Westminster Choir – O Magnum Mysterium (2018 Remaster) (SACD hibrid)

Originally recorded in 1992 by Chesky Records, “O Magnum Mysterium” is a magnificent example of the breathtaking sonic harmony, flawless balance, and nuanced emotional expression of the world-famous Westminster Choir. Under the direction of its longtime conductor, Joseph Flummerfelt, the Princeton, New Jersey-based ensemble – widely known for its historic, multi-season performances alongside the New York Philharmonic – reaches a pinnacle of choral artistry on this groundbreaking album.

The carefully curated program features nine exquisite settings of sacred vocal music that focus on the Christmas story and the mystery of the Incarnation, loosely following the structure of a traditional Sunday service. At the heart of this musical journey are three contrasting settings of the title piece, “O Magnum Mysterium,” by Tomás Luis de Victoria, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Francis Poulenc. From the delicate, airy textures of the English Renaissance in William Byrd’s “Ave Verum Corpus” to the modern, chromatic brilliance of Verdi’s “Ave Maria,” the track list offers sublime stylistic and sonic contrasts.

Recorded by renowned sound engineer Bob Katz in the vast, beautifully reverberant chancel of the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin in New York City, the natural reverb of the stone cathedral allows the choir and Nancianne Perrella’s organ playing to float in three dimensions. Using Chesky’s breathtaking 2018 remaster, Evosound is now releasing this audiophile classic as a Hybrid SACD (Dual-Layer).

MUSICIANS

Conductor: Joseph Flummerfelt
Choir: Westminster Choir
Organ: Nancianne Perrella

We recommend the use of „L’Art du Son” CD/DVD conditioner for even more sonic improvement.

Lista pieselor

1.    Edgar L. Bainton: And I Saw A New Heaven
2.    Benjamin Britten: Festival Te Deum
3.    Tomás Luis de Victoria: O Magnum Mysterium
4.    Francis Poulenc: O Magnum Mysterium
5.    Peter Maxwell Davies: O Magnum Mysterium
6.    Olivier Messiaen: O Sacrum Convivium
7.    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Ave Verum Corpus
8.    Maurice Duruflé: Kyrie (From Requiem)
9.    Willliam Byrd: Ave Verum Corpus
10.    Lukas Foss: Behold! I Build A House
11.    Giuseppe Verdi: Ave Maria
12.    Anton Bruckner: Ave Maria
13.    Igor Stravinsky: Ave Maria
14.    Johannes Brahms: Lass Dich Nur Nichts Nicht Dauren
15.    Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry: I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me
16.    Peter C. Lütken: The Lord Bless You And Keep You