Gratias
Navona, 2021
8/10
The Jitro Czech Girls Choir and conductor Jiří Skopal join forces here to flesh out arrangements by the Czech composer Ilja Hurník, where these youthful interpretations retain the frisky spirit of the originals with plenty of integrity untarnished from Hurník’s inestimable vision.
“Variations On A Mouse Theme” begins the listen with soaring, flawless harmonizing as the group weave in and out of calm versus busy landscapes, and this formula continues to the intricate piano and vocal acrobatics of “June Night”.
In the middle we find the playful “Children’s Tercetta”, where the strategically layered vocals are both fascinating and mesmerizing, while “Water, Sweetwater” flows with a dreamy, charming display of heavenly singing. “Missa Vinea Crucis” exits the listen, and leaves an indelible mark with well timed organ alongside the nearly gospel influenced finish that is likely to stir up plenty of emotions.
Ultimately a memorial listen, Hurník spent much time teaching his craft to children, so it’s only fitting that the youngsters pay homage to him with both intimacy and exploration present on this glorious listen.
Travels well with: Harmony Of Dissonance- Traces Of Croatian Traditional Singing; Rosśa Crean- The Priestess Of Morphine