Choral Art Society Archive

“Tapestries” = Choral works of DAN LOCKLAIR – soloists/The Choral Art Society/ Robert Russell – MSR Classics

by Audiophile Audition | Jun 22, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

A wonderful and generous sampling of some of the finest choral music written today. “Tapestries” = DAN LOCKLAIR: Holy Canticles; Alleluia Dialogues; Instant Culture; On Cats; Break Away!; Dona Nobis Pacem; Proclaim The Lord; A Christmas Carol; Three Christmas Motets; Windswept (The Trees); For Amber Waves; Tapestries; Brief Mass; Changing Perceptions; Epitaph – Ann Doyle, p./ Bel Canto Company/ David Pegg/ Prometheus Ch. Players/ Shirley Curry, p./ The Choral Art Society/ Robert Russell – MSR Classics MS 1463 (2 CDs), 61:46, 70:26 [Distr. by Albany] ****: Few contemporary composers have been as successful as Dan Locklair; his prolific music is performed widely, even world-widely, in many genres. It’s not difficult; it doesn’t have even the slightest pretense towards aphoristic complexities or trendy associations. What it does have is heart, lots of heart, sincerity, craft, and communicativeness. And best of all, none of these characteristics are in the slightest way condescending toward we listeners. Everything Locklair declaims is honest, forthright, and moving. This generous two-CD set covers a lot of his choral output from 1981-96, and the consistency and quality are remarkable, and the excellent mix of sacred and secular provides a fine overview of the man’s intents and interests. Especially […]