Barbara Harbach, a renowned composer and musician, presents her 19th volume of choral music, a captivating collection that spans a variety of themes and styles. Released on March 17, 2025, under MSR Classics, this album is a testament to Harbach's versatility and depth as a composer. Clocking in at just over an hour, the album is a rich tapestry of sacred and secular works, each track a unique exploration of sound and emotion.
The album opens with a series of Christmas-themed pieces, including "Listen to the Angels Sing!" and "Infant of Light," setting a warm and inviting tone. Harbach's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies and lyrical melodies, and these tracks are no exception. The Christmas Babe and Come, Baby Jesu, Come are particularly noteworthy for their delicate interplay of voices and instruments.
The album then shifts to a series of works inspired by the writings of Martin Luther, collectively known as the Luther Cantata. These pieces showcase Harbach's ability to blend historical themes with contemporary musical techniques. Tracks like "Our God is Like a Fortress Strong" and "Christ, the New Contender" are powerful and evocative, while "Ein Feste Finale" brings the cantata to a triumphant close.
The album also includes a series of settings of Psalms, each one a unique interpretation of the sacred texts. From the soaring "Love Has Opened Wide the Door!" to the introspective "O Lord, You Have Searched Me," these pieces demonstrate Harbach's deep understanding of the spiritual and emotional resonance of the Psalms.
The album concludes with a selection of secular works, including "All Alone Blues" and "Rolled Away." These tracks showcase Harbach's ability to craft compelling narratives through music, whether it's the bluesy lament of "All Alone Blues" or the triumphant energy of "Rolled Away."
Throughout the album, Harbach's compositions are brought to life by a talented ensemble of singers and musicians. The performances are nuanced and expressive, capturing the full range of Harbach's musical vision. Whether you're a longtime fan of Barbara Harbach or a newcomer to her work, this album is a must-listen, offering a rich and rewarding exploration of one of the most versatile and innovative composers of our time.
Tracks
Listen to the Angels Sing!Barbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Infant of LightBarbara Harbach, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
The Christmas BabeBarbara Harbach, Robert Southwell, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Come, Baby Jesu, ComeBarbara Harbach, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Bethlehem WindBarbara Harbach, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Today Christ is BornBarbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Gloria to the Most High God (Luke 2:14-2:14)Barbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
To Kindle Every Frozen HeartBarbara Harbach, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
As Sun Disperses the Mourning CloudsBarbara Harbach, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Luther Cantata: I. Our God is Like a Fortress StrongMartin Luther, Barbara Harbach, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Luther Cantata: II. Chorale on Aus Tiefer NotBarbara Harbach, Martin Luther, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Luther Cantata: III. From Deepest Depths I Cry to YouBarbara Harbach, Martin Luther, Jonathan Yordy, Genevieve Ellis
Luther Cantata: IV. Christ, the New ContenderBarbara Harbach, Martin Luther, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Luther Cantata: V. Chorale on Vater UnserBarbara Harbach, Martin Luther, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Luther Cantata: VI. Our Father, Lord of Sea and SkyBarbara Harbach, Martin Luther, Jonathan Yordy, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Luther Cantata: VII. Ein Feste FinaleBarbara Harbach, Martin Luther, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Love Has Opened Wide the Door! (Psalm 84:4)Barbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
O Lord, You Have Searched Me (Psalm 139)Barbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
The Lord Shepherds Me (Psalm 23)Barbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
I Will Say to the Lord (Psalm 16)Barbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
This is the Day the Lord Has Made (Psalm 118}Barbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Light Out of DarknessBarbara Harbach, Helen Keller, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
When I Am Dead, My DearestBarbara Harbach, Christina Rossetti, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
All Alone BluesBarbara Harbach, Jonathan Yordy, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
Rolled AwayBarbara Harbach, Traditional, Apollo Voices, Genevieve Ellis, Timothy End
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