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At the age of only 35, Eric Whitacre has already gained a phenomenal reputation in the United States. The Los Angeles Times described his music as having ‘electric, chilling harmonies; works of unearthly beauty and imagination’ and his Water Night (included on this new recording) has become one of the most popular choral works of the last decade, and is one of the top-selling choral publications of all time.
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Reviews:
Awesome!
Cd case was wrapped, but the cover immediately came off. Great product, though, exactly what I wanted!
Remarkable modern choral music
Whitacre's work is deeply moving and reverent without being sentimental, harmonically challenging and complex without losing its thematic center. Those who are captivated by high-quality a capella vocal music will love this collection.
Astounding Whitacre
Whitacre is a choral genius. There is no way around that.
So, naturally, I was very excited to listen to Polyphony recording his greatest works. They handle the tricky cluster chords (especially in "When David heard") EXTREMELY well. Their sopranos are gorgeous with a straight-tone--necessary for Whitacre. The low bass rings and the middle parts are perfect.
These pieces bring tears to my eyes when performed by less talented groups, so you can imagine the emotions one feels while listening to Polyphony.
This recording is a must-buy for anyone interested in beautiful, modern choral music! It can change your life listening to the works of Whitacre!
Clear as a bell
Eric Whitacre has created some of the most gorgeous choral pieces I have ever heard. This album has some of his most listened to and performed pieces, which include "Lux Arumque" and "hope faith life love". I personally have performed these pieces when I was in choir in college, and it is just as breath-taking to sing as it is to listen to.
The choir that is performing Whitacre's works has a sound that's as clear as a bell. Their blend is exquisit. Personally, when I listen to these tracks, especially "hope faith life love", my breathing changes, as if the music is putting breath into my being. I know that probably sounds a bit over the top, but the choir doesn't just sing Whitacre's music, they breath life into it with their dynamic phrasing of the melodies and harmonies.
In any case, this is a great album, with a great choir singing the music of one of the greatest composers of our day. This is an album which should be in every classical listener's library, if not the whole world's library.
Wonderful composition mixed with exquisite performance
Eric Whitacre is a fantastic composer from America, and his choral works have enthralled me since I was introduced to them a few years ago. Polyphony really have a fantastic sound, but the thing that grabs me the most is their vowels; they are incredibly precise, and it's a lesson for any up and coming choir conductor. The pieces are very well performed, with the climactic 'Cloudburst' a highlight. The only thing I would say against it is the lack of a couple of well-known Whitacre pieces, such as 'Ghost Train'. But it's a terrific CD, and if you're at all interested in choral music, buy it.
