Deseret News | Reader comments: Mormon Tabernacle Choir gains new fame, repertoire

Reader comments
Doug Robinson: Mormon Tabernacle Choir gains new fame, repertoire

44 comments | Read story

Len | 6:19 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

Amen!

I'm attended the Christmas concert for the last two years.

On word

Fantastic!

Stenar | 8:35 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

The reason the MoTabs current album is #1 and nominated for 2 Grammys is because of Sissel.

Tree Guy | 10:45 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

The MoTabs are my all-time fav! Better than The Beatles!!!

Comments continue below

4 Tickets for Sale $400 | 11:21 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

The classic thing is that people are selling these free tickets on craigslist for $100 a piece. I wonder if these same people sell the presents they get at Christmas?? ha

I'm not a bitter, I have my tickets to the concert..just throwing this out cause I think its too funny!

Love the choir | 11:48 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

I was lucky enough to get a ticket to this year's concert, love the Choir and the King's Singers.

To respond to a couple of the earlier posts -- Sissel isn't the only reason the CD is #1. The choir has a LOT to do with it.

As for those people selling their tickets, shame on them. Is there any way those tickets can be voided in the computer?

Stenar | 6:22 p.m. Dec. 11, 2007

It's all about Sissel. None of their other albums have been #1.

I wish I'd thought of getting tix this year to sell. ;)

Come on, Sissel? | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

Sissel is great and all, but she hasn't been nominated for a Grammy on her own. It was the combination of the choir AND her that led to a nomination for "best classical crossover album" - she'd never have qualified for that specific nomination on her own. Jessop and Wilberg get the kudos for putting the 2 together. Also, "best engineered classical album" has much more to do with the choir and the massive job it is to record them well than anything else.

Stenar | 12:44 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007

The reasons Sissel hasn't been nominated for a Grammy on her own is because her previous record label never submitted her albums for Grammy consideration in America before because they are stupid. It's up to the record label to submit the album for consideration. Her new solo album "Northern Lights" on her new record label will have a very good chance of being nominated for a Grammy next year. (It came out a month too late to be considered for the upcoming Grammys.)
"Northern Lights" is currently in the top 10 on the Classical Crossover charts.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is great and all, but although they've put out dozens, if not hundreds of albums, they haven't been nominated on their own since 1959.

Salt Lake observer | 4:14 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Stenar, I believe you are mistaken on both counts. I am pretty sure the choir's fairly recent recording of Brahms' German Requiem was Grammy-nominated as well. One could argue that the Utah Symphony's participation means the choir wasn't nominated "on its own," but that would be a weak argument IMO. Also, "Choose Something Like a Star" reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart a couple of years back. There may be more examples, but these two are the ones that sprang to my mind.

Judy (past vocal music major) | 11:43 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Why are you two arguing about who is better? Just sit back, relax, and enjoy their new CD. I just attended tonight's concert with the King's Singers and it was absolutely heavenly. Thank you to Mack Wilberg for his incredible arrangements. You are an unparalleled talent. "The 12 Days of Christmas" was a complete delight. Kudos go to all the dancers, staff, technical directors, camera men etc.! Tabernacle Choir members, you sing as one voice with precision and emotion, exquisitely!

Marcus | 4:13 p.m. Dec. 14, 2007

Anonymous!?! Boloney! In some General Conference DVDs, Wilberg's name appears in print more than that of Jesus Christ. And for someone of such insanely tepid compositional range, that's a bit much. I am so sick of every piece of Western Music being wrung through the homogenizing Wilberg machine. Please, can't the Choir get back to performing music as it was originally written by the REAL musical masters like Bach, Haendel, Palestrina, Tavener, etc.? Please can't Wilberg be stopped? Without question, the worst thing that's ever happened to the Choir; more publicity and less musical integrity.

Brenda | 4:32 p.m. Dec. 14, 2007

NOTHING invites the spirit more than music. And nothing brings the spirit into the hearts of men and women and children more than music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

May God continue to bless each of you as you perform your mission through music.

Terry | 6:26 p.m. Dec. 14, 2007

Marcus...Wilberg should be stopped? According to Craig Jessop, someone of Wilbergs talent comes on the planet once every hundred years. I think I'll take Dr Jessop's opinion over yours. His arrangments are absolutely STUNNING.

Missouri | 7:53 p.m. Dec. 14, 2007

I think Craig Jessop and Mac Wilberg are doing a great job. They work harder than most. They deserve all the credit they are getting. What a team! I served a mission with Dr. Jessop's son, so I know this qualifies me to make these statements.

Dan Knudsen | 9:04 p.m. Dec. 14, 2007

Anyone can make disparaging remarks at any given moment, which only takes hitting a few keystrokes and absolutely no musical talent or knowledge. I realize that my musical experience is somewhat limited--having sung in choirs from 6th grade through college, being a music major, singing for 20 years in the Tabernacle Choir, and having listened to classical music for most of the past 50 years--and thereï¿½s a lot I donï¿½t know about good music. However, I believe Mack Wilberg is the greatest musical arranger today. Among many other musical things heï¿½s done, was taking an obscure and boring hymn (ï¿½Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessingï¿½), and turning it into what I think is the greatest hymn arrangement ever done. His is one of the great talents in musical history. He works hard for the continuing listening joy of the vast majority of all those who hear his music.

