|
The
Light Divine
| ARTIST |
ALBUM
TITLE | | Jenny
Oaks Baker | The
Light Divine |
|
RELEASE
DATE
|
GENRE
|
LDSMN
RATING
|
SHOPPING
|
|
September
2003
|
Inspirational
/ Instrumental
|
|
|
| LDSMN
REVIEW |
 Master
violinist Jenny Oaks Baker continues to offer sound musicianship and
inspiration in her 2003 release "The Light Divine." Like
her previous releases, Baker is the soloist, is backed by a full orchestra
and makes her violin seem human in its range of emotion. She has earned
her place within the Deseret Book family of recording artists. This
album has 11 tracks, ranging from classical pieces written for the
violin through popular hymns.
The album begins with "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
which has been popular with dozens of recording artists the past 2
years. Her version builds in intensity until the double-forte conclusion.
This is a beautiful hymn and is well-suited to performance by a violin.
"Beau Soir (Beautiful Evening)" by Debussy follows the dramatic
opener like a quiet and gentle breeze. It features pianist Jenny Naylor
Richards.
"If You Could Hie to Kolob" is set at track three and is
arranged by Kurt Bestor. It takes a few moments for the listener to
detect the LDS hymn this is based upon. But at six minutes, there's
plenty of time for the recognition to kick in. The mood in this piece
is light and ethereal, intending to imply the heavens the song lyrics
speak of.
Another Debussy piece rates track four and clocks in at just under
nine minutes. "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" is a
pastoral piece, suggesting mythical animals in a hidden meadow. With
Lysa Rytting on harp, it is a quiet and peaceful and best listened
to without any interruption or it is very hard to appreciate.
"Allegro" from Hosanna is the violin solo from Lex de Azevedo's
"Hosanna: The Life of Christ, Part III." It was originally
released on the video and album of selections from the oratorio. It's
another quiet and reflective song.
"Be Still, My Soul" is a magnificent arrangement by Tyler
Castleton, who also plays the piano. The tune "Finlandia"
is by Jean Sibelius and has a favored place in many hymnals, including
the LDS version.
"Beautiful Savior" or the "Crusader's Hymn" is
originally a Silesian folk song and has also been popular with recording
artists of late. The universality of the melody makes it suited for
interpretation by the violin. Another good recording. Heather Conner
plays this Crawford Gates arrangement.
The eighth track is "Lord, I Would Follow Thee," an arrangement
by K. Newell Dayley. It was also conducted by Dayley. This is a nice
arrangement, with the violin solo easily heard throughout most of
it.
Bach's "Arioso" is an edited version with Jenny Naylor Richards
on piano again. As the title implies, this is essentially an aria
for violin and it's another lovely piece.
The title track finally pops up on track ten, in an arrangement by
the reliably good Merrill Jenson. Stretched to nearly six minutes,
this is an elegant interpretation of the hymn "The Light Divine."
"Lead, Kindly Light" is the final track and is another hymn
arrangement. This was also previously released on Lex de Azevedo's
"Variations on a Sacred Theme, Vol. 1." It's the only piece
with a choir singing the lyrics. It makes a moving and uplifting finish
to the album.
Baker is a reliably good artist in her own right.
This is a beautiful album and will make for some lovely Sabbath Day
music. However, the lengthy Prelude would probably be most appreciated
by aspiring violinists.
------------------------
Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams |
| SONGS
/ TRACKS |
|
1.
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
2. Beau Soir (Beautiful Evening)
3. If You Could Hie to Kolob
4. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
5. Allegro from Hosanna
6. Be Still, My Soul
7. Beautiful Savior
8. Lord, I Would Follow Thee
9. Arioso
10. The Light Divine
11. Lead, Kindly Light
|
|
| CREDITS |
Executive
Producer for Deseret Book: Tyler Castleton
Produced by Kenny Hodges
Recorded & Mixed at Soularium Studio by Michael Greene
Edited by Kenny Hodges & Michael Greene
Mastered by Kenny Hodges
Orchestra Contractor / Concert Master: Meredith Campbell
Musicians: see liner notes |
| ALBUM
INFO |
|
2003
|
CD
|
Deseret
Book
|
DB56212
|
.
|
|
|
