Sowerby / Cantores American Master Of Sacred Song CD

Originally released on the 100th anniversary of Sowerby's birth in 1995, Leo Sowerby: American Master of Sacred Song celebrates "the Dean of American Church Music" and his contributions to the choral and organ repertory. In the 1920's, Sowerby's music was regularly performed by orchestras (especially the Chicago Symphony) and it is heartening to see so much interest in his works in the 21st century. Gloriae Dei Cantores has selected ten anthems to represent Sowerby as an inspired composer for worship as well as several sacred vocal solos and four of his finest works for organ. The CD set is crowned with a rare performance of Sowerby's Festival Musick for brass and organ. Sowerby's rich harmonies and exciting vocal writing capture the listener in such texts as Great is the Lord, O God, the Protector of All, Come, Holy Ghost and Turn Thou to Thy God. His organ music shows a rare ear for color and texture and his style, attractive and accessible, is timeless. As with many of Gloriae Dei Cantores' recordings, this one contains much music not available elsewhere.

1. Great Is The Lord 2. 3 Psalms: No. 1, Hear My Cry, O God 3. 3 Psalms: No. 2, The Lord Is My Shepherd 4. 3 Psalms: No. 3, How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me? 5. Turn Thou To Thy God 6. Whoso Dwelleth 7. Carillon 8. An Angel Stood By The Altar Of The Temple 9. Arioso 10. Lovely Infant 11. Magnificat ; Nunc Dimittis In E Minor: Magnificat 12. Magnificat ; Nunc Dimittis In E Minor: Nunc Dimittis 13. All They From Saba Shall Come 14. Jesu, Bright And Morning Star 15. Canon, Chacony ; Fugue 16. Songs Of Faith ; Penitence: No. 1, O God Of Light 17. Songs Of Faith ; Penitence: No. 2, Thou Art My Strength 18. Prelude For Organ On "Were You There?" 19. Christians, To The Paschal Victim 20. Festival Musick: I. Fanfare 21. Festival Musick: II. Chorale 22. Festival Musick: III. Toccata On A.G.O. 23. Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire 24. Bright, Blithe And Brisk 25. O God, The Protector Of All