Customer Rating: 
Summary: Crystal-clear performances bring out real beauty
Comment: When I first heard Lux Aeterna performed, I immediately went out and purchased the premier recording, performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale under the direction of Paul Salamunovich. I still enjoy that recording, though it is at times dark and quite thick. This new recording by Polyphony and the British Sinfonia moves the work from a rich romantic full choir to a more personal and intimate chamber ensemble. The differences are stunning. While the LAMC's recording melts the harmonies into one rich, thick sound, Polyphony's recording showcases each and every line, part, and harmony. In addition, The chamber sound is well-suited for the madrigali, especially so for Ubi Caritas et Amor.
As a chorister, I can affirm that Lauridsen's compositions are a joy to sing. But they are just as suited to listening. His compositions bring out the best of the choral genre, and this recording showcases that beautiful writing behind the strength of pure tone and clean diction. While this CD would make an excellent companion to the original recording of Lux Aeterna, it also stands quite well on its own.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Proving the Durability of a Modern Masterpiece
Comment: Morton Lauridsen is a fine composer whose works for chorus and orchestra are among the best being composed today. Since the premiere of his now famous 'Lux aeterna', a repertoire staple with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Orchestra, this incredibly moving work has enjoyed frequent performances not only in the United States but with European ensembles as well.
This wondrous recording features Polyphony with the Britten Sinfonia under the baton of Stephen Layton. The title piece grows in stature with time and in this performance the myriad subtexts are more clearly defined. Lauridsen tends to write thick choral sounds and while these are organ-like in their beauty, Layton clarifies the more dense sections of the work and the result is illuminating. For the more massive, darker sound the Los Angeles Master Chorale under Paul Salamunovich still satisfies: it is nice to have the 'big' sound along side the 'chamber' sound.
Added bonuses on this recording are the six 'Madrigali', the 'Ave Maria', 'Ubi caritas et amor', and 'O magnum mysterium', each of which are given superlative performances. The recorded sound is crystal-clear without losing resonance. For those who hold the 'Lux aeterna' in high esteem this is a recording that should be along side the original. As for those to whom Lauridsen's name is unknown, this beautiful recording is a fine introduction to an important composer. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, July 05
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