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Having just completed my review of Chor Leoni's other seasonal offering (Yuletide Fires, also on this site), I approached this CD with the greatest anticipation. Magnificat does not disappoint. Chor Leoni (or "choir of lions" in Greek and Italian, respectively) is a magnificent a cappella men's ensemble, headed by director Diane Loomer, a true magic maker. The musicianship is first class, and the music is captivating on this classical album. Please note: this music is not pure a cappella; some level of instrumentation is provided throughout.

The 18 selections actually break down into three categories. First, there is Conrad Susa's "Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest" (tracks 1-10). Then, Chor Leoni presents Ottorino Respighi's "Lauda per la Natività del Signore" (track 11). The final seven cuts are Rupert Lang's "Magnificat." Before playing the CD, I was familiar with nothing on the album, so this was an exciting safari across an unknown musical landscape. The adventure was well worth the trip! Keep in mind that Chor Leoni's massive (16 pages, not including the covers) liner notes provide quite the astute "tour guide," providing helpful background and lyrics.

Conrad Susa is an American musician who reconceived traditional Spanish carols into a companion for Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols." The music is intensely lyrical and even fun! I especially enjoyed the rhythmic "Chiquirriquitin." My other favorite moments came from Rupert Lang's "Magnificat"; in particular, I loved the beautiful "Mary's Song" and "Suscepit Israel" (with mezzo-soprano soloist Mariateresa Magisano).

All in all, Magnificat is an excellent seasonal offering for adventurous classical music aficionados. It is slightly less accessible than Chor Leoni's Yuletide Fires, but is just as rewarding in its own right.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Diane Loomer, C.M./Artistic Director

First Tenors: Jamie Brehaut, Justin Burwood, Pete Chamberlain, Stephen Cropper, Tom Ellis, Mark MacDonald, Daniel Peasgood, Cliff Reinhardt

Second Tenors: Chris Beall, Don Conley, Philip Grant, Bruce Hoffman, Ray Horst, Mike Jackman, Ryan Kett, Jim Knight, Patrick Kwan, Roy Tompkins, Brent Whitted

Baritones: Bruce Armstrong, Roy Campbell, Allan Cline, Doug Graeb, David Love, Rob McAllister, Steve Maddock, Art Newman, Bob Rankin, Shad Turner

Basses: Charly Bank, Rick Bennett, Paul Birch, Garth Edwards, Ed Friesen, Barry Honda, Dick Loomer, Henri Lorieau, Warren O'Briain, Lyndon Surjik

Producer: Janet Lea
Recording Engineer: Grant Rowledge

With Elektra Women's Choir (Lauda per la Natività del Signore)

From the Web site:

Chor Leoni's first Christmas recording includes the luminous "Laud to the Nativity" by Ottorino Respighi, with mezzo-soprano Mariateresa Magisano (winner of the 1998 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), soprano Lambroula Maria Pappas (winner of the 1999 metropolitan Opera Auditions) and Elektra Women's Choir (4 time consecutive First Place winners in the CBC Competition) as our guests. Ours is one of the very few available recordings of this wonderful work.

The sunny "Carols and Lullabies" by Conrad Susa also grace this disc, along with the premiere recording of Rupert Lang's Magnificat. Chor Leoni is proud to offer this recording of a newly commissioned work.

The Pride:
Since its creation in 1992 by conductor Diane Loomer, Chor (Greek for choir) Leoni (Italian for lions) has become a fixture in the upper echelons of the Canadian choral world. A combination of riveting stage presence, imaginative and eclectic programming, quality a cappella singing, and a willingness to "try anything once" has captivated audiences across Canada and guaranteed wildly enthusiastic sell-out crowds wherever the lions appear.

Chor Leoni was a triple winner in the biennial 2002 CBC Radio National Competition For Amateur Choirs, winning first place honours in the Men's Category, a competition-wide prize for the Best Performance of a Canadian Work, and - the first time that a male choir has won this distinction - the top prize in the Contemporary Category. The choir had previously won top honours in the CBC Radio Competition in the Men's Category in 1994 and 2000. On the strength of their triple win, the choir was invited to represent the CBC in the European Broadcasting Union's prestigious Let the Peoples Sing 2003 International Choral Competition in the Adult Choir category. Competing against choirs from twenty-one countries, Chor Leoni was the only North American choir and the only male choir to advance to the finals, and placed fourth overall.

Chor Leoni

Magnificat

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Track List