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  Choir
director and pianist Ronald Staheli leads his 2002-2003 choir through
a challenging set of works that includes a fair number of songs
I heard for the first time ever.
I didn't have the advantage of lyrics with this album, so I don't
feel I can comment on those as much as I can the music. According
to the album's liner notes, the BYU Singers choir is one of the
more rigorous groups on campus, requiring auditions to be placed.
It is a traveling choir, visiting and competing in festivals throughout
the world. This particular season they had planned to perform in
Israel, but the concert was cancelled when the violence began to
worsen again. So recording the album was intended to be a substitution
for their concert.
All of the album's 14 songs sound good musically. I am duly impressed
by the range the choir reaches vocally. I don't think anyone can
argue that the choir lacks talent. Clearly they are a good blend
of talented individuals.
They sing a number of hymn arrangements, including "Sweet is
the Work," "How Great Thou Art" and "I Stand
All Amazed." All are well-done. Most of the album is a cappella,
perhaps the best reason to recommend this album.
I think anyone looking for a nice choral album to use on the Sabbath
will find much to like on this album. A solid 4 stars.
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Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams
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