Recordings

Founded and directed by Ralph B. Woodward, the Salt Lake Children's Choir has been a staple of the local music scene for the last 30 years. During that time they've recorded several CDs. Their most recent two-disc album, which has just been released, is a collection of music that has become choir and audience favorites over the years.

It contains all of the ensemble's signature pieces, like Woodward's "A Day in Spring." It gives a wonderful sampling of the choir's expansive repertoire, with music from the renaissance, art songs by Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms, folk songs as well as many of Woodward's own pieces.

It's nearly impossible to single out selections for mention, since all of the tracks are delightful, but a few stand out for various reasons. Among these are Giovanni Palestrina's "Gloria Patri;" Brahms' "A Thought LIke Music;" Woodward's setting of William Blake's "Little Lamb;" the Andean folk song "El Humahuaqueño;" and the snappy Jimmy McHugh song "On the Sunny Side of the Street."

This album is taken from concerts at different Salt Lake City venues and recorded between 1994 and this year; a lot of children are represented here, but there is an amazing continuity in these performances. Woodward has done a wonderful job with these young voices. Their singing is articulate and cleanly phrased and they bring finely crafted expressiveness and lyricism to their interpretations.

What comes through after listening to this album is that Woodward has helped his choirs realize their potential and instilled in them a love of singing. And, quite honestly, one can hardly give youngsters a greater gift than that.

Ralph B. Woodward and his Salt Lake Children's Choir have finally released another CD. "Noel" is their third album and their second Christmas CD. And it's long overdue.

The children sound like angels on this recording. It's amazing what Woodward does with these kids to get them to sound so good. There is a professional quality to their performances that is stunning. And Woodward is an amazing arranger. He knows how to bring out the best in his choir. Most of the pieces on the album are his own arrangements, and they are absolutely delightful.

For the first time, Woodward has decided to use live performances for this album, and the sequence of works and overall atmosphere reflect the character of an actual concert. All of the pieces were recorded in Salt Lake City's Cathedral of the Madeleine from 1998 to 2006, so they represent quite a large number of children.

All of the 31 tracks are wonderful. From Palestrina to traditional European carols to contemporary songs, this album represents the best spirit of Christmas. Once you have listened to it, you will find yourself hooked. You'll hit the repeat button on your CD player repeatedly.

"Noel" is a real winner among Christmas albums.

The Salt Lake Children's Choir is an absolute delight on this CD; these young singers are a joy to hear. Their voices are pure and crystalline, and their diction and intonation are perfect.

The choir performs with a high degree of professionalism that speaks volumes for its founder and director, Ralph B. Woodward. And it's Woodward's vision and dedication that have fashioned the Salt Lake Children's Choir into one of the premiere vocal groups of its kind in the country.

"A Day in Spring" shows off the versatility and talent of this wonderful choir.

The CD opens with a group of art songs by Grieg, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann and the relatively unknown Robert Franz. These pieces are sung with sensitivity and tender expression. Particularly beautiful is the choir's interpretation of Schumann's "Moonlit Night" ("Mondnacht").

There's also a set of European folk songs, which the choir sings in the original languages, and the album includes a group of songs written by Woodward.

In addition to being a fine conductor, Woodward is also a first-rate composer. His songs are melodic and charming, and well-written for children's voices.

Several of Woodward's pieces are noteworthy. His setting of Psalm 23 ("The Lord is My Shepherd"), for example, is delicate, simple and tender. "Evening Prayer" is a beautifully touching hymn, and the title song, "A Day in Spring," is hauntingly evocative.