The Prayer Cycle Jonathan Elias

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CD

  • Release Date: 03/23/1999
  • Sales Rank: 19,551
  • Label: SONY
  • UPC: 074646056929

Listener Rating: (5 ratings)

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  • Overview
  • Tracks
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Customer Reviews
  • Details & Credits
Track List
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The Prayer Cycle

1LISTENMercy (Movement 1) 3:44
2LISTENStrength (Movement 2) 5:41
3LISTENHope (Movement 3) 6:38
4LISTENCompassion [Movement 4) 6:57
5LISTENGrace [Movement 5) 5:54
6LISTENInnocence [Movement 6) 5:58
7LISTENForgiveness (Movement 7) 7:40
8LISTENBenediction (Movement 8) 7:59
9LISTENFaith (Movement 9) 1:01

About this Artist

Editorial Reviews

Composer Jonathan Elias confronts the death and devastation of wartime with a stunning nine-part choral symphony. Bolstered by a truly awesome lineup of singers -- from the late Qawwal singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to Salif Keita to Linda Ronstadt -- and lyrics that appeal for mercy and strength, hope and compassion, and faith and forgiveness, THE PRAYER CYCLE is a moving achievement. The English Chamber Orchestra and Choir provides a solid pastoral setting for the stunning soloists. The most surprising contributor here is rocker Alanis Morissette, who belts out Hungarian and French and more than matches the power and passion of Ali Khan and Keita. Other estimable soloists include James Taylor (whose plaintive "Grace" offers the only lyrics in English), Linda Ronstadt (Spanish), Yungchen Lhamo (Tibetan), Martin Tillman (cello), and John Williams (guitar). The chorus and the American Boychoir expand the worldview by singing in German, Latin, Italian, and French. Unfortunately, given the world's continuing conflicts, this music will remain too timely for too long -- but it offers a sublime way to search for faith amid the suffering. Carol Wright, Barnes & Noble



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Customer Reviews

Prayer Cycleby Anonymous

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January 16, 2007: Every now and then, along comes a piece of music that truly moves me. Even more seldom, along comes a piece of music that makes the musician in me sit up and take notice. Jonathan Elias' "The Prayer Cycle" has done both. "Prayer Cycle" is a choral symphony in nine movements, but it is also a piece of world music. The English Chamber Orchestra and Chorus is joined by a stellar array of vocal solo talents. Distinctive western voices such as Alanis Morissette, James Taylor, and Linda Ronstadt are joined by equally distinctive eastern vocalists like Israeli Ofra Haza, Tibetan Yungchen Lhamo, Pakistani Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Salif Keita of Mali. Sadly, Ali Khan and Haza (one of my favorite vocal talents) passed away shortly after the production of this recording, leaving this performance as one of their last collaborations. It is a fitting memorial to two great voices. Elias' music itself is a wonder. It is both ethereal and earthly, filled with slow ostinato and vibrant treble tones, and it fulfills its title by quietly guiding the ear and mind to a place of introspection, meditation, and revelation. The mix of languages lets us concentrate on the timbre of each voice, from Ronstadt's lyrical soprano to Morisette's anguished and near-tribal clarity, from Ali Khan's woody tenor to Yungchen's flute-like descant. The music is not thematic, but atmospheric, providing no melodies to hum after hearing the piece. Rather, each movement provides a distinct sphere of serenity in which we can slow down, listen, and enjoy the tug and play of the music.

Prayer Cycleby Anonymous

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February 24, 2005: I bought this when it first came out. Fell in love with the music and the artists offerings! Lost my job and the CD is misplaced. After 2 years, I am still longing to hear it again. Forgot title, remembered only the composer's first name. Entered first name on Google, and all the composers with the first name Jonathan came up. Remembered 'Elias' as soon as I saw it. Am ordering it again today! Even tho' it is classical - some of the tracks remind me of the wailing sound of the Moody Blues. I love the wailing. It goes deep into my soul. I'm so happy I found it!


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