Innisfree (GIA ChoralWorks)

Choral Music of Hope, Dreams, and Living

by James Jordan

2007

The first inspiring release in the GIA Choral Works series

In Yeats's poem, the Irish island of Innisfree was a place to contemplate the meaning of one's life. Music, if it is to have any value, must make our living better. It must have the power to strengthen us when we falter and point the way when life confuses or confounds us.

Each piece on this recording possesses this magical quality to teach us how to live: "Amazing Grace," which was born out of human despair, shows us that faith, hope, and belief can help even the most darkened spirit. Morten Lauridsen's "O magnum mysterium" shows us in sound the awe and wonder of things we cannot explain but can experience. The stunningly simple setting by Benjamin Britten of "A New Year Carol" possesses a sheer beauty that causes the listener to see a much simpler world.

All works were recorded in the acoustically spectacular Philadelphia Cathedral.

About Anam Cara: Anam Cara, the name of this choral group, is Celtic for soul mates. The roster of Anam Cara consists of a number of singers who are rotated into the ensemble depending upon the musical demands of each piece. However, for any one piece, there were never more than twenty singers in the ensemble. Because of their shared experiences at The Westminster Choir College, it was possible to have select singers appropriate for each style of music. GIA is pleased to introduce this exceptional ensemble to you.

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