There Lies the Home
American Record Guide - April 2007
Philip Greenfield

To music lovers who feel like they must go down to the seas again, this will be one of the most irresistible releases in recent memory. Nautical themes monopolize this anthology of sea chanteys and choral songs from the likes of Amy Beach, Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, Peter Schickele, the Estonian master Veljo Tormis, Sting and Gordon Lightfoot. A diverse enough roster for you?

Also of interest are two songs by Edie Hill, a Minnesota-based composer whose writing has begun to attract a great deal of attention. What holds it all together is the remarkable artistry of Cantus, a professional choir of 11 fellows from Minnesota’s Twin Cities who sound spectacular singing this spirited repertoire that draws from so many different choral styles. You also get great sound and a clever booklet that catalogs the information in the form of a ship’s log, complete with delicate script and parchment-like paper. If your eyes are good enough to read it (mine aren’t anymore), it should add to the fun. Enjoy!