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| Album Review |
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| I Cantori di Carmel |
| Christmas at the Carmel Mission |
At his own request, Father Junipero Serra was buried beneath the chapel floor at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (Carmel Mission). The remarkable history of Father Serra is it’s own worthwhile endeavour, but it is interesting to note here that of the nine California missions he established, the Carmel Mission was his favorite. In 1770 Serra founded the original Mission in Monterey and moved it to it’s present location in Carmel one year later.
The church at the Carmel Mission was constructed of stone rather than the usual adobe, a challenge for the time and place but reflecting a desire for increased size and permanancy. The combined beauty of aesthetics and acoustics make the church a desirable venue for performances. In 1961, Pope John XXlll designated the Carmel Mission church a Minor Basilica.
I Cantori di Carmel has earned a reputation as the premier choral ensemble in the Monterey area. Under the direction of Dr. Sal Ferrantelli and joined by Ensemble Monterey (directed by Concertmaster David Dally,) this live recording of "Christmas at the Carmel Mission" in December 2000 fulfills their well-deserved reputation.
The program consists of both well-known and lesser known pieces by German and Austrian composers from Hassler to Brahms to Bruch, covering music from Renaissance to Romantic. Of the lesser-known works is Mozart’s Magnificat (K. 193) which is executed nicely with notable solos by choir members Carol Shadwell, Johnnie H. Senna and Craig Hubler. Although all the pieces receive impressive performances from the choir with attention to detail, crisp articulation and mindful phrasing, the beauty and warmth of the choir truly stand out on the Romantic pieces. Beginning with the two Brahms selections from his Marienlieder to the work of Max Bruch’s Gruss an die heligie Nacht, we are treated to music of intense feeling and artistic beauty. The light, playful quality of Brahm’s Der Jager is contrasted nicely with the lush and melodic Ruf zur Maria...two exceptional selections. O du froliche, by Carl Herner and Trostet mein Volk, by Eduard Karl Nossler also provide the choir with ample opportunity to display their musical talents. The choir is a well-balanced, unified voice, exemplary in their sensitivity to each musical line.
By far the most exciting piece on this recording is Max Bruch’s Gruss an die heilige Nacht. The choir and musicians perform with artistic sensitivity and are joined by outstanding mezzo soprano Marilyn Wilcox. Ms. Wilcox gives a performance deserving of the piece with attention to phrasing and nuance. I’m sure that during the live performance, there were tearful eyes and goosebumps aplenty throughout the performance of this concert closer.
Since it has been almost 8 years since this recording, I’m hopeful that I Cantori di Carmel is planning to record another performance in the near future. For those of us who do not live close enough to hear their performances live, this recording serves well. It is a fine addition to any collection of choral holiday music. |
Link to Album site |
Copyright ©2008 In C Major
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The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for the original concert information. Check with the official event web site prior to the performance to confirm information. Although we do our best, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of concert program information presented on this site. All information is subject to change.
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