Opera News has a new rave for Etherea Vocal Ensemble’s latest Delos release Hymn to the Dawn:
“As a young man, Gustav Holst became interested in Hindu mysticism…Among the felicitous results of this study were four sets of Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, a canonical sacred text of Hinduism. The third of these sets can be heard on this gorgeous new collection from the aptly named Etherea Vocal Ensemble, a group of seven accomplished female singers, plus countertenor (and OPERA NEWS contributor) Derek Greten-Harrison, who is also the group’s artistic director…The gossamer harp writing, sublimely rendered by Grace Cloutier, contributes strongly to these rare treasures…
“The unaccompanied quartet sound of four ensemble members in these pieces has a marvelous floating quality, warmly supported by the cushiony acoustics and engineering. Mendelssohn’s pleasingly contrapuntal Drei Motetten provide a chance to enjoy the luscious blend of the treble voices with Alan Murchie’s fluent organ-playing. (Noah Horn is the conductor for this set.) Also exemplary in combination are countertenor Greten-Harrison with sopranos Estelí Gomez and Amanda Sidebottom in the “Trio” movement of the second motet, as well as sopranos Jessica Petrus and Arianne Abela, who merge beautifully in the “Duet” movement from the third. Heather Petrie makes a quick but memorable solo contribution with her creamy contralto. Clearly, balance and tonal beauty are priorities in the ensemble work…” Joshua Rosenblum, Opera News
Read the full review on OperaNews.com
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhiAulHKaIg]
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