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Choral Music Suggestions

I'm interested in trying some well recorded choral music in SACD, CD or LP format. I listen to baroque and classical music but do not have any experience with choral works. I think I would prefer smaller scale works from the same periods (or even early music) rather than large scale more modern works. Can you help me get started with some suggestions?
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frogman
7,472 posts
 
Also check out the Harmonia Mundi recordings of the music of Carlo Gesualdo; one of the most interesting personalities in all of musical history. His madrigals, composed in the late Rennaisance period are stunningly beautiful, and are literally centuries ahead of their time with their amazing use of chromaticism and dissonance.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Frogman, I agree 100%! I love the music of Gesualdo, and have been preaching about him to friends and colleagues for a long time!

I do not have the Harmonia Mundi recordings, though - who are the performers?

My favorite recording I have is the Book of Fifth Madrigals in a performance by the Consort of Musicke (Emma Kirkby on the top voice) on the L'Oiseau-Lyre label.
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
1,405 posts
 
Super guys--keep them coming. I'm headed to Princeton Record Exchange next month and will bring your suggestions!
frogman
7,472 posts
 
Hi Learsfool,

Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
"Madrigals In Five Parts"

Includes several madrigals from his last three books of madrigals which is, as you know, when things got really interesting. Amazing to think this music was written four hundred years ago.

Ensemble Vocal Européen, Philippe Herreweghe
"Sabbato Sancto"

Regards.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Thanks, Frogman - another nice performance I have of some of his church music is called Tenebrae, with the Hilliard Ensemble on the ECM New Series label.
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