The American Boychoir - I Hear America Singing (2013)

I Hear America Singing In his iconic poem, American literary genius Walt Whitman illustrated the varied carols resounding throughout our ever-singing nation: songs of masons, boatmen, carpenters, mothers...each one in his or her own voice, colored with distinct experiences, cultural upbringings, and aspirations. This poem inspired the American Boychoir's touring programs for its 75th anniversary season, which, in turn, inspired this recording. Whitman depicted vast and various images of America, which set the metaphorical stage for us to explore a variety of songs and themes, including songs about singing, faith, and love. The alternation of readings and vocal music is an age-old tradition associated mostly, though not exclusively, with religious services. (A prominent example of this is the lessons and carols service performed in many different Christian denominations.) There is something very powerful, far-reaching, and immediate about the spoken word. By weaving readings of poetry and prose between sections of music, we hope that the listener s experience is enhanced, as it was in our live concerts. On behalf of the American Boychoir, I thank you for your patronage and support. I encourage you to sit back and enjoy this recording with the sincere wish that while listening to it, you are uplifted and moved, feeling that indeed, you are hearing America singing. --Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Litton-Lodal Music Director, American Boychoir