A Prophecy of Peace: The Choral Music of Samuel Adler celebrates the rich common heritage of Christianity and Judaism. This recording spans more than thirty-five years of works by award-winning American composer Samuel Adler. Adler's fresh and imaginative harmonic and melodic language brings a heightened awareness of the texts of these works as well as giving the listener a personal expression that is unique to each work. Highlights include the first recording of Adler's Transfiguration Mass for choir, organ and brass as well as his Verses from Isaiah for choir, organ, brass, and handbells. Also of note is a piece for women's choir and handbells, Let Us Rejoice, as well as the moving a cappella anthem I Think Continually of Those. Two works from the Jewish liturgy are also included: L'chah Dodi and Mah Tovu.

"Here is a glowing and long-overdue tribute to the sacred choral music of contemporary American composer Samuel Adler, beautifully sung by perhaps America's finest non-professional chamber choir. . . Performances are impeccable and deeply moving. This group delivers gorgeous, balanced sound and has completely mastered any technical skill you can name. Their ensemble and dynamic subtlety are second to none, including professional choirs. But the best thing about their singing is a kind of utterly rapt, evangelistic spiritual intensity that you simply can't imagine until you've experienced it for yourself. Much of this is thanks to Patterson, one of America's greatest choral conductors. . . The recording quality is, as usual, clear and incredibly detailed, thanks to the literal, yet juicy acoustics of the Church of the Transfiguration at Cape Cod. The booklet contains excellent notes, interesting commentary from the composer, and full texts. If you don't know either Adler's music or this choir, just GET it."

American Record Guide

January 3, 2005

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