Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and Other Choral Works
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Free Music Notes for Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and Other Choral Works
Free Music Review: Excellent performances create a moving soundscape
Hit: 5 Stars
I enjoy a variety of music but have not ventured into choral works. I heard a sampling of Eric Whitacre's Cloudburst on NPR while driving home during the fall. Call it a coincidence of timing, but I happened to be facing the sunset as the sun was coming down into a set of clouds that turned the horizon into liquid gold just as the music started. Admittedly, it had been a long day, the commute wasn't that great, and I had been going through some personally stressful ordeals, but Eric's music was totally captivating and uplifting in a way I have rarely experienced. I just got the CD yesterday and spent the morning listening to it. I'm not particular overwhelmed with a couple of the arrangements including the change in the title track Cloudburst, but overall, the CD has fulfilled my expectations as a moving and beautifully performed artwork. I'm looking forward to experiencing more of Eric Whitacre's work in the future.Free Music Review: Just some coverage.
Hit: 4 Stars
Going over what most people have already said.
Polyphony does a wonderful job with each piece.
I think the new pieces, including This Marriage are sung beautifully.
Polyphony also gives a new sound to some of the bigger songs written by Eric Whitacre.
-A Comparison-
It was stated in the cd cover from "Complete A Capella Works", Roh Staheli used former members of the group to sing along with the current group for the larger pieces such as,"Water Night", "When David Heard" and "Cloudburst". Which gave a heavy advantage to the 23 singers of Polyphony. But also muddied the recording and the sound in parts with such a large choir, I estimated around 80 singers, also the instruments and accompaniment clouded up "Cloudburst" in the climactic areas.(excuse any punns used) BYU Singers are hard to match in talent, blend, and overall balance. Polyphony, although heavy with their dipthongs and accents, and consonants (which is what makes "Cloudburst" so much more amazing), has a beautiful sound, also they are never shy with the sopranos on high notes. Neither group is more mature sounding than the other, Polyphony has their moments, but so do the BYU Singers. Polyphony has the advantage of the newer arrangements by E.W. free from comparison as they have not yet been professionally recorded. A Boy and a Girl has such a dissonant opening that is mastered by Polyphony, in blend and balance. The first madrigal type song from Eric, "This Marriage", seems to fit this group wonderfully, as the English invented the Madrigal and the perfect 4 part sound. Last, "Her Sacred Psirit Soars", is Cambridge esque in chanting, but classic Eric in progressive stacking of chords through the SATB's.
Some Observations
Polyphony, I believe, gives a clean and clear interpretation of the song "Cloudburst" which, when I first heard it, gave me goosebumps and also a completely new appreciation for the song. To be honest, I thought BYU Singers sounded ill prepared for "Cloudburst" and a little under pitch during the heavy instrumental part. So, Polyphony's version of "Cloudburst" is a wonderful reason to buy this cd.
Another commentor mentioned that the group sounded scattered or maybe a bit un-even in their sound. If you look into the cover of the cd, there is an amazing picture of the cathedral in which they sang in, as well as the scattered formation in which they stood. The cathedral was probably microphoned closer to one side of the room to avoid interference from intsruments.
I also was surprised because I had just seen, "DaVinci Code" in theaters and in the movie they actually end up in that same cathedral that Polyphony recorded this cd in.
"Leondardo Dreams" I'm sad to heard didn't make it in the cd. The Cathedral shown in DaVinci Code and the song written about DaVinci's Flying Machine, would have been a great coincidence.
Also, if anyone has noticed that Polyphony is almost a half-step lower in pitch on each of their songs than a correctly tuned piano. I think they tuned off of the Xylophone or bells used in "Cloudburst". Also, there is a note discrepancy in "When David Heard" along the mens part in the middle of the song. Tenors singing "Absolom". I had bought the piece of music, but for some reason cannot find it, especially now that I know, one of the two exceptional groups is singing a wrong note!
There is a male alto in this group, that sticks out quite a bit, especially in forte areas, when his breath runs low. It's sad that I can hear that.
Free Music Review: Gorgeous Choral Music
Hit: 4 Stars
Eric Whitacre is an amazing composer. He uses just the right amount of tension and release in his chord structures, creating the kind of beauty in music that gives you goose bumps. Some of the cluster chords and progressions are absolutely breathtaking. If you have ever sung in a choir or enjoy choral music, you will understand and appreciate the talent used to sing cluster chords as in tune as the choir on this CD. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes choral music and anyone else who would like to expand their level of music listening. Free Music Review: Cloudburst and other Choral Works/Eric Whitacre
Hit: 5 Stars
These beautiful songs transported me into a whole new space. The well-chosen poetry (eg. Rumi) and the magnificent harmonies demand well-focused attention. This is not "background music". Not recommended for driving!Free Music Review: An Excellent CD, if Flawed
Hit: 4 Stars
Inevitably, this albumn is going to be compared to the BYU album of Whitacre's music (which I love). Overall, I feel BYU album is significantly better. Some of Whitacre's pieces need a larger soundstage to gain the proper effect (Sleep and When David Heard, namely) and BYU's director Stehli really understands this and the tempos/phrasing that these pieces require. That being said, there are some pieces on this album that are performed I think better than BYU. Cloudburst is given a masterfull performance by Polyphany, the middle section actually sounds like a downpour and is more in spirit with the piece than the comparatively paltry sound effect treatment BYU gives the piece (albiet well sung). It is additionally helped by impeccable phrasing and the smaller ensemble gives the indiviual parts places to breathe and expand. The same might be said of I thank thee God for this most amazing day, a fabulous performance by Polyphany. The 3 note saprano soli in the middle of the piece is done very well and not muddled like on BYU's recording. Overall, this album has really grown on me with every listen and is definately worth the cost. It does give some fresh sound and sometimes better recordings of Eric Whitacre's beautiful music. Buy it!