What's Best in Choral Recordings?

[jadis]

I love choral recordings ever since the beginning of my audiophile life, as the first 'demo' LP that was introduced to me by a local dealer was the ubiquitous 'Cantate Domino'. Later on, I found out that Proprius records were omnipresent as well, locally, in HK high end shops, and even in Sound by Singer in NY in the 90s.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Hymns Triumphant - Sparrow Records, Canada. This LP is taxing to most systems I bring it too, and the countless chorus members can scream to high heaps to your ears' delight at their crescendos and really if your system can produce it, it is goosebumps time. Music is a medley of Christian songs, including Battle Hymn of the Republic which is fantastic.

2. Saint Saens - Oratorio de Noel, Respighi - Lauda de Natividad del Signore. Proprius/Caprice Records Sweden. Awesome chorus and deep organ. Great recording.

3. Kor. Proprius Records. 'Thou Knowest Lord' is my favorite cut to evaluate soundstage depth and with.

4. Star of Wonder - Reference Recordings. KOJ really did great in this album, imo. The organ is staggering.

5. Kornet Har Sin Vila - Proprius Records. Light choral music played with guitars, tamborines and organ. First time I heard this I fell in love with the music though I don't understand the words. The melody got into me as it was very warm and involving. My first copy started to crackle and I ended up buying 6 more copies via mail order straight from Proprius itself.

 

[fas42]

For those not familiar with it, and who want to be taken into another world: "A Feather on the breath of God", Hildegard von Bingen - Hyperion.

Frank

 

[jadis]

For those not familiar with it, and who want to be taken into another world: "A Feather on the breath of God", Hildegard von Bingen - Hyperion.

Frank

Thanks, Frank. The title alone sounds heavenly.

 

[Emre Üçöz]

Strongly recommend Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna", wonderfully recorded and mastered and very rich tonaly.

 

[audioguy]

Psalms from Reference Recordings:

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Strongly recommend Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna", wonderfully recorded and mastered and very rich tonaly.

Which one? The Salmunovich is superb but the Layton on Hyperion in mch SACD is even better.

 

[RBFC]

One of my long-time favorites is the Tallis Scholars' version of Allegri's Miserere:

http://www.amazon.com/Allegri-Miser...=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1315871408&sr=1-2

There is also an import version if you feel that it may offer greater sound quality. I'm sure I had seen a SACD at some point, but can't seem to find it now.

Lee

 

[MylesBAstor]

Argo specialized in choral recordings The best I've heard is Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb (Argo ZRG 5440). Plus, you can, as described by a critic of the time, hear the heavenly playing of Marisa Robles on harp!

A few other choral references (of course LPs) that quickly come to mind:

Bach: Quodlibet Telefunken SAWT 9457-A (try finding the original black/gold for best sound)
Celebrate with the Harvard Glee Club MHS 4261 (Yes that's one of several LPs I turned HP onto and are on his list )
Songs from the Fayrfax Manuscript MHS 4649 (one of the best I've heard done by Tony Faulkner)
Cantate Domino Proprius PR7762 (white cover)

 

[jadis]

Thanks all.

 

[jadis]

From the above CD Tribute to John Bowers, 2 of my favorite choral pieces - Franck's Panis Angelicus and Elgar's Ave Verum.

And below, I was able to find an LP containing the original cut of Panis Angelicus from the Decca album Glory to God. Glorious!

 

[Emre Üçöz]

Which one? The Salmunovich is superb but the Layton on Hyperion in mch SACD is even better.View attachment 2252

I prefer the Salmunovich one, seems more natural to be.