Cappella Clausura's latest release for Navona Records, Bird of the Psalms, is conducted by Amelia LeClair, and sees the ensemble interpret a choral repertoire spanning six centuries and performing works by composers including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Purcell...

This collection of choral work ranges from Henry Purcell's 17th-century 'Hear My Prayer' to contemporary composer Patricia Van Ness's eponymous choral cycle 'Birds of the Psalms'. The latter, a selection of ten psalms scored for a cappella choir, constitutes the album's focal point.

Conducted by Amelia LeClair, Birds of the Psalms is, at times haunting and beautiful, and at others primeval and chaotic. The album contains 16 tracks (51 min, 53 sec) and is not only a wonderful album for lovers of choral music, but also a great place to start if you're a novice. The performances are perfect and the production is flawless.

Track listing:

Patricia Van Ness
Birds of the Psalms
01 - Psalm 91
02 - Psalm 55
03 - Psalm 17
04 - Psalm 104
05 - Psalm 57
06 - Psalm 63
07 - Psalm 148
08 - Psalm 61
09 - Psalm 36
10 - Beauty Flew to Me - Psalm 91

Piotr Illyich Tchaikovsky
11 - Svete Tihiy (Kievan Chant)

Serge Rachmaninoff
12 - Blagoslovi, dushe moya, (from All Night Vespers)

Serge Rachmaninoff
13 - Blazhen muzh (from All Night Vespers)

Henry Purcell
14 - Hear My Prayer

Thomas Weelkes
15 - When David Heard

Kassia (arr. A. LeClair)
16 - Leaving the Wealth of her Family

9

Darren Rea