Arvo Pärt: Stabat Mater, Richard K. Pugsley/Gloriae Dei Cantores - Multichannel SACD

Gloriæ Dei Cantores

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SKU:
CD065
UPC:
0709887006524
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Edition:
1x SACD
Gloriæ Dei Cantores Cat#:
CD065
Released:
29.2.2020 in US
Genre:
Classical
Composer:
Arvo Pärt
Conductor:
Richard K. Pugsley
Orchestra:
Gloriae Dei Cantores
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“Music is my friend, ever-understanding. Compassionate. Forgiving, it’s a comforter, the handkerchief for drying my tears of sadness, the source of my tears of joy. My liberation and flight. But also, a painful thorn in my flesh and soul, that which makes me sober and teaches humility.”       Arvo Pärt

Modest about his achievements yet authentically convinced about the role of his music in today’s world, Arvo Pärt (b. 1935) is today’s most performed “classical” composer. For the past forty years, Pärt’s compositions have shown and spoken the influence of multiple layers and global influences – the music of the Orthodox Church, bells, Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, a compositional technique he developed called “tintinnabuli”, and…silence. This particular recording offers a unique cross-section of Pärt’s choral works, revealing the heart, soul and mind of a true master of his language in both text and music.

Gloriæ Dei Cantores (Singers to the Glory of God), under the direction of Richard K. Pugsley, is dedicated to promoting the best of sacred choral music. Several years ago, they began an in depth study of Arvo Pärt,  immersing themselves in his compositional style. They sang his music in worship, on tour and in an extensive concert series at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, MA. Their repertoire includes Arvo Pärt’s larger works such as Passio and Stabat Mater as well as the lesser known and performed L’abbé Agathon and Berliner Mass.

In this recording, the expressive beauty and clarity of Arvo Pärt's music shines through the joyful dance-like rhythms of Peace Upon You, Jerusalem and the glorious setting of Mary’s words in the Magnificat. The masterful L’abbé Agathon sets the scene of this ancient 4th century story of the chance (or was it?) meeting of the hermit Agathon and a leper. After several testings of the hermit’s patience and his generosity, the leper reveals himself to be an angel, and blesses the hermit Agathon, and goes on his way. The final work - a musical landmark in Pårt's career - is Stabat Mater, written to express the passion, agony, and love of Mary at the foot of the cross of her son.

Whether you are searching for refreshment, find yourself in an impossible situation, or ache in a deep place that is beyond what words can express, consider the words of Arvo Pärt, “Music is my friend, ever-understanding. Compassionate. Forgiving, it’s a comforter, the handkerchief for drying my tears of sadness, the source of my tears of joy."

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

“***** FIVE STARS - An exquisite disc of choral music by Arvo Pärt”
There have been a number of recordings of Stabat Mater. This one stands near or at the top of the competitive pile. Although much of the music is marked by the typical inward-looking quietness we associate with Pärt, there are contrasting sections of great drama. Conductor Richard Pugsley and his choral and instrumental forces scale everything perfectly...This is music that presents the listener with both pain and consolation, and it is incumbent on the performers to figure out how to unite those contrasting elements. It is accomplished in large part by taking great care with transitions, whether they are transitions of tempo, color, or dynamics. The bridging from one mood to the other must be judicious and very thoughtfully handled. There are many discs featuring Pärt’s choral writing...this is one of the finest...Their intonation is impeccable, their blending of voices is complete, and their ability to produce ethereal pianissimi while maintaining tonal body is very special. Pugsley keeps a firm pulse on music that could, and sometimes does, lose its shape under less capable hands. The recorded sound finds the right balance between spaciousness and clarity, and James E. Jordan’s notes are very informative. Finally, great praise to Gloriæ Dei Cantores for providing, on their own label, complete texts and translations. Recommended with enthusiasm.”
Henry Fogel, FANFARE

