http://www.salon.com/2014/02/08/the_11_best_a_cappella_songs_of_all_time/
Saturday, Feb 8, 2014 11:00 AM EST
The 11 best a cappella songs of all time
A cappella gets a bad rap -- these tracks prove there's a lot to love VIDEO
When I
suggested doing a list of great a cappella performances, my editor
expressed polite repulsion. That makes sense; “a cappella” for a lot of
people means either reverent plainchant or glee clubs and fresh-faced
college kids doing cheerily cheesy vocal renditions of “Bohemian
Rhapsody” or “Boy from New York City.” But there’s more to group a
cappella than just the spunky and the drab. So here’s a list hopefully
even my editor can love a little.
Hilliard Ensemble, Perotin’s “Viderunt Omnes”
From 12th-century France, “Viderunt Omnes” stands at the triumphal beginning of the tradition of Western European four-part polyphony. In this amazing 1986 recording by the Hilliard Ensemble, the voices wrap and braid around one another with a crystalline, weightless discipline. If there’s an angel choir up there, this would be what it sounds like. (The recording is in two parts on YouTube; second part is here.
Country Gentlemen, “Calling My Children Home”
The Country Gentlemen started out as a folk revival progressive bluegrass act, but they experienced numerous personnel changes and consequent identity shifts over the years. In 1978 they were led by mandolinist and tenor Doyle Lawson, whose commitment to bluegrass gospel led to perhaps their best album, the all-spiritual “Calling My Children Home.” The title track is an arrangement of a traditional tune, all mournful mountain harmonies and breathing space.
Chilhowie Primitive Baptist Church, “O Sing to Me of Heaven”
A recording from a church congregation in Southwest Virginia. As is common in much Southern congregational singing, the lead singer performs a line and is followed by the congregation.
Brother Smith and Shape-note Singers, “I’ll Sing Again”
Hilliard Ensemble, Perotin’s “Viderunt Omnes”
From 12th-century France, “Viderunt Omnes” stands at the triumphal beginning of the tradition of Western European four-part polyphony. In this amazing 1986 recording by the Hilliard Ensemble, the voices wrap and braid around one another with a crystalline, weightless discipline. If there’s an angel choir up there, this would be what it sounds like. (The recording is in two parts on YouTube; second part is here.
Country Gentlemen, “Calling My Children Home”
The Country Gentlemen started out as a folk revival progressive bluegrass act, but they experienced numerous personnel changes and consequent identity shifts over the years. In 1978 they were led by mandolinist and tenor Doyle Lawson, whose commitment to bluegrass gospel led to perhaps their best album, the all-spiritual “Calling My Children Home.” The title track is an arrangement of a traditional tune, all mournful mountain harmonies and breathing space.
Chilhowie Primitive Baptist Church, “O Sing to Me of Heaven”
A recording from a church congregation in Southwest Virginia. As is common in much Southern congregational singing, the lead singer performs a line and is followed by the congregation.
Brother Smith and Shape-note Singers, “I’ll Sing Again”
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