"Carols After a Plague" is a profound and evocative choral album by The Crossing, conducted by Donald Nally. Released on December 9, 2022, via New Focus Recordings, this 1 hour and 23 minutes long album is a collection of 29 tracks that delve into the human experience of resilience, hope, and reflection in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album is not just a musical journey but a testament to the power of choral music to capture the essence of collective human emotion.
The Crossing, known for their innovative and compelling performances, brings a sense of urgency and depth to each piece. The album opens with "Prelude: Adam" and closes with "Carols After a Plague: III. Resolve," framing the journey with a sense of beginning and end, much like the pandemic itself. The tracks are interspersed with interludes, creating a rhythmic and thematic flow that mirrors the ebb and flow of life during and after the plague.
Highlights include "Wonder," "Beauty," and "A Carol Called Love," which showcase the ensemble's ability to convey both intimacy and grandeur. The album also features unique and thought-provoking pieces like "Colouring-in Book" and "Y-Mas," which add a touch of whimsy and creativity to the overall narrative.
"Carols After a Plague" is a poignant and timely release, offering solace, reflection, and a sense of communal healing through the power of choral music. It's a must-listen for fans of choral works and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience during challenging times.
(C) 2022 New Focus Recordings(P) 2022 New Focus Recordings
Tracks
Prelude: AdamDonald Nally, The Crossing
Carols After a Plague: I. UrgencyShara Nova, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 1, WonderDonald Nally, The Crossing
Requiem for a PlagueTyshawn Sorey, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 2, DancingDonald Nally, The Crossing
Rising StarsEdith Canat de Chizy, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 3, BeautyDonald Nally, The Crossing
The UndisappearedJoseph C. Phillips Jr., The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 4, HereDonald Nally, The Crossing
A Carol Called LoveLJ White, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 5, ApparelDonald Nally, The Crossing
Everything Passes, Everything Is ConnectedSamantha Fernando, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 6, FrightfulDonald Nally, The Crossing
Colouring-in BookLeila Adu-Gilmore, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 7, SnowmanDonald Nally, The Crossing
Y-MasNina Shekhar, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 8, SilentDonald Nally, The Crossing
Carols After a Plague: II. Tone-PolicingShara Nova, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 9, PeaceDonald Nally, The Crossing, Kevin Vondrak
Shining StillVanessa Lann, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 10, Fa/LaDonald Nally, The Crossing
Alone TogetherMary Jane Leach, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 11, EveDonald Nally, The Crossing
ExodusAlex Berko, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 12, PowerDonald Nally, The Crossing
Still So Much to SayViet Cuong, The Crossing, Donald Nally
Interlude: No. 13, GloriaDonald Nally, The Crossing
Carols After a Plague: III. ResolveShara Nova, The Crossing, Donald Nally
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