Robert Shaw - The Robert Shaw Chorale - Operatic Choruses (1960/2016) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Not to be confused with the earthy barrelhouse pianist of the same name, Robert Shaw made his name through his dual mastery of the art of choral and orchestral conducting. Although featured on record with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing standard classical repertory, Shaw's own recordings often document his interest in old-time song. Best-known for several recordings of traditional Christmas carols, he has also tackled Irish folk music, sea shanties, songs of the American Civil War, popular American hymns, African American spirituals, and the works of Stephen Foster, among others. After working in New York under Arturo Toscanini and Bruno Walter, Shaw began to find conducting work of his own and in 1948, he put together the Robert Shaw Chorale, which went on to become one of the country's most widely acclaimed choral groups, embarking on tours across the globe. After stints with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra, Shaw served as music director for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from 1967-1988 and also appeared as a guest conductor with many groups, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Shaw's long and distinguished career came to an end when he passed away on January 25, 1999. ~ Steve Huey

TRACKLIST
1 Georges Bizet: Carmen, Act IV: Les Voici! Les Voici!
2 Jacques Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Act II: Presentation of Olympia
3 Charles Gounod: Faust, Act IV: Déposons les armes (Soldiers' Chorus)
4 Giuseppe Verdi: Nabucco, Act III: Va', pensiero (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves)
5 Giuseppe Verdi: Otello, Act II: Dove guardi splendono raggi
6 Giuseppe Verdi: Il Trovatore, Act II: Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie (Anvil Chorus)
7 Richard Wagner: Lohengrin, WWV 75, Act III: Treulich geführt ziehet dahin (Bridal Chorus)
8 Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto, Act I: Zitti, zitti moviamo a vendetta
9 Richard Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96, Act III: Wach auf!
10 Ambroise Thomas: Mignon, Act III: Ah! Au souffle léger du vent (Barcarolle)
11 Pietro Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana: Ah! Gli aranci olezzano
12 Johann Strauss, Jr.: Die Fledermaus, Act II: Brüderlein und Schwesterlein

PERSONNEL
Robert Shaw Chorale
RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra
Robert Shaw