Fanfare, USA

The first album has been available for a while and now is sent for review with the second (a third has not come yet). The rationale for the miscellaneous collections is Christopher Monks's perception that all these composers 'wear their hearts on their sleeves,' hence naked sentiments in response to religious themes, practices, or ideals. For the first album, Monks has chosen the most familiar work of most of these composers; only the last, Hope Finds a Way, written by Jonathan Roberts, an associate of the ensemble, is unfamiliar. Allegri's Miserere is one of the fastest performances on records, but similar in tonal quality to most of the competition. Morten Lauridsen's piece stands up well alongside the creator's version under Paul Salamunovich, and the rest of the program is similarly effective. Both programs are highly satisfying presentations. Only one of the earlier recordings of this group on another label has come this way. More than a vocal ensemble, the organization has engaged a much wider repertoire and pursues educational and charitable endeavors as part of its musical activity. This is superb choral work.