“The singers work their way through Pärt’s score with the grace of a chamber ensemble...Other passages reveal the full powers of the singers, which together unfold the lines with sweep and assurance...The harmonies here are so finely tuned that the overtones themselves become part of the musical fabric. Gloriae Dei Cantores, with its fine tone and resonance, excels at such passages and delivers phrases that swell into resplendent statements...With superb sound quality, the recording captures the fine acoustic of the Church of the Transfiguration, where the works were recorded. Conductor Richard Pugsley reveals the details of each composition with a rare sensitivity and luminosity.”
NEW YORK CLASSICAL REVIEW

“Arvo Part’s spiritual imagination infuses an exciting disc from Gloriæ Dei Cantores. In a substantial and gratifying recording by the Massachusetts ensemble Gloriæ Dei Cantores, it’s the variety of Part’s expressive powers over many decades, not the sameness, that shines through in six sacred works. The Naxos disc...showcases virtuosic solo singing and ensemble cohesion. The whole is the sum and then some of its excellent constituent parts. Richard K. Pugsley conducts with clarity, sensitivity, and an instinct for high-impact moments. The performances throughout radiate conviction and urgency, a belief in every phrase that’s sung or played.”
SAN FRANCISCO CLASSICAL VOICE

Listen to music samples


       1. Peace Upon You, Jerusalem

       2. L'abbé Agathon

       3. Salve Regina
 
       4. Magnificat
 
       5. Nunc dimittis
 
       6. Stabat Mater
SACD recordings carry 2 year warranty if treated properly. No returns of used product.

10 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 5
    The professional smoothness

    Posted by Dr. Matthias Longe, Klassik (Germany) on 9th Dec 2021

    Without a doubt, inspired choral singing - the texts are never obscured by the professional smoothness...which clearly follows the spiritual aspect of Pärt's artistic claim....Richard K. Pugsley often has all of this played with appropriate restraint...Dynamically, the interaction of conductor and choir results in a finely graduated picture, convincingly controlled and with beautiful concentration. Technically, the sound image is spatially wide and at the same time highly concentrated, and appropriately staggered...Singing simple lines simply is an essential secret of Arvo Pärt...So much is inspired

  • 5
    Magic

    Posted by GRAMOFON (Hungary) on 9th Dec 2021

    As a matter of fact, the “magic” that Pärt is now known for - bringing that sound to life - is certainly at least as much of an experience as listening. On the other hand, there is no doubt that it commands one’s attention...The recording can be listened to endlessly, sniffing the listener like a vortex - and when the sounds fall silent and only echo further inside us, we feel a peculiar catharsis: somehow we have become more or better.

  • 5
    A beautiful new SACD

    Posted by Colin Clarke, FANFARE on 9th Dec 2021

    This grave and beautiful new SACD...blows an unexpectedly warm breeze on the Estonian composer’s music...These works expand our knowledge of who Pärt is as a composer, and they are performed with great polish—but also with a purity that feels uniquely unaffected—by Gloriæ Dei Cantores and by soloists from the choir...There is a warmth here that one does not as readily hear in European recordings of these works. Indeed, the closing minutes of the Stabat Mater are heartbreaking on this new recording. Part of the reason, I think, is that the engineers have brought Gloriæ Dei Cantores into the foreground; the European recordings keep the singers further back, effectively objectifying them. However, one must admit that these new American versions simply are more emotional...I am sure it is no coincidence that this SACD has been released during Lent, although no one could have foreseen that it would be released during the novel coronavirus pandemic as well. In troubling and uncertain times, this is just what the doctor ordered, no matter what your spiritual beliefs might be.

  • 5
    Dramatic effect

    Posted by CHOIR & ORGAN (UK) on 9th Dec 2021

    This is a very polished recording, confidently performed and sumptuously produced. It is presented as a celebration of Pärt’s music and an exploration of his compositional techniques, notably his use of tintinnabuli and the dramatic effect of silence.

