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Skylark

Clear Voices in the Dark

Sono Luminus
Release Date: May 24, 2024

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Interview with Skylark conductor Mathew Guard
1 When this Cruel War is Over - Weeping, Sad and Lonely  
2 Figure Humaine_ I. De tous les printemps du monde  
3 Johnny has gone for a soldier  
4 Figure Humaine_ II. En chantant les servantes s_e´lancent  
5 Break it Gently to my Mother  
6 Figure Humaine_ III. Aussi bas que le silence  
7 Johnny, I hardly knew ye  
8 Figure Humaine_ IV. Toi ma patiente  
9 Soldier’s Memorial Day  
10 Figure Humaine_ V. Riant du ciel et des plane`tes  
11 Workin for the dawn of peace  
12 Figure Humaine VI. Le jour m_e´tonne et la nuit me fait peur  
13 Abide with me  
14 Figure Humaine VII. La menace sous le ciel rouge  
15 The Battle Hymn of the Republic  
16 Figure Humaine VIII. LIBERTE´  
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Clear Voices in the Dark [Sono Luminus (DSL92278)], a new recording by the Skylark Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Artistic Director/Conductor Matthew Guard features Figure Humaine, Francis Poulenc’s hymn to LIBERTÉ  intriguingly interspersed with songs of the American Civil War. 

Poulenc’s Figure Humaine is considered one of the greatest works ever composed for an unaccompanied choir. Poulenc wrote the cantata in 1943 during the Nazi occupation of France, based on resistance-inspired poems by Paul Éluard including LIBERTÉ. The cantata is a stunning 8-movement exploration of the grim realities of war, culminating in an optimistic and embattled cry for liberty in the face of oppression. Asked why Skylark decided to record Clear Voices in the Dark now, Guard says “I think art borne out of a time of societal turmoil can be particularly profound; As we live once again in a time of unspeakable horrors in Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Gaza, we believe the music on this album can shed light on nightmares of the past through the art that emerged from them, and most importantly, affirm the incredible power of the human spirit to endure in times of tragedy. Rarely performed or recorded due to its difficulty, this is the first US recording of Figure Humaine.

  • Skylark's Matthew Guard chats about the group's new release: 'Clear Voices in the Dark' with 89.9 Montana Public Radio
    Posted At: July 11, 2024 12:00 AM
    Clear Voices in the Dark [Sono Luminus (DSL92278)], a new recording by the Skylark Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Artistic Director/Conductor Matthew Guard features Figure Humaine, Francis Poulenc’s hymn to LIBERTÉ  intriguingly interspersed with songs of the American Civil War. The album will be available May 24 to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Deezer, an...
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  • On 'Clear Voices In The Dark' Skylark demonstrates the versatility for which the ensemble is so admired / textura
    Posted At: July 9, 2024 12:00 AM
    textura writes…..In hearing daily about the lives lost in Ukraine and the Middle East, we're reminded anew of the monumental human toll exacted by war and conflict. Not that we should need reminders: countless others preceded those two, with all implicitly arguing in support of George Santayana's contention that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Perhaps it was these most recen...
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  • Skylark conductor Mathew Guard discusses new Sono Luminous album: 'Clear Voices in The Dark' with Winnipeg's Classic 107
    Posted At: June 29, 2024 12:00 AM
    Skylarks Tackle Everest: New recording of Poulenc choral masterpiece offers clarity in the darknessWinnipeg Classic 107's Chris Wolf writes…..On May 24th, the Sono Luminous Record Label released a fabulous CD that features the three-time Grammy nominated chamber choir Skylark led by conductor Mathew Guard.Described as “the cream of the American crop of choral singing.” Skylark is a premiere ensemble made up...
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  • It is not without reason that Skylark has given 'Clear Voices in the Dark' it's title / pizzicato
    Posted At: June 20, 2024 12:00 AM
    Clear Voices in the Dark [Sono Luminus (DSL92278)], a new recording by the Skylark Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Artistic Director/Conductor Matthew Guard features Figure Humaine, Francis Poulenc’s hymn to LIBERTÉ  intriguingly interspersed with songs of the American Civil War. The album will be available May 24 to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Deezer, an...
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  • Skylark - Clear Voices in the Dark is moving music from a time of turmoil / the arts fuse
    Posted At: May 20, 2024 12:00 AM
    Part of the pleasure of reviewing Skylark’s performances is to spread the word: this vocal ensemble is nothing short of amazing.Skylark: Clear Voices in the Dark — Poulenc’s “Figure Humaine” and Songs of the American Civil War (Sono Luminus)the arts fuse - Susan Miron writes…..This listener has consistently enjoyed Skylark’s many recordings as well as all of their (its) extraordinary concerts. In truth, par...
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