Paul Schwartz - State of Grace

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Producer and composer Paul Schwartz thanks many people on State of Grace, but there is one notable exclusion: the 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen. Although these aren't her compositions, echoes of her ecstatic hymns and sequences resound throughout Schwartz's latest electronica-classical opus. He composes his own 21st-century gothic chants, which are sung by the impassioned soprano Lisbeth Scott. Scott is a powerful singer who brings a more emotional, perhaps even lustful, tone to these electro-Gregorian evocations, gliding over synthesizer ministrations and violin from the durable Gavyn Wright. Paul Schwartz was also responsible for the Aria CDs, on which he updated operatic arias with dance beats. State of Grace benefits from the less oppressive rhythmic regimentation, letting these soaring melodies ring out. When Schwartz deviates from his gothic inspirations, State of Grace flags, notably on a predictable rendition of "Amazing Grace," a misguided Celtic take on the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts," and a trio of instrumentals. ... I suggest sleeping to this cd, for it will snooze you right into dreamland. I recommend this cd, not to religious based seekers, but to anyone looking for something more on the lines of calm tranquility. All in all this is a worthy buy...

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Tracklist:
1. Vent Redemptor Gentium - Lisbeth Scott
2. Amazing Grace - Lisbeth Scott
3. Miserere - The Joyful Company Of Singers
4. Veni Creator Spiritus - Lisbeth Scott/Gavyn Wright
5. Auguries Of Innocence: Part 1 - Gavyn Wright/David Theodore
6. Auguries Of Innocence: Part 2 - Gavyn Wright/David Theodore
7. Be Still My Soul - Lisbeth Scott/Paul Schwartz
8. Angelica - Lisbeth Scott/Gavyn Wright/Jonathan Williams
9. Simple Gifts - Lisbeth Scott/Andrew Findon/Dirk Campbell
10. State Of Grace/Miserere (Remix) - Gavyn Wright/Paul Schwartz