Oratorio Terra Nostra
Cedille, 2024
8/10
Listen to Oratorio Terra Nostra
A body of work commissioned by the San Francisco Choral Society and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir, this environmentally themed listen illuminates Stacy Garrop’s lyricism and storytelling.
“Part I: Creation Of The World” starts the listen with rumbling drums, animated strings and soaring voices that harmonize with vast beauty but can retreat to bare moments, too.
The middle belongs to “Part II: The Rise Of Humanity”, where tense bouts and very vivid storytelling guides the shifting climate and Jesse Donnor’s glowing tenor.
The final installment, “Part III: Searching For Balance”, allows Michelle Areyzaga’s flawless soprano to shine via the ebullient landscape that doesn’t shy away from intimacy, either.
This is the 13th album from Garrop to feature her music, and the symphony, choir and soloists make for an enlightening and memorable experience.
Travels well with: Minnesota Orchestra- Mahler 8; Bridget Kibbey- Crossing The Ocean