Connecticut Master Chorale

Gloria and Te Deum – Karl Jenkins

The prolific Welsh composer Karl Jenkins continues to grow in popularity with every new composition, and Gloria and Te Deum are stunning products of his multifaceted talents. Classically trained, he worked successfully in jazz and media advertising for many years, and won awards and attention for “Diamond Music”, used by the DeBeers Diamond Merchants, and “Adiemus”, which was used in a Delta Airlines commercial.

Some may remember Karl Jenkins from our Winter 2007 Concert when the above clips were recorded. We also sang the U.S. premiere of his Stabat Mater at Lincoln Center in New York City and performed the same work later that year at our Winter 2009 Concert.

Recently, he has found international recognition creating gorgeous, vibrant choral music that transcends conventional musical boundaries. Jenkins has composed for many prominent soloists, including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who has said, “I adore Karl’s compositions. From this quiet, gentle human being comes the most amazing, haunting music that is instantly recognizable and loved across the world.”

Originally commissioned for performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Gloria is an uplifting work in five movements. Opening with dramatic fanfare and melodic, expressive choral harmonies, this lyrical music is always emotionally engaging, whether joyful and filled with excitement or reflective and touching.

Jenkins’ Te Deum is a jubilant and celebratory setting of the traditional Latin text, demonstrating his remarkable ability to compose unique music that is enjoyed by everyone.

King of Kings Choral Suite – Miklós Rózsa

  Arranged and reconstructed by Daniel Robbins

King of Kings Choral Suite is a majestic work created by Miklós Rózsa for MGM’s great epic movie “King of Kings”. The legendary Oscar-winning composer and conductor is considered one of the “founding fathers” of film music. Created in the golden age of motion picture epics, Rózsa’s score is astonishing in its power and beauty, filled with awe-inspiring dramatic movements that serve to illuminate and enhance this classic adaptation of the life of Christ for the big screen.