This is the debut CD of The Washington Master Chorale, conducted by Thomas Colohan. It features world premiere recordings of works by Lori Laitman and Donald McCullough, both commissioned by the group. Other composers represented are Samuel Barber, Stephen Chatman, Norman Dinerstein, Cecil Effinger, Ross Lee Finney and Morten Lauridsen. Albany Records is releasing this CD in December 2013.
“The actual title of the disc comes from the result of Albany’s first commission, Lori Laitman’s 2011 The Earth and I, based on poems by Emily Dickinson. The first movement, “The Sun Went Down,” uses warm, inviting harmonies and is beautifully sculpted by the Washington Master Chorale. Laitman matches Dickinson’s poignant text with an instinctive feel for the poem’s mood and shape, yet with harmonic language that is perfectly consistent. The second movement, “The Sky is Low,” is more complex texturally in its various strands and interactions, while the final set- ting, “The Wind,” references back to the first. There is some ecstatic writing (and singing) in this final movement. The Washington Master Chorale under the direction of Thomas Colohan responds sensitively to the various techniques employed by Laitman. ” (Fanfare Magazine, May/June2014)
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