Musica Intima - O Nata Lux (2008)

Musica Intima is a 12-person, mixed-gender, adult chorus from Vancouver, British Columbia. With competition from virtuoso choirs in both the U.S. and Europe, it has forged a distinctive sound partly by involving the work of Canadian composers. This is a cappella choral music that depends on tonal but complex harmonies that exploit the characteristics of an ecclesiastical space; in this case, the Eglise St.-Augustin de Mirabel in Montreal, which admirably suits the music. For those who like to twist open the Oreo to get to the best stuff right off, sample the title track (track 5) by little-known American composer Seth Garrepy. He sent the group a CD in the mail after hearing it, and the members were commendably quick to recognize the possibilities his music offered with its long phrases structured to culminate in stacks of overtones resounding in the recesses of the church's space. It's quite a spectacular piece, and Musica Intima works it into a program of richly sensuous (though sacred) works that draw on contemporary North American choral styles, composers of the middle twentieth century like Britten and Howells, and arrangements of yet older material. The old multilingual hymn In dulci jubilo is sung in an oversweet but intriguing British arrangement. The real attraction is the singing of the chorus, which is intonationally solid and draws every available shade of color from the the combination of three voices on each part. Each piece is introduced in English and French, and texts are given in those languages as well as the original where that is different. Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys Chanticleer, the Phoenix Chorale, or other smaller choruses.