blend of the Boychoir and the Adult St. Olaf is outstanding.
I might add, that we are lucky in the fact that The American Boychoir returns to it's roots quite often and performs in Columbus Ohio where we have had the oppritunity to see them several times.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation. I'll pick up Harmony sometime in July.
ReplyDeleteI hope to see The American Boychoir sometime soon. I wonder if they have an orchestra that tours with them or do they sing without music like the Vienna Boys Choir?