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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0019341156529 Label: Windham Hill Records Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Windham Hill Records Release Date: October 10, 2000 Sales Rank: 11302 Studio: Windham Hill Records
Amazon.com: Producer and composer Paul Schwartz thanks many people on State of Grace, but there is one notable exclusion: the 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen. Although these aren't her compositions, echoes of her ecstatic hymns and sequences resound throughout Schwartz's latest electronica-classical opus. He composes his own 21st-century gothic chants, which are sung by the impassioned soprano Lisbeth Scott. Scott is a powerful singer who brings a more emotional, perhaps even lustful, tone to these electro-Gregorian evocations, gliding over synthesizer ministrations and violin from the durable Gavyn Wright. Paul Schwartz was also responsible for the Aria CDs, on which he updated operatic arias with dance beats. State of Grace benefits from the less oppressive rhythmic regimentation, letting these soaring melodies ring out. When Schwartz deviates from his gothic inspirations, State of Grace flags, notably on a predictable rendition of "Amazing Grace," a misguided Celtic take on the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts," and a trio of instrumentals. --John Diliberto
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Bliss
My youngest son was recently deployed to Iraq...the selection, "Be Still My Soul," has created a beautiful, peaceful place in my heart and spirit that provides a sense of peace and comfort. Lisbeth Scott's voice is angelic! She brings a depth of bliss that is calming...which radiates from her sweet voice, providing a magnificent place for solitude and prayer. I adore her...and appreciate her and this beautiful song more than she will ever know.
Rating: - best new age to date
Paul Schwartz recordings in all three State of Grace albums are very well composed and orchestrated. The voice of Lisbeth Scott is angellic and the chorus performs flawlessly. You'll want to listen again and again and again. I highly recommend this item.
Rating: - Similar to Mehdi???
I had to laugh at the tag "similar to Mehdi"...that's like saying the Beach Boys are similar to the Monkees....
For a while this CD never left my rotation, and I play a lot of music. I still get a quick thrill of anticipation when I run across it in my stacks of CDs, and decide to play it again.
This is spiritual music, true, but it is modern vocal/electronica as much as anything. It has a beat, it has soul, it is full-toned and gorgeous. But not too sweet, as the female vocalist puts grit into the tunes. Don't be put off by "Amazing Grace": yes, its that song, ... Read More
Rating: - The best of Lizbeth Scott and Paul Schwartz
I was totally hooked on this style of music after hearing this CD. It is incredibly deep and beautiful and lyrical and just the kind of music that brings ancient language and sounds to the 21st century. I have all of the music that Lizbeth Scott records - she is a very good writer of her own contemporary style of music. The entire State of Grace series is incredible but this one is my absolute favorite. Right behind this is Aria 2.
Rating: - Amazing !!!!
I too checked a copy of this out of my local library! I put it in my car stereo and rocketed down the interstate but soon had to pull over. I was crying uncontrollably! I could not believe how beautiful Lizabeth's voice was!
I took my copy to a friend of mine, who has a B&O system and played the masterpiece for him. He was positively blown away and plays his copy every night.
I just bought a copy of the disc along with the second version, which I am listening to now.
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