Julia Pabst : Lilies And Simple Gifts

An energizing yet simultaneously restful mixture of sacred songs. Not background music but a profound experience. The effect of hearing the entire album is astonishing uplift, as if there were a powerful subtext of joy throughout. 'A lovely CD of superb quality, sung with absolute beauty. Joy runs throughout this wonderful CD.' (- Rodman Neumann) Julia Schechtman has sung in various European opera houses. Her expressive soprano, tender pianissimi and beautiful high notes, have been heard in roles such as Gilda in Rigoletto, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, and others. (Her CD, 'Brilliant!,' with breathtaking coloratura arias, is available digitally on iTunes and CDBaby.) In her CDs of sacred music she turns to her favorite sacred songs. The result is a CD of originality that feels like a good friend, or, as one reviewer phrased it, 'utterly companionable.'On Boesendorfer is Saul Schechtman, conductor of the tv series Omnibus, chamber orchestra Orchestra Piccola, guest conductor with theater and radio orchestras in Germany, Holland, Scandanavia, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.(All songs also available on iTunes UK/Europe, Australia, Japan, and more. CD available also on international websites, as is the companion album, 'Eye on the Sparrow.')This new setting of 'Simple Gifts' is sung with utter simplicity. Haydn's 'How Marvellous is the Power of God,' from the oratorio 'The Creation,' is stylistically flawless as well as wonderfully buoyant. And the late-20th century settings of Psalm 23 and 'The Song of Ruth' are among the most rewarding pieces on the album, each concluding with moving grandeur and strength. REVIEWS:'An impressive range of styles, yet all the selections are unified by the pure, thrilling beauty of her voice... At once, deeply meditative and joyous... An album utterly companionable, so keep it handy. It will lift sorrowful spirits and point the way to joy and peace.' - Dr. L. Gott, review. 'I was surprised how much I was moved by this new version of Psalm 23- whereas I had felt weary of that particular psalm by too long acquaintance, here it seemed fresh and revivified, and I could recapture its real meaning again. And the Song of Ruth is indescribable in its beauty.' 'The warmth of Ms. Pabsta€™s voice and the quality of the acoustics let you feel as if you were sitting in the front row of the recital hall or even a private hearing.' - R. Neumann'Some songs are catchy, like the modern Psalm 100. Others are soothing, like 'Great Peace Have They' or 'The Beatitudes.' One or two give me a lump in my throat at the end, such as 'Psalm 23.' The acoustics are great - up close and personal.' - from cduniverse review'Her brilliant and gorgeous voice flows from her heart. It is a unique program with great variety.' - Takae Ohnishi, Harpsichordist; Lecturer, UCSD'Unusual for so vibrant a voice to have such a calming effect. The voice is a rare instrument, beautiful and very individual, you'd recognize it anywhere, and the artist is both expressive and self-effacing. The piano accompaniment is sensitive, stylistically flawless. And the musicians are very 'present,' you feel like you're in the front row...Highly recommended.' - From review on amazon.com'A voice that sounds like the sun coming out; a lovely,'sunshiney' sound.' - Carolyn R.EXCERPTS FROM GERMAN OPERA REVIEWS:'A stroke of luck: Julia Schechtman. Great expressivity, vocal presence in all registers, and modulative ability...''Her trustworthy musicianship, her masterly execution directed towards lyrical beauty of sound, evoked bravos and ovations.' a€” Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung' Remarkable how Julia Schechtman masters the [nuances] with surety of intonation as well as vocal loveliness.' a€” Ruhr-Nachrichten'a€E sparkled with a glorious voice that even in the top notes radiated clarity and surety.' a€” Westfaelische Rundschau