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Product Description
CD Description
Classic FM presents `Howard Goodall's Enchanted Voices', the stunning new album of contemporary chant from their celebrated Composer-in-Residence. Howard is undoubtedly one of the world's pre-eminent and versatile contemporary composers - from TV themes including Blackadder, Mr Bean and The Vicar of Dibley; through West End and Broadway musicals; a BAFTA award-winning TV documentary on the history and theory of music; and his prodigious writing of choral music including 2007's Eternal Light: A Requiem.
Enchanted Voices features 8 young sopranos sourced by Howard, who normally sing with choirs like The Sixteen and The Monteverdi, to capture an ethereal and angelic vocal set against an interweaving solo cello and occasional handbells. The album includes eight `Beatitudes', blessed chants from the Book of Matthew, for groups whose actions or burdens single them out for tribute from Christ. His arrangements of biblical prose include `Beati Pauperes (Blessed are the Poor)' and Beati Mundo Corde (Blessed are the Pure of Heart). There are also 4 new "Beatitudes" composed entirely by Howard, including `Pro curatis (For those that are cared for)' and `Pro Eis Sine Domo (For the stateless)', which sit alongside the original, flawless chants. In looking to fuse a modern approach to the style of ancient chants, it is undoubtedly this exploration that makes the collection such a unique and enchanting album.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I am so very pleased with this CD. It is utterly captivating and I get goosebumps every time I listen to it. This is modern chant for female voices, most of it accompanied very sensitively and delicately by organ, cello and bells. It is especially meaningful to read through the corresponding liner notes while listening.
This is healing music for the soul, truly inspired. I didn't know of Howard Goodall's music before, but will certainly be exploring his other works. I would put this disk at the top of my list of must-haves.
This is healing music for the soul, truly inspired. I didn't know of Howard Goodall's music before, but will certainly be exploring his other works. I would put this disk at the top of my list of must-haves.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By J. Hutchings
Format:Audio CD
Well. I certainly wasn't expecting this. Having seen a fair bit of Goodall's music in print from Faber, and heard the muzak tv themes, I wasn't expecting much from something popularised by Classic FM, and titled 'Enchanted Voices' (which confuses me as it has little to do with the texts used, and if it's a statement about the singing, is it not a touch too full of itself?).
What I got was a thoroughly beautiful minimalism, that doesn't ape Glass, Gorecki, Pärt, or Tavener. The Sermon on the Mount texts are given extremely well-chosen partners (the 'Pro' texts). The use of only upper voices does not grate on the ear, and there is, within the chosen format, quite a variety of texture - Goodall is not afraid to use challenging intervals and melodic lines to secure his meaning.
All in all, really rather good.
What I got was a thoroughly beautiful minimalism, that doesn't ape Glass, Gorecki, Pärt, or Tavener. The Sermon on the Mount texts are given extremely well-chosen partners (the 'Pro' texts). The use of only upper voices does not grate on the ear, and there is, within the chosen format, quite a variety of texture - Goodall is not afraid to use challenging intervals and melodic lines to secure his meaning.
All in all, really rather good.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I had heard this CD previewed on Classic FM, and though attracted by the track they featured, I had learnt the hard way, that sometimes the ploy is to always use the best track, to hook and reel in the buyers. But my verdict this time? I'm happy to report that this was one fish, well and truly pleased to be reeled in. It's lovely.
Chant, I've found in the past can become quite "samey" as you go from track to track, but this remains fresh throughout, perhaps because of the musical accompaniment to compliment the voices, which unaccompanimented chant can sometimes feel repetitive without.
The voices are delightful (corny word I know) but my point is, that I usually like to wind up my husband (who is a great lover of all things classical), by saying that I don't like women with screechy voices, just as he's in the middle of listening to some famous opera singer or the like. These voices though sharp and not adverse to hitting the odd high note, are more beautiful; spiritual, and angelic than that. They're powerful but serene, if that's not a contadiction in terms.
I've burned the CD to my laptop, and use the original disc on my CD Walkman or in the car. It goes with me everywhere at the moment, just to keep me thoroughly chilled. Now if only I could get it piped into my workplace......!!!!!
Chant, I've found in the past can become quite "samey" as you go from track to track, but this remains fresh throughout, perhaps because of the musical accompaniment to compliment the voices, which unaccompanimented chant can sometimes feel repetitive without.
The voices are delightful (corny word I know) but my point is, that I usually like to wind up my husband (who is a great lover of all things classical), by saying that I don't like women with screechy voices, just as he's in the middle of listening to some famous opera singer or the like. These voices though sharp and not adverse to hitting the odd high note, are more beautiful; spiritual, and angelic than that. They're powerful but serene, if that's not a contadiction in terms.
I've burned the CD to my laptop, and use the original disc on my CD Walkman or in the car. It goes with me everywhere at the moment, just to keep me thoroughly chilled. Now if only I could get it piped into my workplace......!!!!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
sublime
I purchased this MP3 download because I felt in need of some more working-late-into-the-night-music to relieve the pressure on Rachmaninov's Vespers and Brian Eno's Music for... Read more
Published 8 months ago by hittite
5.0 out of 5 stars
Right title.
I bought this CD on the strength of hearing just one track on Classic FM and am delighted that I did. Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2011 by Cleo B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enchanted Voices - Amazing!
I had heard 1 track from this CD on Classic FM and wanted to hear more. I wasn't disappointed! All the tracks are amazing and a joy to listen to. I have played it so many times! Read more
Published on 7 Nov 2010 by S. Dale
2.0 out of 5 stars
Kenyajohn's veiw
Insufficient information about the contents of the CD ie; titles of tracks etc
Published on 6 Aug 2010 by Mr. J. Hunt
5.0 out of 5 stars
enchanted voices
Having heard various tracks on Classical FM I decided to purchase this CD and I have been absolutely delighted. It has a lovely selection of relaxing music. Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2010 by C. M. Hammond
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lived up to my expectations
I have heard this advertised on Classic FM and for some months and have attempted to buy it to no avail. Read more
Published on 29 Dec 2009 by A. Cox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Having heard some of Howard Goodall's more famous compositions, I wan't entirely convinced before I bought this CD. Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2009 by Andrew Whitehead
2.0 out of 5 stars
'Enchanted' voices 'Yes', but why the monotonous organ note?
I had been looking forward to hearing this cd, but have to say that my experience turned out to be 'frustrating'. Read more
Published on 26 Oct 2009 by Mr. N. Lafrenais
5.0 out of 5 stars
Relaxing
This is an album that is not out of place at any time of the year, Christmas, Summer, whenever. A very traditional sound with a modern twist to the music, it could almost have... Read more
Published on 31 July 2009 by I. H. C. Mellor
1.0 out of 5 stars
Monotonous drivel
I fail to see how anyone can enjoy this drivel beyond 5 minutes of listening. It is nigh impossible to distinguish between the tracks and it is not relaxing because it is so... Read more
Published on 9 July 2009 by James Pollock
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