LDSWorld Recommendation: "The Power and the Glory"
A recording of LDS hymns arranged and conducted by Camarata
See http://www.celestial-visions.com
Recommendation written by Raelene Card, a composer and performer residing in Orem.
I am thankful for this opportunity to share my experience and feelings of
the CD "The Power and the Glory" by Camarata. I was deeply moved by the
splendor of the arrangements of these well known and loved LDS hymns. I
was even more touched by the story behind the making of this CD. To read
the story of Larry Blakely's 30-year dream to have this music recorded,
was inspirational.
It touched me deeply, on a very personal level, to read about the vision
he received in a dream at the age of 17, since I had a similar dream
before writing the cantata "He Will Come". In his dream, Larry was
present at a performance where a large orchestra (over 100 pieces), a
large choir (approximately 200 voices), a pipe organ and extra antiphonal
brass were performing some very special and powerful music. He tells how
he woke up from the dream weeping. He felt his main purpose in life was
to do some very special and powerful music. It was fascinating to read
about his later conversion to the LDS church and how the Lord led him to
California to work with Mr. Camarata as a recording engineer with Disney.
At the time he worked with Camarata, Brother Blakely was very impressed
with Camarata's orchestral scores. He immediately thought how wonderful
it would be to have Camarata orchestrate some of the more popular hymns of
the church. They eventually went their separate ways. It wasn't until
their paths crossed 30 years later that Brother Blakely shared his dream
with Camarata. More of the details of this story are written on the
insert in the CD.
All of the orchestral pieces are rich and full. There are wonderful
dynamics that enhance the message of each piece. I especially loved "I
Believe in Christ," "Children's Medley" (including the songs "I Am a Child
of God," "Teach Me To Walk in the Light," and "We'll Bring the World His
Truth") and "Come, Come Ye Saints."
"I Believe in Christ" carries a strong testimony of Camarata's personal
love for Christ. The breadth of dynamics was incredible. It was very
stirring with the personal, peaceful depth that was performed by each
instrument and vocal soloist. It also shared the grandeur of this
testimony through powerful parts of the score played by full orchestra and
sung by a full choir. There was a second melody interwoven with the
original melody that was beautiful.
"Children's Medley" was delightful and created such wonderful visual
images for me. Camarata masterfully orchestrated these songs to represent
different parts of the world. I loved having the songs sung in different
languages. Having the music take on the musical sounds of different
cultures was moving. You could visualize the beautiful faces of the
children singing these songs in their own tongue and with the familiar
musical sounds of their country.
"Come, Come Ye Saints" started with sound effects that took you right onto
the trail with the Mormon Pioneers as they traveled west. The musical
selection began very simply with a harmonica that helped me visualize a
campfire gathering. The piece progressed to the journey and helped me
feel the emotions of the hardships faced by the pioneers. It ended with
grand triumph as I visualized the saints entering Salt Lake valley.
Bravo!
This CD has power and majesty. It was completed with great vision, love
and inspiration. I would recommend this CD to anyone who wants to feel
spiritual stirrings that will inspire you to live closer to the heavens.
Thank you Larry Blakely for your vision and Camarata for your gifted
inspiration.
For information on purchasing this album or other albums and products
from Celestial Visions call: (800) 363-4745 or on the web at:
http://www.celestial-visions.com
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