Stunning
I read the other reviews and so just had to listen and this music is absolutely stunning Joshua. You have to hear the MP3 to do it justice of course, choral music doesn't do well with Scorch. Like the other reviewers, I am deeply moved by your use of calm dissonances and the sense of awe and mystery you convey with them. I can easily imagine how beautiful it would sound in one of our old English cathedrals....

Lisa Marie Gabriel

Rutteresque
A piece of which John Rutter would be proud! This is sublime choral writing and worthy of all the praise being heaped upon it. I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer who doubted the "fit" of the middle section - it retains exactly the mood and "voice" of the rest of the work and is totally consistent. My only tiny caveat is the last bar. The sopranos are divide into five and the altos into three. An equal division of notes and parts would seem better for balance. But this is risible nit-picking. Bravo maestro!

Julian Smyth

Beautiful, with a caveat
I agree with the most recent viewer that your use of major 2nds and 7ths is very effective, and also quite moving. The piece is sustained by a patient confidence: chord motion doesn't feel rushed, as it can in some settings of this text. Rather, the listener is allowed to digest each chord for all it's worth, and thus truly enjoy the piece. I have a minor quibble with the "Ora pro nobis peccatoribus" section. To me, it feels too "new age-y," especially rhythmically, and it doesn't gel with the rest of the piece. That separation may have been something you were looking for, as it's at a pivotal point in the text. But based on the rest of the piece, and how beautifully it fits with itself and the lyrics, this section stands out. Overall, a stunning piece. I was nearly moved to tears by the opening chords, which says a lot. Best of luck.

Charles Pletcher

Unexpected
I have seen many choral arrangements and originals and expected this to be simply like one of those, not particularily interesting, not gripping, but after listening to the amazing mp3 recording,(really took my breath away) I understood more the essence of the piece, and how hard you must have worked (or simply how talented you are) to get all instances to sound correct and beautiful without going overboard. Many congratulations on such a solid piece of work, use this gift of yours and continue to compose, I look forward to see many more beautiful fruits from you.

Samuel Dickenson

Very Beautiful
Unlike most traditional versions of this ave maria, dissonance does not mean tension. The beautiful use of 2nds and 7ths creates a shimmer between the voices. Respecting the meaning of the text, the piece stays hopeful throughout. In the minor passages, the chords and rhythm do not cast sadness, but rather longing hopefulness. The Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus phase truly respresents the sense of dependency on Mary's prayers. In the end, the voices all fuse together on a final amen that satisfies the ears' need for resolution, yet lets the voices shimmer and bounce off of each other. A very Beautiful Composition.

Seth Waters

Master not Student
Joshua lists himself as a vocal student. I think that he is producing work of a Master standard and beyond. His vocal works are simply exquisite and crafted so well as to appear effortless. Please press the vote button for this extremely gifted composer as more folk need to be aware of the beauty that he crafts. ...just check out the mp3 Review #2 - I have recently revisited this superb piece of writing and I almost feel as if I have, by accident, uncovered a Mozart potential among us - Josh creates music which literally soars and sings - there is no pretence, no writing to impress, just pure creation and joy in the act of this musical creation as I think the composer would agree. I think that Joseph Haydn's comments to Leopold Mozart are not too far off the mark in this situation.

Jeffrey Thorpe

Ave Maria in a new setting.
Joshua has brought some new sounds into his Ave Maria. I would like to hear a live recording of this piece. The harmonies are very rich and very pleasing, certainly to my ear. But I am not sure just how they would fall for singers to sing. Keep up the lovely work Joshua! 26 11 2008 Well this just goes to prove there is nothing like the real thing. A mind blowing experience here from Josh. And what a choir!

Kevin Riley