Great Hymns of Faith, Vol. III (St. Olaf Records)
Coming from one of America’s most preeminent choral institutions, the St. Olaf Choir models a superior sound featuring 75 mixed voices under the well-respected leadership of Anton Armstrong.
With this third volume of Great Hymns of Faith, listeners are rewarded with something unique in a playlist of hymnody that will stand the test of time.
Using a wide selection of hymns both classic and new, the arrangements give expression to the melodies and texts in a fresh, yet straightforward approach, as in “Rock of Ages,” unaccompanied and performed at a tempo and mood that allows for deeper reflection. The festive “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” arranged by St. Olaf’s acclaimed organist, John Ferguson, includes a splendid fanfare for organ and brass which leads into a choral proclamation: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord; come into God’s presence with a song.” The choir showcases its ability to sing with skillful inflections in a handful of global pieces, including a setting of the traditional Cameroon song, “Praise, Praise the Lord!” (known by the tune name (African Processional”).