Elizabeth C. Patterson: Eclipse, The Voice Of Jean Langlais, Gloriae Dei Cantores - 2x CD

The choral sound is clean, more committed than nuanced, but stylistically knowing ... David Chalmers displays impressive technique in the Fete. For a broad retrospective at the end of this centenary year of the composer's birth, this set is highly recommended.

This CD, so lovingly and passionately compiled is an excellent place to start an understanding this remarkable, blind composer and organist. James Jordan is acutely aware of its [the Skinner organ] potential and uses the full instrument gloriously. The choir Gloriæ Dei Cantores is excellent with fine diction and intonation and a clear and precise ensemble. They achieve an ideal balance aided by the upfront but not overpowering recording.

The label can be proud of its signal contribution to the Langlais anniversary.

This collection of vocal and instrumental music will help fill the void in recordings ... of Langlais.” “If you like Langlais you will enjoy this collection. The choir is excellent. ... Chalmers offers a first-rate job on Fete. There's a good balance between choir and organ.

Numerous recordings of Langlais’ music were made during the centennial of his birth year, so what separates this one from the rest? It gives the listener a glimpse into Langlais’ soul. Of all the influences in his life, Langlais’ refuge and the inspiration for his sacred music was his Catholic faith. He incorporated chant, Medieval and Renaissance styles, and folk music from his native Brittany as well. Eclipse: The Voice of Jean Langlais contains music spanning over forty years of Langlais’ creative life, including compositions for choir, organ, and brass. These range from brief and intimate to large-scale mass settings ... There are multiple moments of beauty on these discs. The Mass Grant Us Peace is unique from the start in that the composer uses English for the text ... The performance incorporates the full range of human emotion from disappointment and shame to indescribable joy and everything in between. The combination of acoustics, a well-disciplined choir, an extremely sensitive organist, and the inspiring conducting of Elizabeth Patterson makes this an exhilarating journey of music and faith! ... The singers of the Gloriæ Dei Cantores are disciplined and dynamic in their sound, attentive to the superb direction of their inspiring conductor Elizabeth C. Patterson, and faithfully represent the music they sing. The Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts, completes the sound with fine acoustics, a superb organ, and organists who play with sensitivity and elegance. Kudos to organists David Chalmers, James Jordan, and Sharon Pfeiffer; the singers of the Schola and Gloriæ Dei Cantores, cantor Br. Richard Cragg, the members of brass quintet Gabriel V, and their conductor for an exceptional disc. Many readers will know the pieces described, and that alone is worth the price, but the other tracks will serve as icing on your choral cake! Highly recommended.

These two CDs are about as good an introduction to [Langlais’] art as I know of, and the fabulous Gloriæ Dei Cantores sing with the enthusiasm and devotion that their fans have come to expect. They are an exceptionally wide-repertory group, and Elizabeth Patterson has worked miracles in keeping them so excellently consistent over the years. ... great singing and one of the few ways to come to know this man's work. The sound, taken down at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts, is first rate.

This beautifully produced recording features music of Langlais for choir, organ and brass spanning over 40 years. Under the skillful leadership of Elizabeth Patterson, the 40-plus voice Gloriæ Dei Cantores ... perform with great care, commitment, precision, balance, integrity and sensitivity. These are exemplary performances, recorded during the centennial year of Langlais' birth, offering an opportunity to experience some of his lesser-known works.