Morton Lauridsen, a Professor of Composition at the University of Southern California, is the most frequently performed American choral composer of our time. Lux Aeterna one of his most popular and moving compositions, has been twice recorded, each receiving Grammy nominations.
This gorgeously recorded disc collects works that were composed between 1983 and 2005. Lauridsen is an avid poetry lover and Mid Winter Songs (1983) recalls British poet and novelist Robert Graves’ affection for two of his lovers. The five choral songs are disturbing, joyful, tender and spiritually moving. Lauridsen’s orchestral accompaniment is tonal, and often reflective of his expertise in early music (Medieval and Renaissance). The 1993 Les chansons des roses, an unaccompanied (except for the final poem) choral setting of Rainer Maria Rilke’s tribute to the many symbols of a rose – love, the thorns, beauty, friendship, and tenderness. Especially memorable is the music to the last poem – Dirait-on (So they say), lyrically reminiscent of Lux Aeterna.
Two of the three sacred songs on this disc were written early in Lauridsen’s career – when he was in his twenties. O come, let us sing unto the Lord uses an organ as accompaniment and Ave dulcissima Maria effectively uses finger cymbals to echo its church setting. Nocturnes celebrates the sensual, romantic and eternal visions that arise during our night long dreams and reveries. Set to three different poets, this nearly 15 minute work is a beautiful and serene completion to a disc that is filled with lovely music. Performances are excellent. Anyone who is interested in the best of choral music of our time will treasure this disc.
— Robert Moon
