Choral Music Suggestions

Run down a copy of "The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis" (a 2 CD set on Gimell, Amazon has it new and used).

Tallis was a 16th century English composer who wrote both Catholic and Protestant music (remember Henry VIII) but he has some gorgeous pieces. Excellent recording.

+1 on the Pergolesi Stabat Mater Florilegium. It is terrific on Channel Classics CD (SACD/Redbook/DSD/Surround 5.0)

Also recommend "Rheinberger: Sacred Choral Works", on Chandos (SACD/Redbook/DSD/Multi-channel).

And for something different, withelectronica meshed in, try Paul Schwartz "State of Grace".

I would suggest you pick up the Hyperion SACD of works by Morten Lauridsen, with his Lux Aeterna and O Magnum Mysterium. A contemporary composer with his own musical language, but some of the most moving choral music I have ever heard or sung. You might also want to check out some of the recordings by the smaller English and other choirs such as the Cambridge Singers, The Sixteen, the Tallis Scholars, Chanticleer or the Corydon Singers, among others, they have made a number of recordings of some varied smaller scale choral works from all periods that might get you interested in the works of some of the composers of choral music. And if you want to venture into some larger scale choral works which still work for smaller choruses, there are a number of fine recordings of the Faure and Durufle Requiems that you could buy, two of my favorite works in the genre.

Excellent guys--thanks! Please keep them coming!

My most favorite choral piece - The Faure Requiem, in the original version for choir only, performed by Herreweghe on Harmonia Mundi. Absolutely beautiful intimate music sung in a chamber.

In the same spirit but for those who want an orchestra as well, albeit a chamber orchestra, is Herreweghe's 2d disc on Harmonia Mundi. Take your pick.

FWIW the latter disc also includes an excellent Franck Symphony in B which is smaller in scale and a relief from normal (i.e. overblown, IMHO) versions.

If you are not familiar with these works, or versions, you should give them a listen. I'm not sure that they are, but they may be ones that Rcprince referred to in his post, although they are more commonly presented as large force pieces with a full orchestra.