Music for the spirit and the soul


I had the good fortune of running across Avro Part's Stabat Mater today for the first time, and I've listened to it at least four times today. Although I'm not religious in the traditional sense, this recording moved my soul, brought goose bumps to my body and quieted my mind. Does anyone have other suggestions of classical (or other) music for the feeding of the spirit and the soul?
johnrob

Showing 5 responses by jax2

I'd heartily second Boa2's recommendation (El Cant de la Sibil la). Montserrat Figueras can do no wrong and has an utterly astonishing voice. Get that specific version as there is one other out there that she did that is not quite as well recorded IMO.

Also I enjoy some of the masses of Zelenka... I think the Mass of the Holy Trinity is the one more widely available that I enjoy.

You'd probably enjoy other works of Arvo Part as well...Te Deum comes to mind. I really love Alina as well, but I don't think I'd put it quite in the same category...perhaps it is more soothing than uplifting.

Finally, one that may not otherwise come up as it is a polarizing work; most either love it or hate it. I find it very moving, but it is more in an ambient, minimalist sort of way: Gavin Bryars', Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet. Read a bit more about it before purchasing as it may not be the kind of music you have patience for.

Marco
Chipman, The Hillard Ensemble has done some great work with both Arvo Part and Gavin Bryars. If you enjoy Bach, try the disc Morimur for a creative take on that composer.

Marco
Chipman - I'm green with envy that you Savall and Figueras in Paris.
That must have been an unforgettable experience. I heard Savall play
recently here in Seattle, and, though his wife was in attendance, she did
not perform. His daughter was playing with him though. She's an
accomplished harpist. Yes, the Alia Vox label is definitely one to covet
when it comes to Early Music. Not only is the programming wonderful,
but the recordings themselves are second to none! Savall's collections
of his solo efforts are stunning on that label. Also, the collection of
lullabys by Figeurras titled Nina Nana is quite beautiful. If you have not
seen it, rent the French film, "All the Mornings of the World"
(Tous les matins du monde 1991), in which Savall provides all the music.
It is a beautiful and somber portrayal of the relationship of the composer
Monsieur de Sainte Colombe, and his pupil (briefly) Marin Marais (played
brilliantly be Gerard Depardieu). Alia Vox has reissued that soundtrack
and it is also worthy of consideration. This is a departure though from
the 'spiritual' context of this thread as I wouldn't necessarily recommend
Savall's own music based upon the poster's query (though it certainly
may apply though some may find it somber). Regardless, this is among
my favorite music to listen to and I find them very powerful and moving
indeed.

Marco
Chipman - Les Voix Humaines is one of my most frequently played CD's of the past few months. Definitely a must...Magic! I agree also on Diaspora Sefardi as well. The collection of Marais and Sainte Columbe titled "Pieces de Viole" is also quite outstanding.

Marco
Chipman - My route was more straightforward I suppose (I do enjoy Cocteau Twins, as well as Gerard and DCD - I saw Gerard perform here in Seattle - unforgettable!). I was approached by a good friend to help him upgrade his current system (this seems to happen frequently in this hobby when folks hear what is possible). He and his wife are into Early Music and Sibil was one of the first CD's he brought over to listen to on my system knowing some of the music I enjoyed. We both sat there, dumbfounded, me at the sound of her voice for the first time, and my friend at how present it sounded on my system. He ended up going the way of tubes on further listening and comparisons. At the same time I knew Howard (Boa2), who I'd also lead down the path to hopeless addiction, had a bad case of upgradeidis (I think he still gets the sweats to this day) and was jonesing after some George Wright creations at the time. I hooked him up with my friend Michael who ended up buying Howard's Jolida 502B. He still has it and goes back and forth between that and a Unison Unico. He and his wife are delighted with the improvement in their system (went from some respectable 80's NAD SS gear). It was at that time I think I sent Howard a copy of Sibil. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Marco