RICHARD SPARKS
conductor
CONDUCTING
Randall Thompson is one of the most important American composers of choral music. Writing in an unabashed Romantic style, this music is ideal for a choir like Choral Arts, which prides themselves in purity and breadth of choral sound. This recording contains Thompsons Alleluia, probably the most popular American choral work ever written, as well as six works never before recorded.
From the Choir of the West 75th Anniversary Scandinavian Tour, much of this music was recorded live in some of the great cathedrals and churches in Norway and Sweden. The glorious acoustics of these buildings, as well as the excitement of the live performance, are all part of this recording. A Mighty Fortress captures for you the best of these concerts to enjoy time and again.
This CD includes both large and small-scale works for choir, with and without instruments, most recorded here for the first time. Hallock was the organist and choirmaster of St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle for forty years, composing an impressive array of original choral works in the Anglican tradition. "To listen to this disc is to be in the grip of a great magnetic force...visionary... breathtaking in every way."--- Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
The third CD made especially to capture the spirit and seasonal beauty of PLU’s Christmas Festival Celebration Concerts. Recorded in the vibrant acoustics of Lagerquist Concert Hall. With The Choir of the West, University Chorale, University Singers and University Men’s Chorus.
The rich musical heritage of Scandinavia is represented by one of the finest choirs in the country. David Dahl also plays seven organ works on the large Fritts organ at PLU in Tacoma.
Vespers is a masterpiece that combines Sergei Rachmaninoff’s own deep faith, his talents as a composer and centuries-old traditions from the Russian Orthodox church. Experience this wonderful master work, not just for its purely musical virtues, but for its expression of the spiritual life of one of the world’s great traditions. It was recorded in the richly reverberant acoustics of Lagerquist Concert Hall in the Mary Baker Russell Music Center at Pacific Lutheran University. Conducted by Richard Sparks.
This is the premiere recording of the Gottfried and Mary Fuchs Organ, built by Paul Fritts, David Dahl performs classic organ works by Buxtehude, Krebs and Langlais, Richard Sparks directs the Choir of the West with organist James Holloway and guest musicians performing seven works, including Bruckner’s Os Justi, Mendelssohn’s Ave Maria, and Leonard Bernstein’s dynamic and exciting Chichester Psalms. Also featured is the premier recording and title work, Credo, composed by PLU’s own Richard Nance. Dr. Nance’s worshipful approach to the text of the Creed, his lush harmonies and gorgeous melodies will make this work one of your favorites.
