Cantus - Lockdown Sessions (2022) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Recorded on March 17, 19, and 20 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the COVID-19 sessions came together quickly as society began to shut down amidst the growing outbreak in the United States.

“Cantus tour dates and home concerts were being canceled and it was clear there would be only a limited window in which to sing together before the world went on pause,” says Paul Scholtz, tenor.

“What would social distancing and prohibitions on large gatherings mean for vocal music, our communities, and the world at large?” continues Scholtz. “Cantus’ vision is to give voice to shared human experiences and what better way than to offer these performances amidst this great turmoil and uncertainty. We hope you can find yourself and your experience reflected somewhere in these sessions. The pieces you will hear span a great breadth of emotion, from joy to sorrow to wonder to pain. We hope you will find the performances themselves informed by the emotional states in which they were recorded — heightened at different times in different ways.”

“What is so noticeable about this album is the variety of songs on offer. They draw on different cultures, genres and musical eras ranging from the Renaissance to the present day…It was pleasing to see several female composers in the song list – Hildegard von Bingen for instance…With nineteen different works on the album, there is a wealth of material to capture your imagination and lighten your mood…Magnificently sung. I have been humming it ever since. Would love to see this ensemble on the London stage.” (ArtMuse London)

Tracklist:
01. Sibelius: Finlandia
02. Valverde: Darest, O Soul
03. Nakayama: Sunyama
04. Traditional: Steal Away
05. Alfvén: Gryning vid havet
06. Traditional: Shenandoah
07. Bingen: O Frondens Virga
08. Whitacre: Lux Aurumque
09. Dunphy: It’s Strange About Stars
10. Ešenvalds: Stars
11. Foss: Beyond
12. Betinis: Be Like the Bird
13. Allan: This Brightening Silence
14. Barnwell: Wanting Memories
15. Biebl: Ave Maria
16. Gibson: There’s a Meeting Here Tonight
17. Ramsey: That Which Remains
18. Traditional: Yonder Come Day
19. Joel: Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)


Thanks to the Original customer!