Earlier this year an outstanding recording of a cappella numbers by Robert Kyr was released on the Bridge label. Entitled In Praise of Music, the CD contains pieces that Kyr has written over the last 20 years. All are beautifully sung with impeccable blend by the Antioch Chamber Ensemble, a professional choir based in metropolitan New York, under the direction of Joshua Copeland.
The first three pieces of the album have text written by Kyr that lauds the music as a balm for our souls. “In Praise of Music” builds upon multilayered lines to a final, vigorous climax. “O Great Spirit” offers echoing, sonic waves. “In the Name of Music” is highlighted by pure tone, and an enchanting siren of women’s voices that wonderfully decay into the distance.
“Veni Creator Spiritus” channels back to a Medieval-sounding recitative style with various Latin texts. The men’s voices rumble in the basement region while the women hover in the upper stories. The piece ends with an eloquent Dona nobis pacem that becomes triumphant – all with no vibrato.
One of the highlights of the “Santa Fe Vespers” is when the women sing a playful Laudate while the men anchor things steadily underneath. Another high point, the choir executes a tricky series sounds that spiral downward. Later, while singing of seraphims, it is easy to imagine these angelic creatures swirling about in the heavens.
“Downsong” is a soothing, meditative vocalise. “Ode to Music” provides a lovely setting of a sonnet by John Donne. The choir raised an intense prayer in “Voices for Peace” and followed that with ardent wailing in “Freedom Song” with Kyr accompanying on a frame drum. The last number, “Alleluia for Peace” gives a final, passionate plea.
The Antioch Ensemble sang each piece with terrific balance and commitment, making In Praise of Music an excellent addition to your choral library.
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