Sacred Treasures IV is a richly textured compilation of some of the most tenderly beautiful pieces from the vast repository of Western sacred choral music, all but one piece dating from the early 20th century to the present. As the title suggests, these choral masterworks are truly quiet prayers. In choosing the music, much emphasis was placed upon finding the most exquisite rendition of each piece, after comparing numerous performances by different choirs. As a result, every track is sublime! Another signature feature of this compilation--as in the entire Sacred Treasures series--is the intentional sequencing of the pieces. Among the most notable pieces are three jewels each from beloved contemporary composers Morten Lauridsen and Arvo Part. The Lauridsen offerings are all stand-outs: the radiant "O NATA LUX", the heavenly "O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM", and the poignant "CONTRE QUI, ROSE" which is based upon a poem by Rilke about love. Opening the album is Arvo Part's powerful invocation to wisdom "O WEISHEIT", which is infused with expansive natural resonance from the ancient stone church where the piece was recorded. The two concluding instrumental pieces are also by Arvo Part: "SPIEGEL IM SPIEGEL"--a deep meditation for violin and piano--and"PARI INTERVALLO"--a masterpiece for pipe organ in its quietest mood. From 20th century France, there are two exquisite classics by Gabriel Faure'--"IN PARADISUM" from his Requiem and "BENEDICTUS" from the much less famous Messe Basse--and Maurice Durufle's ethereal "IN PARADISUM" from his Requiem. In addition, there are two angelic pieces from the RUSSIAN ORTHODOX tradition, and a heart-melting, rarely performed gem from the Renaissance--Victoria's "JESU DULCIS MEMORIA"--which sounds as if it could have been written yesterday. This is truly a sanctuary for the soul, a haven for the listener to return to over and over again...
D**N
Gorgeous!
I bought these because I really enjoyed a Harmonia Mundi disc called Chants of the Slavonic Liturgy. I took a chance and bought all volumes 1-5 and I'm REALLY glad I did. They are really gorgeous. Highly recommended.
M**N
Gorgeous!
I own many choral CDs but this disc is the finest of them all. I was listening to this on my way out of town, and the sound of the disc wrapped me in the haunting music prepared by the singers. I checked to see who the choirs were....and there are about 6 of them! All blended in this scenario of gorgeous music that could have interupted my driving. Congratulations to the singers and organists who created this disc, and the Hearts of Space organization for releasing it. I have ordered another. You should hear this magnificence!
J**T
Beautiful
I love this music, I have the 1,3,5 ones too....
L**R
The latest in a great series!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the CD's in this series so far...(I haven't yet gotten #5.) My favorite is #2, and this one, #4, is my next favorite! The music is moving and wonderfully arranged, great for relaxing and quiet contemplation!
C**Y
A Gift That Sounds OK
I gave this as a gift and didn't really listen to it but have heard much of the music before and should be good.
D**O
POWER-FULL MUSIC
Music heals. The glory of the group, the chorale, and its blending of many factors to stir as one is wonderfully powerful. I used this as a developing crescendo within a guided meditation that I led.
P**S
Welcome variety among the Treasures series
With their rich Russian orthodox chant, my other CD's of Sacred Treasures have been great background for my painting ikons. This is a welcome change with its more modern and western music and its lovely harmonies of female voices. It too is inspired by prayer, and inspires prayer, but unlike the others, it shifts from the purely liturgical community celebration to private meditation which inspires slow, contemplative breathing into peace. It moves one to active and attentive listening.
R**D
It seemed to include some French music in the Russian ...
It seemed to include some French music in the Russian style. I thought it would be all Russian / Slavic music.
A**K
Magical recording
I bought this CD as I already had it on my mp3 player and wanted a copy for the car. The tracks on it are performed by various choirs / artists and the standard of recording is beautiful. The acoustics simply ring and the harmonies are balanced beautifully. My favourite track is O Magnum Mysterium, which is magical.
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