O Morten Lauridsen!by JimD

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December 03, 2009: It's a nice touch that the first selection is "O nata lux" and the finale is the ubiquitous "O magnum mysterium." Bookended by these two sacred pieces are two song cycles for chorus and piano, and a set of madrigals reminiscent of Gesualdo in their more dissonant passages. The Elora Festival Singers, led by Noel Edison, deliver some wonderful sounds, particularly the sopranos, bringing a relatively straight tone to the upper register. Although they premiered many of Lauridsen's pieces, the L.A. Master Chorale disc is put out of the running for me by an acoustic which smudges the voices together. On this disc, the sound seems excellently clear in terms of blend and detail. (The Hyperion collection is also good, but costly.) I only wish the composer's terrific setting of Agee's "Sure on this shining night" were here!

Morten Lauridsen/Elora Festival Singersby Anonymous

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November 19, 2009: Morten Lauridsen is one of the foremost choral composers alive today. His works are performed throughout the world on a regular basis. This recording of some of his best known choral pieces performed by the Elora Festival Singers and recorded on the Naxos label is a delight for your ears. The disc includes solid performances of O Nata Lux and O Magnum Mysterium.

The Elora Festival Singers are led by Noel Edison. Their performance is crisp and clean. There is a wonderful vocal symmetry between all vocal parts so that you are really able to hear all of the complex harmonies written by Lauridsen. I highly recommend this cd.