Sacred Treasures IV: Choral Masterworks, Quiet Prayers

In choosing the music, much emphasis was located upon finding the much exquisite rendition of every piece, afterwards comparing numerous performances by different choirs. As a outcome, each track is sublime! Another signature aspect of this compilation--as in the entire Sacred Treasures series--is the intentional sequencing of the pieces.

Among the much notable pieces are three jewels every from beloved contemporary composers Morten Lauridsen and Arvo Part. The Lauridsen offerings are all stand-outs: the radiant "O NATA LUX", the heavenly "O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM", and the poignant "CONTRE QUI, ROSE" which is based upon a poem by Rilke concerning love.

Opening the album is Arvo Part's great invocation to wisdom "O WEISHEIT", which is infused together with expansive natural resonance from the ancient stone church where the piece was recorded. The two concluding instrumental pieces are in addition by Arvo Part: "SPIEGEL IM SPIEGEL"--a deep meditation for violin and piano--and"PARI INTERVALLO"--a masterpiece for pipe organ in its quietest mood. From 20th century France, there are two exquisite classics by Gabriel Faure'--"IN PARADISUM" from his Requiem and "BENEDICTUS" from the much less famous Messe Basse--and Maurice Durufle's ethereal "IN PARADISUM" from his Requiem. In addition, there are two angelic pieces from the RUSSIAN ORTHODOX tradition, and a heart-melting, rarely performed gem from the Renaissance--Victoria's "JESU DULCIS MEMORIA"--which sounds as if it could have been written yesterday. This is truly a sanctuary for the soul, a haven for the listener to return to over and over again...