Sweet Manna

by Alice Parker

Overview

While she has been respected for years as a composer and arranger of traditional sacred music, Alice Parker has spent the majority of her musical career relegated to the background -- holding the strings while the puppets got credit for the show. Here, on Sweet Manna, she finally gets to take center stage. This collection of early American sacred music has been expertly executed by Parker and the Musicians of Melodious Accord. Largely composed by famed hymnwriter Issac Watts, these traditional songs share some remarkable similarities with European early sacred music styles. Considering the fact that these songs span a time period from 1700 to1830, the music seems remarkably simple and chant-like, with multipart harmonies and singing in the round. Indeed, the music borrows heavily from British folk styles and has a kind of nostalgic quality. The execution of the album is precise and beautiful; the chorus is flawless and the bell-like tones of the sopranos are often heartbreaking. Overall, this is a fine document of a style of music that is often overlooked. ~ Stacia Proefrock

Product Details

Release Date:	01/01/1999
Label:	GIA PUBLICATIONS
UPC:	0785147043423

Tracks

1. Almighty Maker, God
2. My Thoughts, That Often Mount the Skies
3. When Some Kind Shepherd from His Fold
4. Ye Boundless Realms of Joy
5. How Pleased and Blessed Was I
6. From Deep Distress and Troubled Thoughts
7. What Is Our God, or What His Name
8. My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord
9. To God, in Whom I Trust
10. Hear Me, O Lord, nor Hide Thy Face
11. My Soul, the Great Creator Praise
12. How Short and Hasty Is Our Life
13. How Soft the Words My Savior Speaks
14. Through Every Age, Eternal God
15. Return, O God of Love, Return
16. My God the Spring of All My Joys
17. Brethren, We Have Met to Worship

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Alice Parker   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Traditional   Composer
Ed Kelly   Engineer