Requiem: Choral Music of Mack Wilberg
by Bryn Terfel, Julie Bevan, Mack Wilberg, Craig D. Jessop, Jeannine Goeckeritz, Frederica Von Stade, Orchestra at Temple Square, Andrew Unsworth, Bonnie Goodliffe, Clay Christiansen

List Price: $16.98 Publisher: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Salesrank: 8562
Released: 29 January, 2008
Our Price: $16.98
 
Media: Audio CD
Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours

Tracklisting:
1. Requiem Aeternam -
2. Kyrie -
3. I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes -
4. How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place -
5. O Nata Lux -
6. The Lord Is My Shepherd -
7. I Am the Resurrection And the Life - Requiem Aeternam -
8. UBI Caritas Et Amore -
9. Lord, When the Sense Of Thy Sweet Grace -
10. O Light Of Life -
11. Jesu, The Very Thought Is Sweet -
12. Let Peace Then Still the Strife -

Customer Reviews:
Glorious
I have long been a fan of Dr. Wilberg’s work. Most people are more familiar with his arrangements, but this disc of original works is beyond words. The Requiem has some of the most gorgeous sounds possible, especially considering the humble orchestration that omits all brass but horns. The middle movement, “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place”, is so hauntingly beatiful with Ms. von Stade’s solo voice and TWO English horns. I love every facet of the music for this well-conceived masterpiece. The other pieces here are equally brilliant. I suggest this disc for any- and everyone. Truly awe-inspiring.

Very good.
I love Mack Wilberg’s work. This is not my favorite, but it is really, really good nonetheless!

A Trancendent Masterpiece
This is a glorious recording. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the soloists, Bryn Terfel and Fredericia Von Stade are outstanding. But this music belongs to the composer, Mack Wilberg and to the recording engineers. And yes, to the newly renovated Tabernacle building for it’s acoustical splendor.

This is the first major work we have heard from Mack Wilberg. Well-known for his splendind choral arrangements, it has long been obvious that this gentle man has been endowed with extraordinary musical talent. But his magnificent Requiem now elevates him to the ranks of major American composers.

For this Requiem is other-worldly. While Wilberg’s sound evoke elements of Vaughn-Williams, Brahms, Faure, and Durufle’, this work is entirely his and truly original. The lush strings in orchestral accompaniment are obviously predominant and add deeply-felt mesmeric themes to the work. Sung by a musical organization unlike any other, this recording exhibits a combination of excellence that all serious music lovers will want to add to their music collection.

Five other Wilberg short works complete this album. It’s difficult to hold back from using every beautifully descriptive adjective I can think of to all this lovely music.

If there ever was a “ten” rank, this recording deserves it.

Bjarne Christensen

Bentwater, Texas