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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace is a departure from his Adiemus recordings into the more conventional territory of large-scale choral and orchestral writing, though his customary passion for mixing languages remains in full force with texts in English, Latin and French. Jenkins has said that The Armed Man was inspired by the "L'Homme armé" masses which were popular in the 16th century, and he makes this debt clear with passages written in a neat pastiche of Palestrina-style renaissance polyphony. There are also echoes of earlier and later styles, including plainchant, medieval ballads, James Barry-style horn writing (think Goldfinger) and even a direct quote from Rigoletto (the choir imitates wind sounds at one point as in Act 3 of Verdi's opera). The smorgasbord manages to hold together, probably because Jenkins' obvious sincerity shines through every note. The London Philharmonic Orchestra plays beautifully, and treble Tristan Hambleton performs his solo with ethereal clarity. The National Youth Choir sings with vigour and accuracy, even if the young sopranos sound a little thin at the top of their range. If you liked the soundtrack to The Mission, this should press all the right buttons. --Warwick Thompson
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 73 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
On hearing the beautiful and peaceful Benedictus on the radio I had to find a recording on CD for a more intimate listening. I was not disappointed by the emotional and thought provoking mass for peace - 'The Armed Man'. An incredible recipe of ancient and modern styles of music, composed skilfully by Karl Jenkins. And what a variety of texture from the Moslem Call to Prayers, to the stirring Sanctus; from the peaceful opening strings of Benedictus to the dramatic film-like sounds of Hymn Before Action. We are reminded of the futility of war during the playing of the Last Post in Charge! This is a powerful CD, and must be added to your collection.
111 of 117 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Full of extraodinary swirls and stabs of orchestral music and beautiful, melodic choirs. This CD takes you on a joruney from the start of war(The Armed Man, with trudging, marching feet, drums and fifes and the poignant - given the current situation - Call To Prayers which is simply the unearthly solo voice of a meuzzin singing the Islamic call to prayer in Arabic), through to sadness and fear at start of battle(Kyrie, Save Me From Bloody Men), heroism and passion(Sanctus, the extraordinary and stirring Hymn Before Action, wonderful words by Rudyard Kipling) and of course, tumbles down into the real tragedy and pain of war(Angry Flames and Torches) and ends with the bitter sorrow of Agnus Dei and Now The Guns Have Stopped. The final, serene and lovely Benedictus(the one track I had heard and fallen in love with before buying the CD which contains the sweetest and most haunting cello I've ever heard) and Better is Peace(medieval, dancey and joyous), is a fitting end. Not for those who are easily depressed, but well worth it for the emotional journey and the beautiful voices.
81 of 86 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I first became aware of the sound as I was driving to work. Slow, beautiful and reminiscent of... Of what? I did not know. I had missed the introduction. But I knew there and then I had to have it. As the music reached a crescendo, I knew I was listening to something special and fervently hoped the announcer would tell me what it was. She obliged: I had been listening to the National Youth Choir performing the Benedictus from Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. I ordered it that evening and less than 48 hours later I was able to listen to the entire CD.
From the first track to the last, I was struck by the quality of the recording and the pure sound of the voices: young people creating a sound that many of their elders in better known choirs might aspire to.
As an Australian in the UK, I heard this just days after the Bali bomb explosion in which many of my young countrymen and women died, so this CD immediately took on a meaning and life of its own. I listened to it for hours on the day it arrived - and imagine it will continue to move me to tears for many years to come.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Wonderful music
I heard the 'Benedictus' on classic Fm in the middle of one night when I was lying awake full of worry and anxiety. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Leicestershire UK
Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man - A Mass for Peace
For me, the highlight of this exceptional composition is the awe inspiring Benedictus. The titles of each of the 13 pieces speak volumes of the content of the very appropriate... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Elaine
Not as easy as it looks.
This download looks destined to stay on my computer - which doesn't have a sound card - until I spend a lot more money on upgrading my system. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Smart Lady
Swift service
Copy required urgently as rehearsal started for Good Friday and wanted own copy - arrived swiftly as expected - so thanks.
Published 3 months ago by Diana Hoy
A pleasant album
I am not a lover of choral works but I was atracted to the album by the amazingly haunting track Benedictus. To me this is by far the best track, the others are mostly pleasant.
Published 3 months ago by Mr. I. Taylor
The Armed Man (Music DVD)
My favourite peice is number 12. Benedictus, it gets you inside the music and can be very uplifting peice os misic and the chorial accompanyment it fantastic.
Published 3 months ago by James A Kelly
The Armed Man
A really lovely CD - particularly like the Benedictus - which has been played a great deal on classic FM. Some moving moments.
Published 4 months ago by katie
Soul searching music
Wonderful music, haunting in places. It makes one think of what is wrong in the world and how we have a chance to put it right. Read more
Published 4 months ago by S. Atkinson
the armed man - CD
thanks to the vendor for this wonderful CD, which I thoroughly enjoy listening to. great modern music, and I don't often say that.
Published 5 months ago by spencersings
The Armed Man KarlJenkins Wow
I heard the Benedictus for the first time about 3 months ago and it blew me away. I put it on my wish list but received it as a Christmas present. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Michaeloso
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