Like as a Hart: Psalms and Spiritual Songs

True Heart...The Choral Sound of Westminster Choir College

     

The Westminster Choir under the direction of Joseph Flummerfelt really reaches a high class of distinction...amounting to the idea that Westminster Choir College produces some of the best choirs in the country. On this specific album, some of the pinnacle compositions of the Choral Repertoire are sung with extreme senstivity. The album namesake, "Like as the Hart" by English composer Herbert Howells is beautifully sung. The Mozart "Laudate Dominum" is expressive, and the soprano soloist quite lyrical. The obscure "Psalm 24" by Nadia Boulanger is extremely extroverted, capturing the idea of the text...Not to also forget Nancianne Parella at the organ...supporting the choir with exactly what they need at each moment, whether that is brutal strength in the bass pedals, or beautiful strings from the manuals of the organ. I think it is very clear that when Joe works with a choir, he extracts the best sound possible...If you think you know choral music, buy this album...I am positive it will change your mind!