Angels Of Ecstasy

ANGELS OF ECSTASY aspires to be a retrospective of sacred music from throughout the millennium. While such an undertaking can hardly be accomplished on one CD, the album stands on its own as a remarkable collection of choral works.
Revisiting early concepts of harmony and melody, the album celebrates an age when sacred music was the dominant genre. The producers focus on pieces with great sentimental appeal, such as Johannes Brahms's 'Ein Deutsches Requiem,' with its delicate, soaring chorus. The Verdi selection is a bit more rambunctious, but overall, the music has a peaceful focus.
The performances are the cream of the crop from BMG's library. The Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge is absolutely haunting in its rendition of Gregorio Allegri's 'Miserere Mei, Deus.' Cellist Steven Isserlis stands out as one of the few non-vocal soloists. His performance of John Tavener's 'Svyati' is an outstanding example of contemporary sacred music, and a sign that such powerfully emotional music will be with us forever.