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The British group Papagena consists of five women: three sopranos, and a pair of altos. Nevertheless, until the final two pieces by contemporary composer Don MacDonald, they mostly avoid part-singing or madrigal-like textures here. The Darkest Midnight has lots of solos and monophonic lines. This is what holds together a startlingly wide variety of material, from medieval chant to Joni Mitchell, from traditional Irish and German material to Ravel and contemporary pieces. The group is technically impressive, with small groups of voices fused into smooth single and dual lines; you could sample the medieval Angelus ad virginem for a taste. But the way the program leads you into a deep sense of mystery is the most unusual accomplishment here. As the title suggests, this is a solstice album rather than a Christmas one, although Jesus does make a guest appearance. Seven languages are represented in total; others will have to gauge the vocal coaching, but the music seems to hold together as a single utterance. Somm's studio sound is ideal; a church would have lost some of the uncanny precision. A top seasonal release of 2018, and one that will serve for many years to come.
© TiVo
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Don oiche ud i mBeithil (That Night in Bethlehem) (arr. S. Vango) (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Suzzie Vango, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Maria durch ein Dornwald ging (arr. P. Pawson) (Philip Lawson)
Traditional, Composer - Philip Lawson, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Nowell, Tidings True There Be Come New (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Sarah Tenant-Flowers, Artist - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
O Jesulein zart (arr. W. Brückner) (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Winnie Brückner, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
A Nativity (John Tavener)
John Tavener, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Shchedryk (Hark How the Bells) (adap. P.J. Wihousky and arr. E. Drury) (Peter J. Wilhousky)
Peter J. Wilhousky, Composer - Elizabeth Drury, Composer - Leontovych Mykola, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Balulalow (arr. S. Vango) (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Suzzie Vango, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
The River (arr. J. Clements) (Jim Clements)
Jim Clements, Composer - Elizabeth Drury, Artist, MainArtist - Papagena, Ensemble
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
L'enfant et les sortilèges, M. 71 (Clytus Gottwald)
Maurice Ravel, Composer - Clytus Gottwald, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Angelus Ad Virginem (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Sancta Mater Graciae - Dou way Robin (Anonyme)
Anonymous, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Gaudete (arr. S. Vango) (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Suzzie Vango, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
The Darkest Midnight (arr. D.Ó. Muirithe) (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Diarmaid Ó Muirithe, Composer - Suzzie Vango, Artist, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
The Waiting Sky (Oliver Tarney)
Oliver Tarney, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Det lisle bånet (The Little Child) (arr. T. Krohn for vocal ensemble and percussion) (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Andy Guthrie, Artist - Tone Krohn, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
In dulci Jubilo (arr. M. Culloton) (Traditional)
Traditional, Composer - Matthew Culloton, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (Lo! How a Rose, E'er Blooming) (arr. S. Tenant-Flowers) (Michel Praetorius)
Michael Praetorius, Composer - Sarah Tenant-Flowers, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
When the Earth Stands Still (Don MacDonald)
Don MacDonald, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Fusion (Don MacDonald)
Don MacDonald, Composer - Papagena, Ensemble, MainArtist
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
Album review
The British group Papagena consists of five women: three sopranos, and a pair of altos. Nevertheless, until the final two pieces by contemporary composer Don MacDonald, they mostly avoid part-singing or madrigal-like textures here. The Darkest Midnight has lots of solos and monophonic lines. This is what holds together a startlingly wide variety of material, from medieval chant to Joni Mitchell, from traditional Irish and German material to Ravel and contemporary pieces. The group is technically impressive, with small groups of voices fused into smooth single and dual lines; you could sample the medieval Angelus ad virginem for a taste. But the way the program leads you into a deep sense of mystery is the most unusual accomplishment here. As the title suggests, this is a solstice album rather than a Christmas one, although Jesus does make a guest appearance. Seven languages are represented in total; others will have to gauge the vocal coaching, but the music seems to hold together as a single utterance. Somm's studio sound is ideal; a church would have lost some of the uncanny precision. A top seasonal release of 2018, and one that will serve for many years to come.
© TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 19 track(s)
- Total length: 01:04:17
- 1 Digital booklet
- Main artists: Papagena Elizabeth Drury Suzzie Vango Sarah Tenant-Flowers Andy Guthrie
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: SOMM Recordings
- Genre: Ambient/New Age Christmas Music
(C) 2018 SOMM Recordings (P) 2018 SOMM Recordings
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