Bluegrass Mass
11-1-07: VocalEssence and Clarion Records launch Heritage series with "The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass"
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (November 1, 2007) - This fall, VocalEssence and Clarion Records are launching Heritage: The American Choral Experience, a new series of CDs celebrating the remarkable diversity and excellence of choral music by American composers.
Monroe Crossing
Named in honor of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass," Monroe Crossing plays an upbeat blend of classic and traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Audiences can sing along to the music of Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, the Osborne Brothers, and Jimmy Martin, performed in unique arrangements by the band.
The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass
Clarion CLR931CD
The world premiere recording of Carol Barnett and Marisha Chamberlain's bluegrass mass — a joyful affirmation of life expressed in sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies written especially for the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and bluegrass band Monroe Crossing. Plus ten American masterworks spanning the centuries, originally recorded for the national radio program Saint Paul Sunday, from Billings to Bolcom and beyond.
The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass
Carol Barnett, composer
Marisha Chamberlain, librettist
1. Ballad Refrain13. O Praise the Lord of Heaven (William Billings)
2. Kyrie
3. Ballad, First Verse
4. Gloria
5. Ballad, Second Verse and Refrain
5. Credo
7. Sanctus
8. Ballad, Third & Fourth Verses and Refrain
9. Agnus Dei
10. Interlude: "Art Thou Weary?"
11. Benediction
12. Conclusion
14. The Paper Reeds by the Brooks (Randall Thompson)
15. Beneath These Alien Stars (Libby Larsen)
16. The Day Is Done (Stephen Paulus)
17. I Cannot Dance, O Lord (Aaron Jay Kernis)
18. Sing, My Soul, His Wondrous Love (Ned Rorem)
19. Heritage (William Bolcom)
20. Zuni Sunrise Song (Brent Michael Davids)
21. Water Night (Eric Whitacre)
22. My Soul's Been Anchored (Moses Hogan)
Tour: VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Monroe Crossing
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, considered one of America’s most
adventurous and finest choral groups, join Monroe Crossing, the
Midwest’s leading bluegrass and gospel band, in this extraordinary
concert. After hearing a short set by each group, discover the magic of
Carol Barnett’s “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass,” which was
written for them to perform together. The contrast of the sophisticated
choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies brings its beautiful text
to life, creating a unique experience of celebration, grace and peace.
Ticket Price:
$20
Tour: VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Monroe Crossing
At Luther College with the Nordic Choir, Collegiate Chorale, and Cathedral Choir
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, considered one of America’s most adventurous and finest choral groups, join Monroe Crossing, the Midwest’s leading bluegrass and gospel band, in this extraordinary concert. Discover Carol Barnett’s The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass. The contrast of the sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies brings its beautiful text to life, creating a unique experience of celebration, grace and peace. Luther College choirs collaborate for performance surprises and a powerful finale.
For more information, visit http://programming.luther.edu/centerstage/VocalEssence/index.html.
Ensemble Singers Tour: VocalEssence and Monroe Crossing
3201 Burton Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 526-6282
