For this New Sounds, listen to choral music of the British Isles, Armenia, and more, including the Medieval music group, Canty, dubbed “Scotland’s Anonymous 4.” They perform Irish composer Michael McGlynn’s “Lorica,” from a recent release, "Carmina Celtica."  The record features world premieres of nine contemporary works - some written for Canty, commissioned by them, or gifted by the composer.

McGlynn says: "The ‘Lorica' is one of the most spiritually inspiring texts to set in all of Irish literature, part of the celebrated poem known today as "St Patrick's Breastplate." My musical response to this poem takes into account the sonic purity of Canty and harkens back to an age of delicate vocal timbre and set, but fluid musical constraints". It was premiered in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.  Also, the all-male choir Chanticleer performs Irish choral composer Michael McGlynn’s setting of the Agnus Dei, (literally “Lamb of God,”) one of the parts of the mass, “And on Earth, Peace.”  And more.

PROGRAM #3118,  New Choral Music   (First aired on 9/22/2010)