Choir's men lift voices: All-male album is unique in Mormon Tabernacle Choir's storied history

When an organization has been in existence for more than 150 years, when it has been recording for more than 100 years with more than 175 albums to its credit, when it has been on the radio since 1929 and on the cutting edge of every new technology that has come along, it's difficult to come up with something new.

But the Mormon Tabernacle Choir still manages to do it.

For the first time in its long and storied history, the choir is releasing an album featuring only the right-hand side of the choir loft: "Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir" (Mormon Tabernacle Choir, $17.98).

Beginning with the aptly titled folk hymn, "Brethren, We Have Met to Worship," the 15-track album includes hymns, spirituals, music of the masters and inspirational pop songs — all sung exclusively by the men.

"It's very much like the repertoire of the complete choir," says choir director Mack Wilberg. "There's something for everyone."

Included is music by Grieg ("Land-Sighting"), Wagner ("Pilgrim's Chorus" from "Tannhauser"), Gilbert and Sullivan (the finale from "The Gondoliers"), as well as contemporary songs such as "You Raise Me Up," made famous by Josh Groban; and "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" by Billy Joel.

There are popular hymns such as "Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy" and "Beautiful Savior."

There are robust and hearty songs such as "The Morning Trumpet" and "Fight the Good Fight with All Thy Might," and soft and tender songs, such as "There Is a Balm in Gilead" and "Hush Little Baby."

"There's something kind of wonderful about men singing lullabyes," says Wilberg, which is why he included two on the album. "Men can be tender, too. The Billy Joel song is one he wrote for his own daughter."

The collection is put together so that it has an appealing flavor and flow. And choosing the songs was not easy, says Wilberg.

"This is not only the first album featuring the men, it may be the only one we ever do."

So, he adds, it's not just a matter of picking songs that men can sing; it's a matter of picking the best possible songs that not only showcase the repertoire and range of the men, but also give the listener a satisfying and enjoyable experience that they will want to repeat again and again.

Only three of the selections were written specifically for men; the rest have been adapted to men's voices. The majority of the arrangements were done by Wilberg. But there are also arrangements by assistant choir director Ryan Murphy and others.