Sacred Choral Music: Feasts of All Saints and All Souls (Camerata Scholars)

Description The musical program on this album explores themes associated with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls (November 1 and 2). Several of the pieces were certainly composed either for the liturgy of All Saints Day, or for another liturgical celebration of a particular saint. Two of the works are laments, and though not explicitly intended for a specific liturgy, are famous examples of Renaissance musical works that sing of the souls of the faithful departed. The pieces come from the middle and late Renaissance and include works by Franco-Flemish composers, by composers of England, and from the Roman School. The Camerata Scholars, directed by Father Stephen Concordia, O.S.B., formed in the Summer of 2011, includes both veteran members of the Camerata, some of whom have been singing together for over 20 years, as well as newer members, particularly students of Saint Vincent College. They are dedicated to the study and performance of a cappella sacred music in liturgies and in concerts, especially the works of the Renaissance and contemporary periods. Through their performances, educational outreach, and the sponsoring of Choral Scholarships at Saint Vincent College, the Camerata Scholars aim to be a catalyst for a broader and more profound appreciation of the inheritance of Catholic sacred music. Another CD featuring Father Stephen and the Camerata is A Blessed Day Has Dawned.