| Jonathan Elias | Primary Artist, Primary Artist, Primary Artist |
| Ofra Haza | Vocals |
| Salif Keita | Vocals |
| Linda Ronstadt | Vocals |
| James Taylor | Vocals |
| The American Boychoir | Children's Chorus |
| John Williams [guitar] | Guitar |
| Liz Constantine | Chant |
| English Chamber Choir | Choir, Chorus |
| English Chamber Orchestra | Performing Ensemble |
| Perry Farrell | Chant |
| Ethan James | Hurdy-Gurdy |
| Martin Tillman | Cello |
| Alanis Morissette | Vocals |
| Yungchen Lhamo | Vocals |
| Devin Provenzano | Vocals |
| Rahat Fateh Ali Khan | Vocals |
| Richard Bona | Vocals |
| Mah Damba | Vocals |
| John Williams & the Tick Tocks | Guitar |
| Lawrence Schwartz | Conductor |
| Josh Abbey | Engineer |
| Larry Alexander | Engineer |
| Chuck Bennett | Cover Development |
| Jim Brady | Engineer |
| Jonathan Elias | Producer, Liner Notes, Text |
| John Richards | Engineer |
| Mark Rogers | Engineer |
| Mike Ross-Trevor | Engineer |
| Gustavo Santaolalla | Text Translation |
| John Luard Timperley | Engineer |
| David Tobocman | Engineer |
| Alanis Morissette | Text Translation |
| Michael Sherwood | Composer |
| Giulio Turturro | Art Direction |
| Matt Mahurin | Illustrations |
| Genevieve Haines | Liner Note Translation |
| Mark Fergesen | Engineer |
| Les Cooper & the Soul Rockers | Engineer |
| Bill Airey Smith | Engineer |
| David Gold | Engineer |
| Jonathan Allen | Engineer |
| Walt Vincent | Producer, Engineer |
| Tim Sund | Liner Note Translation |
| Walt Vincent | Producer, Engineer |
| Bill Kannengiser | Guitar Arrangements |
| Kenneth Shiffrin | Executive Producer |
| Les Cooper | Engineer |
| Clay Williams | Cover Development |
| Bill Smith | Engineer |
Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
Every now and then, along comes a piece of music that truly moves me. Even more seldom, along comes a piece of music that makes the musician in me sit up and take notice. Jonathan Elias' "The Prayer Cycle" has done both. "Prayer Cycle" is a choral symphony in nine movements, but it is also a piece of world music. The English Chamber Orchestra and Chorus is joined by a stellar array of vocal solo talents. Distinctive western voices such as Alanis Morissette, James Taylor, and Linda Ronstadt are joined by equally distinctive eastern vocalists like Israeli Ofra Haza, Tibetan Yungchen Lhamo, Pakistani Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Salif Keita of Mali. Sadly, Ali Khan and Haza (one of my favorite vocal talents) passed away shortly after the production of this recording, leaving this performance as one of their last collaborations. It is a fitting memorial to two great voices. Elias' music itself is a wonder. It is both ethereal and earthly, filled with slow ostinato and vibrant treble tones, and it fulfills its title by quietly guiding the ear and mind to a place of introspection, meditation, and revelation. The mix of languages lets us concentrate on the timbre of each voice, from Ronstadt's lyrical soprano to Morisette's anguished and near-tribal clarity, from Ali Khan's woody tenor to Yungchen's flute-like descant. The music is not thematic, but atmospheric, providing no melodies to hum after hearing the piece. Rather, each movement provides a distinct sphere of serenity in which we can slow down, listen, and enjoy the tug and play of the music.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
I bought this when it first came out. Fell in love with the music and the artists offerings! Lost my job and the CD is misplaced. After 2 years, I am still longing to hear it again. Forgot title, remembered only the composer's first name. Entered first name on Google, and all the composers with the first name Jonathan came up. Remembered 'Elias' as soon as I saw it. Am ordering it again today! Even tho' it is classical - some of the tracks remind me of the wailing sound of the Moody Blues. I love the wailing. It goes deep into my soul. I'm so happy I found it!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
I found this CD while browsing through a used CD bin at a local music shop. For some reason I paused when I saw the cover, and I picked it up for a closer look. After seeing the artist grouping, I purchased it without hesitation. Probably the best 8 bucks I ever spent-- the music is absolutely lush and the lyrics powerful.
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Posted October 1, 2010
This is truly music for the soul. I originally heard a track on Alanis Morissette's website, and had to hear the rest of it. The whole CD is amazing, and touches one in a manner sorely lacking from most music these days regardless of artist. This ranks with Enya, Clannad and other musicians/groups/compilations as something both soulful and heartfelt. Especially with the events of the past few months in NY, PA and DC, one cannot help but feel for ths loss, and for those who will continue to die for man's pride.
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Posted October 1, 2010
it was stunning. just listening to it for the first time left me shaking inside in total awe. brought me down to my knees and praying along. lovely -- no matter what religion you have
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Editorial Reviews
Barnes & Noble - Carol Wright
Composer Jonathan Elias confronts the death and devastation of wartime with a stunning nine-part choral symphony. Bolstered by a truly awesome lineup of singers -- from the late Qawwal singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to Salif Keita to Linda Ronstadt -- and lyrics that appeal for mercy and strength, hope and compassion, and faith and forgiveness, THE PRAYER CYCLE is a moving achievement. The English Chamber Orchestra and Choir provides a solid pastoral setting for the stunning soloists. The most surprising contributor here is rocker Alanis Morissette, who belts out Hungarian and French and more than matches the power and passion of Ali Khan and Keita. Other estimable ...