Harvard University Choir
Collected Recordings
Over the years, the Harvard University Choir has made many
professional recordings. They are presented below grouped by label. Click on the name of the record
company to visit their website. The song samples are in good quality mp3 format and therefore be large
files.
Available Through The Memorial Church
The 95th Annual Christmas Carol Services
This inspirational recording of the 95th Annual Christmas Carol Services in The Memorial Church captures the
splendor of the holiday season. The Harvard University Choir, under the direction of Edward Jones and Harry Huff,
performs such works as Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Bruce Saylor’s O Poor Little Jesus,
and a new commission by Harvard professor Elliot Gyger. The choir is joined by the Riverside Brass Quartet directed
by Geoffrey Shamu.
Choral Music of
Amy Beach & Randall Thompson
An enterprising all-American release of attractive choral music, mostly
new to the catalogue, by two top US composers, and sung by one of America's
finest choirs.
Two prominent American composers are contrasted in this attractive
programme of their choral music, marking the ASV debut of the redoubtable
Harvard University Choir under Murray Forbes Somerville.
New CD Recording
Gets Critical Raves!
We are delighted at the many appreciative reviews so far received of
the University Choir’s latest CD, Music of Amy Beach and Randall
Thompson, our first release on the English ASV label, recorded in June
2001 at London’s historic Temple Church. BBC Music Magazine (November
2002) awarded the disc no less than four stars, describing the Choir’s
performances as “…Precise in tuning and attack, and blended
to a creamy smoothness.” Also from Britain, the reviewer in Choir
and Organ magazine (November 2002) wrote: “The singers of the
Harvard University Choir are effective advocates on this disc for the
music of two composers who were associated with the University …
A fascinating and very enjoyable recording.” The prestigious Gramophone
Magazine (November 2002) also praised the choir’s blend, fine
soloists, and the organ accompaniments by Organ Scholar Erica Johnson.
In this country, Fanfare Magazine (October 2002) wrote: “The
Harvard University Choir is hardly an unknown quantity in choral music.
Its intonation, refined sense of dynamics, and extraordinary sectional
balance, as in Randall Thompson’s beautiful Alleluia creates a
clear, chamber-like intimacy, which is perfectly suited to these works.
…Recommended, both for general quality, and as a seasonally suitable
gift”, while The American Record Guide (November 2002) said, “It
is fitting that the Harvard University
Choir should perform a program of Mrs. H.H.A. Beach, America’s
first significant woman composer, and Randall Thompson, one of America’s
most beloved choral composers…. The Harvard University Choir is
a superior student chorus, [with] a nice transparent sound…fine
diction and firm intonation…. This is an interesting and rewarding
release; skillfully executed.” The Journal of the Association
of Anglican Musicians (October 2002) called the release a “…superb
disc” and said, “…the choir has an admirable range
of dynamics and tone colors; they catch the spirit of these large and
small works with finesse…the reproduction is faithful and delightful.”
It is with pleasure that we can also announce that the ASV label have
now invited the Choir to record further discs, beginning with an album
of the music of noted American composer Ned Rorem, who celebrates his
80th birthday this year. Recording sessions are being planned for this
coming May.
Christmas in the Busch
Familiar carols and Christmas motets, recorded in Harvard’s Adolphus
Busch Hall.
Lo, There is Light!
Choral Music for a New Millennium
A rich tapestry of 20th-century sacred choral music from America, Australia, Africa and Europe
including music by Virgil Thompson, Matthew Orlovich, Henryk Górecki, William Harris, Max Miller,
David Hurd, Adolphus Hailstork, John Hodgson, Charles Callahan, and Daniel Roihl.
“Familiar anthems from the first half of the century…receive
the finest performance I’ve heard of them.”
-The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
WORLD PREMIERE RECORDING
Music of Antonio Lotti
With the Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra. Also includes Benedictum
Dominium, O Vos Omnes, Crucifixus, and Trio Sonata in A Major.
“The choir, vocal soloists, and instrumentalists are all in absolutely top form,
performing with pure tone and great sensitivity.”
-The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
Carols from the Yard
The 85th Annual Carol Service
Live Recording
America’s oldest Carol Service, with the Bach Society Orchestra.
Includes Mass for Three Choirs.
“…formidable musical ensemble.”
John Knowles Paine: Organ Music
Murray Forbes Somerville, organist
A selection of the organ works of First University Organist and choirmaster,
John Knowles Paine.
Northeastern Records
Alleluia!
Sacred Choral Music in New England
Currently unavailable. Awaiting re-release.
Choral Music from the early 17th century to the present.
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