  • 5
    Impressive

    Posted by GRAMOPHONE (UK) on 9th Dec 2021

    The first from America to have recorded Pärt: enunciation is superb and corporate vocal tone distinctive…The choir’s singing combines an engaged and front-footed delivery…I would relish the chance to hear them singing well-prepared Anglican chant….That Gloriae Dei Cantores is a high–end and exceptionally well-drilled choir is in no doubt. There are plenty of moments that prove it…impressive.

  • 5
    The Salve Regina has never sounded more hushed and prayerful

    Posted by AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE on 9th Dec 2021

    With a full complement of well–trained singers on the job, their sound is pure enough to convey the depth of Pärt's spiritual message, but the palette of colors is deeper and richer...The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis come alive in a smooth, clear timbre regulated by pinpoint dynamic control. The Salve Regina has never sounded more hushed and prayerful.

  • 5
    To the beautiful baritone timbre also stand out

    Posted by GB OPERA MAGAZINE (Italy) on 9th Dec 2021

    Gloriae Dei Cantores...under the direction of Richard K. Pugsley, interprets these works with great technical mastery (homogenity, attention to dynamics, phrasing)...creating pure atmospheres of enchantment, which truly touch the heart and soul of the listener, transporting them to a high and profound spiritual dimension. In this high-level context, the technical-vocal qualities, the interpretive sensitivity of the soloists, from the luminous sopranos...to the beautiful baritone timbre also stand out.

  • 5
    Arvo Part’s spiritual imagination infuses an exciting disc from Gloriæ Dei Cantores

    Posted by SAN FRANCISCO CLASSICAL VOICE on 9th Dec 2021

    Arvo Part’s spiritual imagination infuses an exciting disc from Gloriæ Dei Cantores. In a substantial and gratifying recording by the Massachusetts ensemble Gloriæ Dei Cantores, it’s the variety of Part’s expressive powers over many decades, not the sameness, that shines through in six sacred works. The Naxos disc...showcases virtuosic solo singing and ensemble cohesion. The whole is the sum and then some of its excellent constituent parts. Richard K. Pugsley conducts with clarity, sensitivity, and an instinct for high-impact moments. The performances throughout radiate conviction and urgency, a belief in every phrase that’s sung or played.

  • 5
    Conductor Richard Pugsley reveals the details of each composition with a rare sensitivity and luminosity

    Posted by NEW YORK CLASSICAL REVIEW on 9th Dec 2021

    “The singers work their way through Pärt’s score with the grace of a chamber ensemble...Other passages reveal the full powers of the singers, which together unfold the lines with sweep and assurance...The harmonies here are so finely tuned that the overtones themselves become part of the musical fabric. Gloriae Dei Cantores, with its fine tone and resonance, excels at such passages and delivers phrases that swell into resplendent statements...With superb sound quality, the recording captures the fine acoustic of the Church of the Transfiguration, where the works were recorded. Conductor Richard Pugsley reveals the details of each composition with a rare sensitivity and luminosity.

  • 5
    FIVE STARS

    Posted by FIVE STARS - An exquisite disc of choral music by Arvo Pärt on 9th Dec 2021

    There have been a number of recordings of Stabat Mater. This one stands near or at the top of the competitive pile. Although much of the music is marked by the typical inward-looking quietness we associate with Pärt, there are contrasting sections of great drama. Conductor Richard Pugsley and his choral and instrumental forces scale everything perfectly...This is music that presents the listener with both pain and consolation, and it is incumbent on the performers to figure out how to unite those contrasting elements. It is accomplished in large part by taking great care with transitions, whether they are transitions of tempo, color, or dynamics. The bridging from one mood to the other must be judicious and very thoughtfully handled. There are many discs featuring Pärt’s choral writing...this is one of the finest...Their intonation is impeccable, their blending of voices is complete, and their ability to produce ethereal pianissimi while maintaining tonal body is very special. Pugsley keeps a firm pulse on music that could, and sometimes does, lose its shape under less capable hands. The recorded sound finds the right balance between spaciousness and clarity, and James E. Jordan’s notes are very informative. Finally, great praise to Gloriæ Dei Cantores for providing, on their own label, complete texts and translations. Recommended with enthusiasm.