The American Boychoir presents "Fast Cats and Mysterious Cows," a captivating choral album released on September 7, 2009, under Warner Classics. This enchanting collection showcases the choir's exceptional vocal prowess and versatility, spanning a diverse range of musical styles and themes.
The album opens with a selection of traditional American songs, including the playful "I bought me a cat" and the serene "At the river," followed by the timeless Shaker hymn "'Tis the gift to be simple." The choir then delves into the evocative Mélodies passagères by Francis Poulenc, setting the poetic works of Rainer Maria Rilke to music.
Samuel Barber's Four Songs, Op. 13, are beautifully rendered, with the iconic "Sure on this shining night" standing out as a highlight. The album also features works by Leonard Bernstein, including selections from "La Bonne Cuisine," a whimsical set of songs based on French recipes.
The American Boychoir's crystalline voices shine in both sacred and secular works, from the mystical "Ondine" to the joyous "A Jubilant Song," adapted from Walt Whitman's "A Song of Joys." The album concludes with the lively "The Dance of Krishna," leaving the listener with a sense of wonder and delight.
With a duration of 70 minutes, "Fast Cats and Mysterious Cows" offers a rich and varied listening experience, showcasing the American Boychoir's artistry and the enduring power of choral music.
Vinylscout