'It was late in 1650 that Schütz published the third and last part of his Symphoniæ sacræ, a true hymn to peace in the aftermath of the Thirty Years War. A polychoral ensemble on this scale had not been heard since the Psalms of David (1619), already recorded by Cantus Cölln. The way this work combines tradition and renewal compels admiration: yes, these ‘sacred symphonies’ really did lay the foundations for a century of German church music.' --HarmoniaMundi.com

'It was late in 1650 that Schütz published the third and last part of his Symphoniæ sacræ, a true hymn to peace in the aftermath of the Thirty Years War. A polychoral ensemble on this scale had not been heard since the Psalms of David (1619), already recorded by Cantus Cölln. The way this work combines tradition and renewal compels admiration: yes, these ‘sacred symphonies’ really did lay the foundations for a century of German church music.' --HarmoniaMundi.com

'It was late in 1650 that Schütz published the third and last part of his Symphoniæ sacræ, a true hymn to peace in the aftermath of the Thirty Years War. A polychoral ensemble on this scale had not been heard since the Psalms of David (1619), already recorded by Cantus Cölln. The way this work combines tradition and renewal compels admiration: yes, these ‘sacred symphonies’ really did lay the foundations for a century of German church music.' --HarmoniaMundi.com

'Placido Domingo headlines the Gold and Silver Gala honoring London's Royal Opera House's 50th birthday and 25 years of his work there, and introduces opera stars of the future. Angelina Gheorghiu commands attention through her fascinating, aggressive interpretation and sensitive musicality, even if the tone is not always even. Roberto Alagna's pleasing, inherently beautiful voice, part Pavarotti lyricism, part Domingo dramatic depth, titillates the ear, but his musical instincts are undeveloped and need grooming. In the duet from Don Carlos, Dwayne Croft's rich, open baritone does a synchronized swim in the pool of Domingo's dark tenor. Leontina Vaduva's pretty voice, but pretentious phrasing makes for a charmless Norina and a graceless and indelicate Adina. An interesting look into opera's future.' --Barbara Eisner Bayer

'Montserrat Caballe is the voice of all ages.She continues to bring joy to millions around the world.This latest recording finds caballe in lovely voice,with plenty of lush pianissimos.While I was listening to this album I felt immersed into a very spiritual atmosphere,that nearly carried me out of my body.I realised this peaceful music with caballe's ethereal singing was levitating me closer to the pearls of spanish mysticism. I will treasure this 24 bit recording for the rest of my life!' --Viva Caballe

'While many people are familiar with the story of doomed love between 12th-century teacher and theologian Peter Abelard and his lover Heloise, few are aware that Abelard was also a musician. Among his works are numerous love songs for Heloise, a book of hymns, and a number of planctus (laments). This recording features six of Abelard's surviving religious pieces, including his famous hymn, "O quanta qualia," the text of which still appears in modern hymnals. Also on the program are four planctus taken from the magnificent Codex Las Huelgas. This lovely, atmospheric recording uses both men's and women's voices and occasionally an instrumental drone-played on a vielle, an ancient bowed instrument, to lend variety and authenticity (the music from Las Huelgas originally would have been sung by women). The performances consistently invoke a sense of the music's meditative, spiritual nature; the sound perfectly complements the flowing melodic lines.' --David Vernier

'Grandes Eaux Musicales de Versailles~ Concert Des Nations is an amazing recoding of music from the time of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Being a huge fan of Bach, Vivaldi and composers of the time this was an obvious choice for me to listen to. I love the structure, the order and one never has to wonder if one listens to an adagio, andante or allgretto and this in itself is a nice change from modern classical music which is way to avantgarde for my taste. The book-let is a stunning work of art and they wisely picked art from the time of when this amazing music was composed. The font inside the book-let is clear and easy on the eye, the piece written by De Lioncourt is interesting and well written. This recording is highly recommended and I dare say this is some of the best classical music that I have heard in quite some time.' --Bjorn Viberg

'“A new recording from early music specialist John Eliot Gardiner is always an event. This disc features vivid performances of two classics from the choral music repertoire - the Vivaldi 'Gloria', sung regularly by choirs worldwide, and the technically-demanding 'Dixit Dominus' by Handel. An exciting bonus is the inclusion of the recently discovered handel 'Gloria' for soprano and string orchestra. The discovery of this new work, which was found in the library of the Royal Academy of Music in London, has been described as the most significant event in the world of Baroque music for years. To record this 'new' work John Eliot Gardiner chose rising star Gillian Keith, a young Canadian soprano who recently won the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier prize”.' – Opuscds.com

This compilation was recorded live during a concert at Orchestral Hall in Chicago on January 28th 1998. Renée Fleming’s voice has a considerable range and her expressive powers are equally impressive. Comment on Domingo is superfluous.