Mormon Tabernacle Choir shines light on 'Star' composer's career

Anyone who has been involved with choral music for any length of time has likely sung a Randall Thompson song or two. He was one of the more prolific American composers of the mid-20th century.

"But in recent years he seems to have fallen off the radar screen," according to Mormon Tabernacle Choir director Craig Jessop. That's one reason Jessop wanted to do a tribute album of Thompson's music. "I wanted to introduce him to a whole new generation. It's something that I've had in the back of my mind for a very long time."

"Choose Something Like a Star," the latest offering on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir label, was released in conjunction with the choir's appearance at the American Choral Directors convention in Los Angeles. It contains "The Last Words of David"; "Frostiana," seven Robert Frost poems set to music; four songs from "The Peaceable Kingdom, Based on Biblical Texts of Isaiah"; and two "Alleluia" selections, including the one commissioned to open the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood and considered one of Thompson's most famous works.

"So, the CD gives a good perspective of his work," said Jessop.

The choir is accompanied by the Orchestra at Temple Square, which is another exciting element, he said. "More often your hear Thompson's songs with just the piano. Many people don't realize that he also did full orchestrations," adding a rich, full sound.

"It's a wonderful addition to the discography of the choir and to choral music in general," Jessop said of the CD, which is already making its presence known in the music world. It debuted at No. 3 on Billboard's classical-music chart (which gives the choir three albums in the top 15 — "America's Choir: Favorite Songs, Hymns and Anthems" re-entered the chart at No. 11, and "Peace Like a River" is at No. 13).

Combined with the graphics, the poetry and information in the liner notes, the CD makes for a "wonderful listening event," said Jessop. "Anyone who sits down and reads and listens will be well rewarded."

Thompson's choral music "represents one of the high points of American choral music composition," Jessop added. "It's noted for its beautiful harmonies, timeless sense of drama and meticulous craftsmanship." Other critics have described it as "American in spirit yet universal in appeal," "unfailingly accessible" and "a shining reflection of the joy and creative skill with which he taught musical craft."