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Product Description
CD Description
Light and Gold is the first in a stunning collection of Eric Whitacre’s choral works conducted for the first time by Eric himself and performed by The Eric Whitacre Singers, Laudibus and friends.
Product Description
CD Aangenaam Klassiek 2012
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By M. D. Holley
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have had this CD for about 8 months and have been reserving judgment on it until now. None of the tunes are particularly catchy and for me at least it was not as easy to get to know as, say, Britten or Bartok. So my first impression was 'sounds beautiful but is the same all the way through and rather anodyne at that'.
But some features started to catch the ear: Whitacre has a wonderful way of relishing scrunchy discords which don't quite sound like anyone else.
It is too much to digest in one go so I tried picking a single song and then listening to it over and over while closely following the text, and eventually my ears opened up. His way with setting the words is rather wonderful and part of the pleasure is the way he brings out the meaning. For example, try the way he sets 'opened' at the end of track 12.
After all this time I still haven't been able to make sense of all the tracks, but I do really love Lux Aurumque (1), A Boy and a Girl (8), Three Songs of Faith (10-12) and Sleep (16) and I am sure these are little masterpieces.
I note some reviewers dismiss this CD as light weight or sugary, but I can't really see that myself, with the possible exception of the Seal Lullaby (track 7). Maybe the initial impression of blandness (which I experienced too) was the cause.
After several months' exposure to the music I can see that the songs are actually quite varied and no longer all sound the same. Whitacre has a rather distinctive style which is quite new and original - this is probably why many of us don't 'get it' at first hearing.
But do persevere - you may be glad you did.
But some features started to catch the ear: Whitacre has a wonderful way of relishing scrunchy discords which don't quite sound like anyone else.
It is too much to digest in one go so I tried picking a single song and then listening to it over and over while closely following the text, and eventually my ears opened up. His way with setting the words is rather wonderful and part of the pleasure is the way he brings out the meaning. For example, try the way he sets 'opened' at the end of track 12.
After all this time I still haven't been able to make sense of all the tracks, but I do really love Lux Aurumque (1), A Boy and a Girl (8), Three Songs of Faith (10-12) and Sleep (16) and I am sure these are little masterpieces.
I note some reviewers dismiss this CD as light weight or sugary, but I can't really see that myself, with the possible exception of the Seal Lullaby (track 7). Maybe the initial impression of blandness (which I experienced too) was the cause.
After several months' exposure to the music I can see that the songs are actually quite varied and no longer all sound the same. Whitacre has a rather distinctive style which is quite new and original - this is probably why many of us don't 'get it' at first hearing.
But do persevere - you may be glad you did.
43 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Never has a choral recording been more appropriately titled than Eric Whitacre's new CD `Light and Gold'
It is a selection of pieces polished to burnished gold, with tonal and harmonic beauty. Look further within those tight harmonic lines, which almost sit in each others laps, and the intricacies of the works become apparent as well as the shining simplicity and deeply personal meaning behind these pieces.
The Eric Whitacre Singers make a highly polished debut, obviously bathed in this composer's music, supported on this recording by Laudibus and The King's Singers. The other star of the recording is the almost Cathedral-like acoustic of St Silas' Church, Kentish Town, London. The warmth and clarity of the recording and acoustic add to the awe of the pieces and provide Light to that burnished gold.
The pieces themselves are a veritable rainbow and I would encourage you to read the accompanying booklet before you listen, which put the pieces into context. Some booklets are simply marketing / promotional bumph, but not this one....
My particular favourites are `The Seal Lullaby', based on a Rudyard Kipling story, and `I thank you God for most this amazing day'
When listening to new choral music, as well as intricate highly professional pieces, I also seek pieces that offer repertoire to amateur choirs and the piece that I hope will be taken up by choirs across the UK is the beautiful Hebrew love song `Kala Kalla (Light Bride)'.
It is a selection of pieces polished to burnished gold, with tonal and harmonic beauty. Look further within those tight harmonic lines, which almost sit in each others laps, and the intricacies of the works become apparent as well as the shining simplicity and deeply personal meaning behind these pieces.
