Disclaimer: I performed in this. But rest assured BYU pays me absolutely NO royalties. They didn't even put the names of any of the performers(except for the conductors, of course) in the liner notes. They sure aren't going to pay me anything.
This was recorded in 2 days in April 1994 as a PBS special that was shown that fall & winter during the holidays. They also showed it in subsequent years but I haven't heard of it being shown in a while. Its also available on VHS & DVD.
This is a review of selected tracks.
Saints Bound for Heaven(BYU Combined Choirs & Orchestra) - A rousing introduction to this cd. It starts out with, frankly, a shaky fanfare by the trumpets but once the choir comes in, the accompanying brass ensemble(including the trumpets) settle down and the piece moves rather well. A good selection to start this cd.
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need(BYU Concert Choir, flute, oboe, harp) - Written in 3/4, this Wilberg arrangement is a delightful psalm that is performed well and is soothing to listen to. The flute, oboe, & harp add substantially to the presentation and leaves the listener with an almost idyllic sense of being. Very Nice.
The Morning Trumpet(BYU Men's Chorus) - An a capella performance arrangement, this piece has a religous/miltary anthem 'feel' to it. Well performed, this piece drives the listener and seems to have the purpose of motivating the listener to action, especially with individual 'action' words which being emphasized. Well performed.
Cindy(Men's Chorus, fiddles, percussion, piano) - A enjoyable, raucous arrangement of a popular folk tune. The tone of this piece is a country-hoedown - just kind of a good time. Complete with fiddles and footstomping this is a song that you will be singing to yourself after listening.
The Promised Land(BYU Singers) - This a capella arrangement has a real old world feel to it. Kind of Puritan-Colonial America.
Redeemer of Israel(BYU Combined Choirs & Brass Ensemble) - A sensational arrangement of a popular LDS hymn. The opening brass fanfare is well conceived and leads into the main section with force. This piece, another piece of Wilberg magic, brings excitement to this popular hymn by adding brass and creating enough variation in the melody to keep the the musical line new and interesting. A very powerful setting of a great hymn.
Battle Hymn of The Republic(BYU Men's Chorus & Philharmonic Orchestra) - If this one sounds familiar its because its a close copy of the arrangement that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir won a Grammy with some years ago. Well executed, this arrangement for Men's Choir is performed solidly from top to bottom.
Come Thou Fount(BYU Combined Choirs & Philharmonic Orchestra) - Mack Wilberg really has a talent for taking a very simple melodic line and blowing it up into a huge masterwork. This piece is no exception. This adaption of the 17th century colonial hymn starts out with a small group of female voices gently setting forth the basic melody creating an ethereal quality in the process. This is followed by an orchestral interlude and then the entrance of the male portion of the choir...this time stronger. The basic premise of the piece is to start soft & finish strong while alternating the male & female voices and joing them together at the end. Not exactly a new form but Wilberg does all of this wonderfully and it all fits together seemlessly. The performance is well done and there is are strong emotions that really comes across on the recording. This is a terrific performance.
Overall, a very good cd. Pick this one up if you like choral or inspirational music.
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