Two of the great composers of the Romantic era, Mendelssohn and Brahms, brought their great melodic gifts and deeply felt expression to the motet form. The clarity and meaning of the sacred texts was of primary importance to both composers, and their study of Palestrina and Bach strongly influenced the style of these superb works. This recording features the rarely performed motet Aus tiefer Noth by Mendelssohn, and three Brahms motets written as chamber music for voices, yet rich and varied in expression.

Critical Acclaim

• “(Note) the ensemble and commitment of this splendid group, two of whose discs I have reviewed elsewhere on this website, including a splendid Rheinberger collection. Without doubt, the best music is Mendelssohn’s three motets for female chorus, accompanied by organ, which were dedicated to the nuns of Trinita de’ Monti in Rome. The music is glorious, and the ladies of Gloriæ Dei Cantores able supported by the organist James Jordan sing it divinely. The trio and quartet of soloists have an excellent blend, while the concluding Alleluia for all the ladies and the organ in plena voce has a brightly vibrant timbre and exciting dynamic. For followers of this accomplished vocal group of forty singers, I can recommend this disc as a valuable addition to their ever-growing collection.”
  Music Web International

 

• “The three pieces (Brahms) are all magnificent examples of how the composer was inspired by an earlier polyphonic tradition, with a sophisticated mastery of canonic techniques ... The Mendelssohn works cover a wide range, from the simple Heilig to the lengthy choral motet Aus tiefer Noth. The choir is solid ... if you have been entertaining doubts as to Mendelssohn's status, try listening to this eloquent defense.”
  Fanfare

• “The Gloriæ Dei Cantores ... sing with excellent intonation, particularly in Brahms’ chromatic passages. Their rich legato style, combined with fine choral blend and ensemble, is very appealing for music of this period.... This is very fine work, a tribute to American choral singing.”
  American Record Guide

 
 

• “This well-filled disc of Romantic music ... focuses on less familiar pieces. The singing is generally on a high level and the organ of Mechanics Hall in Worcester is impressive in the accompaniments ... As a broad overview of the music of this era, the disc provides a generous sampling.”
  Fanfare

• “The Gloriæ Dei Cantores recording is similarly excellent. I've had the pleasure of listening to and reviewing several of this group's discs, and found the performances uniformly superb, technically and artistically. This one is no exception. Indeed, Brahms and Mendelssohn's motets are ideally suited to the size and color of the ensemble. I doubt, for instance, that Brahms himself ... could have imagined a more perfect performance of his wonderful set of choral variations of the chorale, O Heiland reiss. Balance, ensemble, and intonation are perfect as one has come to expect of the Cantores. Enough with superlatives; add this disc to your collection.”
  The American Organist

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