Louise Talma's "Talma: Choral Works" is a captivating collection of neoclassical choral compositions that showcase the composer's distinctive style and profound musicality. Released in 1996 under the Vox label, this album spans a total of 75 minutes and features a rich tapestry of sacred and secular choral works.
The album opens with "A Wreath of Blessings," a five-part suite that weaves together various blessings and benedictions, each movement offering a unique musical interpretation of sacred texts. Following this, "Voices of Peace" presents a series of compositions that evoke themes of tranquility, harmony, and spiritual reflection, including settings of the "Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi" and the Hebrew word for peace, "Shalom."
The centerpiece of the album is "Holy Sonnets: La Corona," a seven-movement choral cycle composed in 1954-55. This monumental work sets the poetry of John Donne, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and redemption with profound depth and emotional resonance. The cycle is performed with exquisite artistry by The Gregg Smith Singers, bringing Talma's intricate compositions to life.
The album concludes with "Let's Touch the Sky," a trio of whimsical and imaginative settings of e.e. cummings' poetry, showcasing Talma's versatility and playful side. Throughout the album, Talma's neoclassical style shines, characterized by its clarity, precision, and rich harmonic language.
Louise Talma, an American composer, academic, and pianist, was known for her significant contributions to vocal and choral music. Her works, including this album, reflect her deep engagement with literary texts and her ability to translate complex emotions and ideas into compelling musical narratives. "Talma: Choral Works" is a testament to her enduring legacy and a must-listen for fans of choral music and neoclassical compositions.
Tracks
A Wreath of Blessings: No. 1, A House BlessingLouise Talma, Gina Scaggs, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
A Wreath of Blessings: No. 2, Irish BlessingLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
A Wreath of Blessings: No. 3, Augustine's WordLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
A Wreath of Blessings: No. 4, A Glasse of BlessingsLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
A Wreath of Blessings: No. 5, Chester Cathedral BlessingLouise Talma, April Lindevald, Drew Martin, Leslie Dorsey, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Voices of Peace: No. 1, Agnus DeiLouise Talma, Adirondack Chamber Orchestra, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Voices of Peace: No. 2, Prayer of St. Francis of AssisiLouise Talma, Scott Whitaker, Adirondack Chamber Orchestra, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Voices of Peace: No. 3, Pray for the Peace of JerusalemLouise Talma, Adirondack Chamber Orchestra, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Voices of Peace: No. 4, PeaceLouise Talma, Adirondack Chamber Orchestra, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Voices of Peace: No. 5, Shalom! Pax et Bonum!Louise Talma, Rosalind Rees, Scott Whitaker, Charles Robert Stevens, Adirondack Chamber Orchestra, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
The Leaden Echo and the Golden EchoLouise Talma, Eleanor Clark, Jonathan Sherry, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Holy Sonnets: No. 1, La coronaLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Holy Sonnets: No. 2, AnnunciationLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Holy Sonnets: No. 3, NativitieLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Holy Sonnets: No. 4, TempleLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Holy Sonnets: No. 5, CrucifyingLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Holy Sonnets: No. 6, ResurrectionLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Holy Sonnets: No. 7, AscentionLouise Talma, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Let's Touch the Sky: No. 1, Anyone Lived in a Pretty How TownLouise Talma, Rebecka Troxler, Gerard Reuter, Peter Simmons, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Let's Touch the Sky: No. 2, Love is More Thicker Than ForgetLouise Talma, Rebecka Troxler, Gerard Reuter, Peter Simmons, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
Let's Touch the Sky: No. 3, If Ups the WordLouise Talma, Rebecka Troxler, Gerard Reuter, Peter Simmons, Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith
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