the unaccompanied voice


i’m partial to a cappella singing in a several genre. i’m hoping i’m not alone in this and, thus, seek recommendations of such performances from my compatriots on the ‘gon. let me begin with a listing of a few recordings that are among my favorites:

• fairfield four; almost anything, but particularly “standing in the safety zone” and “I couldn’t hear nobody pray.”

• the persuasions; “frankly a cappella” (a tribute to zappa) and “might as well” (a tribute to GD)

• the bobs; “...cover the songs of”

• “the unaccompanied voice” (secretly canadian cd)

• the roches; “the roches”

• chanticleer; “colors of love”

• anonymous 4; “11,000 virgins” (hidegard von bingen), also , not quite a cappella but beautiful “voices of light” (richard einhorn)

please share some of yours.

-cfb
cornfedboy

Showing 2 responses by flex

Three all-time favorites, all are lovely -

Poulenc, Musique sacree - Harmonia Mundi France HMC901588

Ancient Echoes - Chorovaya Akademia - RCA Victor Red Seal 09026-68055-2 (Russian choral music that shows what a bass should sound like, and how to sing the dissonances that trip every western chorus trying to sing this music)

El Canto Espiritual Judeoespanol - Alia Musica, Harmonia Mundi Iberica HMI 987015 - not entirely vocal, but the a capella vocals are very good

And if you like the Persuasions, try the new one on Chesky, singing Beatles hits - Chesky JD220.

Good (great) listening!
Had to dig up this thread to add a new disc.
If you like modern liturgical music with a strong Eastern flavor, the new Chanticleer recording of John Tavener's Lamentations and Praises (Teldec 09274-13422) is simply outstanding. Wonderful music, wonderful sound, wonderful imaging. Your Avalon speakers will do great things with this atmospheric soundstage (well mine do anyhow).
Very highly recommended, nearly all acapella.