Karl Jenkins Requiem | Gavin Horsley, Karl Jenkins, ... | A further expansion of a talented composer

Karl Jenkins Requiem | Gavin Horsley, Karl Jenkins, ... | Paradiso

classical music:

Karl Jenkins Requiem

	Karl Jenkins Requiem Gavin Horsley, Karl Jenkins, ... EMI Classics, 2005 average customer review:based on 11 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Karl Jenkins, the mastermind of the Adiemus project and The Armed Man (A Mass For Peace) has the gift of composing music that speaks to a very wide audience. This is a highly interesting work that draws on Western and Oriental traditions. Requiem is a mass for the souls of the dead set to texts in both Latin and Japanese, highlighting the cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth. EMI Classics. 2005.

A further expansion of a talented composer

I guess you could call me a "number one" fan of Karl Jenkins music. I find his music uplifting and soul-stirring. After a few listenings to Requiem, I quickly found so much to enjoy out of the variety of tracks.

For consumers that are only aware of Diamond Music, Jenkins has composed a whole collection of works, five to be exact, that are under the Adiemus title. You must, I repeat, must expand your collection to include some if not all of these titles, particularly Adiemus I, II & IV. These are such emotionally charged works, fashioned with a chorus of female singers and soloists and full orchestra. Do a quick search and you'll learn more about this themed works. But I digress....

Requiem is unique in that the composer uses a full chorus including male voices and a baritone soloist in the short work, "In These Stones..." This is the first time I'm aware that Jenkins embraces the SATB structure. What an exceptional inclusion to his body of works! I've picked out a few favorites including Introit, Dies Irae, and In Paradisum. However, Pie Jesu shines as a gorgeous heart felt work that effortlessly soars between child soloist, soprano soloist and chorus. Guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes. Finally, the short work that closes this CD, "In These Stones Horizons Sing", calls to mind Ralph Vaughn Williams and a touch of Glass. As a singer in many choruses, I found myself itching to bring this short piece to the attention of various choral directors. It conveys such a powerful quality, visions of Celtic settings arise in my mind. If you are a choral singer, I assure you, you will find something to inspire you. Enjoy Requiem and look into Jenkins other works as well. You won't be sorry.

for more information click here

Paradiso

Let me just say- a masterpiece. Specially the Requiem part of the album I liked a lot: Jenkins' harmonies, novelty of interpretation, and combination of styles. Integration of best elements of classical Requiem and modern composition.

contemporary requiem

After establishing a name as a innovative composer of popular music and of commercials, Jenkins has added several traditional works, most notably this requiem and his Mass for Peace. The Requiem is readily accessible with superb variety of effects. Following in the model of Britten's War Requiem, he intercalates Japanese poetry between sections of the mass. There are many historical connections with the English choral system. The melodies are memorable, the scoring varied. Jenkins extends the Dies Irae, breaking into five parts: Dies Irae, Rex tremendae, Confutatis, Lacrimosa, and Pie Jesu. Harmonically, the work has sufficient variety. There is notable variations in dynamics, rhythmic patterns, and tempo changes. There is some melodic extensions between sections; e.g., the opening of the Pie Jesu replicates the motive from the Introit, then compresses it. This opening theme appears in many of the following sections.

for more information click here

Beauty and bombast