The Eric Whitacre Singers make a highly polished debut, obviously bathed in this composer's music, supported on this recording by Laudibus and The King's Singers. The other star of the recording is the almost Cathedral-like acoustic of St Silas' Church, Kentish Town, London. The warmth and clarity of the recording and acoustic add to the awe of the pieces and provide Light to that burnished gold.
The pieces themselves are a veritable rainbow and I would encourage you to read the accompanying booklet before you listen, which put the pieces into context. Some booklets are simply marketing / promotional bumph, but not this one....
My particular favourites are `The Seal Lullaby', based on a Rudyard Kipling story, and `I thank you God for most this amazing day'
When listening to new choral music, as well as intricate highly professional pieces, I also seek pieces that offer repertoire to amateur choirs and the piece that I hope will be taken up by choirs across the UK is the beautiful Hebrew love song `Kala Kalla (Light Bride)'.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Olly Lewis
Format:Audio CD
Eric Whitacre is truly great and original composer and this is fine introduction to his music. However I prefer the previous album of his music by Stephen Layton and Polyphony. The recorded sound is simply more natural and affecting.
However, as the albums only slightly overlap on repertoire, I would not hesitate to recommend both.
However, as the albums only slightly overlap on repertoire, I would not hesitate to recommend both.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
As previously commented - this is a delight to listen to - I love this man's work. This will calm your busy day. Buy it !
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Emily
Format:Audio CD
I have only recently started listening to classical and choral music and this cd is a fantastic introduction. I was recommended this cd by a friend and can only pass this recommendation on. The music is magical and beautiful with a range of songs from lullabys to quite upbeat pieces. I love listening to this cd after a stressful day after work.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By N. Lacey
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Light & Gold This music is extraordinarily beautiful and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of close harmonies which lift the listener to another plain.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
People involved in choral music already knew that Whitacre is a splendid composer. This cd HAD to be good, and it really IS. Anyway we miss more new pieces. I have now 3 cds with Whitacre's music and 3 different versions of Lux Aurumque, Sleep ... If you have not any cd of this author yet, this Light and Gold will become a little treasure in your cd collection. If you were one of those not interested so far in choral music, make yourself a gift and get this cd and you will discover a wonderful universe. Remember these Mozart's words: If only Humankind could sense the power of harmony!.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By David Lusher
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD
The music here is just sublime. Beautifully sung; sparse and spiritual, yet modern. This chills you, lifts, you, allows you to contemplate. I find this just hauntingly beautiful music and somewhat difficult to describe! Just buy it and listen for yourself. Highly recommended (and I want to hear more).
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
Worth every penny. The music is amazing and the voices are just heavenly. Love it, love it, love it! You will not regret buying this cd.
Published 19 days ago by Nicole Watson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clean and lovely elegant music
Our choir is currently learning Seal Lullaby, which was enough excuse to buy this. I find his music very soothing and elegant to listen to.
Published 1 month ago by E. Green
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
Very relaxing music. I heard a track on classic fm and sought it out here on amazon. Very peaceful music.
Published 2 months ago by N. Iceton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Movingly wonderful
Its all lovely, I had not heard of Eric Whitacre until listening to Classic FM they played The Seal Lullaby, I downloaded the album before the track had finished. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. A. Coffey
5.0 out of 5 stars
One does not simply fault Eric Whitacre
Eric Whitacre is the finest modern day composer, and he's well known for "Lux Aurumque", "Sleep" and "Water Night", which are his songs used in his viral... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Drew Robinson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful. Buy it!
For anyone who likes choral music, this is a worthy addition to any collection. I first heard Water Night on classic fm and was pulled in by its delicate emotive content. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. K. L. Lortie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christmas present well received
I searched for this in the shops to no avail so came online and hey presto it was here. Good price, turned up quickly well in time for Christmas. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joff
3.0 out of 5 stars
Light and Gold
Same theme all way through, very boring ok for background music, thought it would be better from what I have heard.
Published 5 months ago by Mrs K E Ruse
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mixed feelings
Very good service, however some of the tracks are not my taste in choral music and found them a little depressing.
Published 5 months ago by Montybutton
5.0 out of 5 stars
cool cd
Arrived promptly and in good condition. Loveley cd to chill out to or (according to my daughter) to study by. Good 'mood music'!
Published 18 months ago by Kate
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