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Octarium

Octarium

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Customer Reviews

What An Incredible Album!

This is an amazing album. From Victoria to Britten to Vaughan Williams and back to Tallis, you will never hear a more inspired performance of this music. I've heard others attempt this repertoire, but few have acquitted themselves as Octarium does here. Of particular value is their recording of Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia. This is such a difficult piece, yet the 8 very able singers of Octarium perform it with accuracy and passion. Do yourself a favor and add this album to your collection.

Unusual and inviting Britten

I purchased Britten's "Hymn to St. Cecilia" from this collection and it is unlike any other in my library. With one or two voices per part, the texture is magnificently transparent and clear. The singing is first rate with impeccable intonation and blend. This is not always the case with only a few voices per part. However, I do miss the power of a larger group. The dynamic range of this piece can be very involving and that is lost in this interpretation. The piece is sung carefully and correctly but suffers from a lack of passion in some places. The work is also a challenge for vocal range and, happily, the singers here pull it off with aplomb. I am especially fond of the contralto solo. Often this solo sounds strained on top and pushed and chesty on the bottom. Here, it is done with a smooth high end and an impressive unforced bottom. The uppermost lines are written very high (originally written for boy sopranos). Here, these lines are sung by women (which I prefer) and they are beautifully spun above the staff. It is the bass line of this piece that often disappoints. It needs very solid bass singers with both low extension and clarity. Clarity here is abundant but the lowest extension is still missing in action. Nonetheless, the bass line comes across very well throughout most of the piece. It's that final cadence that is the killer. If you haven't already guessed, I am a fan of Britten's "Hymn to St. Cecilia" and I have several versions in my library. I have sung this piece myself with many choirs and I am very familiar with the piece. This one is a keeper -- it is very unusual and a must for a fan of choral music.

True to the Choral Art

I found this recording by chance, and am glad I did. This group has a refinement that is exquisite. Their attention to detail is relentless, leaving no phrase lacking in direction or purpose. While it is technically flawless, it is also humanly conveyed. Seldom is a group able to balance technical achievement and musical quality. Octarium has done it well. This is a recording that should be a part of any conductor's library. Garrett Lathe Artistic Director Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota

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