Recordings

Illumination, not farewell, is the message of this final recording in Shaw’s long career as master musician--he died in January 1999, just two months after the sessions. This touching and resplendent document--on two CDs, totaling one hour and 25 minutes--reveals the greatness of a work long neglected in this country and one that Shaw himself discovered only a few years ago. It is a masterpiece of simple but mystical power, here realized with quiet force by the Atlanta chorus Shaw built in the ‘60s to go with this orchestra, which he led for many years. The vocal quartet performs in a sterling manner, not just as stylish, gifted soloists, but also as an ensemble of equals. All four shine, but mezzo Simpson and tenor Olsen are particularly communicative. Shaw’s long shadow and musical signature are everywhere: One hears the music and the composer’s thought, not Shaw’s ego as a conductor.