Phoenix | 9:36 p.m. Dec. 14, 2007

Love the choir, love listening to their CD's. It would be wonderful to be able to hear them sometime in person. Their music fills my heart with great joy. What a blessing they are to many of us. Kudo's to everyone involved.

Max Jamison | 9:43 a.m. Dec. 15, 2007

You haven't lived life to the fullest unless you were a member of the Papillion [Nebraska] Ward Choir that performed the Christmas Program under the baton of Craig Jessup back in the 90s! Such a gentle, unassuming, vivacious man! When he directed the Heartland of America Air Force Band in Omaha, they had sold out Christmas performances at the historic Orpheum Theater. And they were always filled with surprises, like medieval trumpeters on the balconies. Local choirs vied to sing with them. And the military loved them when they toured Europe and the Middle East. But best of all, we count it a special blessing for having Craig serve as our home teacher. Such a kind, loving man, with a special message just for us every month.

Stenar | 11:41 a.m. Dec. 15, 2007

The best arrangements on "Spirit of the Season" were done by Kjetil Bjerkestrand, Sissel's accompanist/musical arranger, not Wilberg.

di | 12:22 p.m. Dec. 15, 2007

does it really matter who is the best? we are all entitled to our own opinions. having the gift of music at all is a gift from God no matter who your are or how small or large your gift is. Let's all be thankful that we have the gift of listening to it.

G. H. Skyles | 2:56 p.m. Dec. 15, 2007

It is sad to "hear" the bitterness in some of above comments. Bitter words are out of touch with "the Spirit." If one doesn't believe in "the Spirit" or in Jesus Christ--even if one is anti-Mormon--the music speaks for itself. If one doesn't like the Choir or the arrangements by Mack Wilberg, one need not listen. We all have agency and are not forced to listen. As for Craig Jessop and Mac Wilberg: I sang under Craig Jessop in an ensemble choir in Great Britain and under Mac Wilberg in California. Both were special experiences. I found them to be gentle and patient and to be outstanding teachers. I don't expect everyone to agree with my opinions, but I think that the reception the MoTab has received over the years--in diverse cities and nations, and in front of diverse audiences--tells us much.

Kitty G. 4:45 PM Dec 15,2007 | 3:52 p.m. Dec. 15, 2007

I hope that Marcus gets some Mylanta soon. What sour grapes he must have eaten. Mack Willberg's arrangements are superb. They touch the spirit and heart. His talent of taking a bland little hymn and making it "soar" is a wonderful blessing for us all.

Brad H. | 6:07 p.m. Dec. 15, 2007

I am a choir director by profession, having taught high school choir of most of all genres for 13 years and currently have 7 choirs at my school. I have also been a ward choir director off and on (mostly on) for 27 years. I also have a master's degree in choral music.

Marcus, your comments, if it is an opinion, are derived from ignorance. If your comments are a critique of Mack Wilberg's work, then it is a stunningly ignorant critique. Wilberg's talents for arranging spiritual AND secular choral music are highly and widely respected among choral directors the world over. He IS one of the better arrangers on the planet. And yes, the MoTabs sing many of his arrangements, but we need him to stay prolific and utilizing his rare talent. (More references to "Wilberg" than "Jesus Christ" at the last Gen. Conf.? What hyperbole!)

(to be continued...)

Brad H. Part II | 6:08 p.m. Dec. 15, 2007

Aside from the other posts on Jessop's pre-MoTab era successes as a choral director, need I remind you that Wilberg's tenure at BYU directing the Men's Chorus was stellar?

Under Jessop and Wilberg, they have transformed the choir's tone and vocal technique. I could hear it in their first year of taking the helm. Under their direction, the MoTabs have only increased in stature and musical excellence.

Some people should do their research before publicly making foolish remarks.

Gimp | 9:14 p.m. Dec. 15, 2007

Marcus, would you please post a reply telling me where I could purchase music that YOU have composed/arraigned. It would be a wonderful if I could listen to music that is better than what Mr. Wilberg has done.

If you don't care for Mr. Wilberg's work, plug your ears.

Stenar | 12:11 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

Gimp,
Marcus doesn't have to be a composer/arranger himself in order to have an opinion on whether he likes Wilberg's arrangements. Your comments are childish.

Bombasto | 6:31 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

Every time I hear the choir sing Wilberg's work is a joyful feast. He does not get the attention he deserves.

PolyMo | 7:42 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Sad to see that, even in a beautiful article about the best Choir and the best directors on the planet, there are Mormon haters who have to get their stabs in. I sing with a Christmas choir in Provo. In the mid 80's we were fortunate to have Mack Wilberg direct us. I could tell then that he was destined for greatness. He is no doubt a master musician and best music arranger today, notwithstanding the opinions of those who dislike anything to do with Mormons or the Tabernacle Choir.

Anonymous | 8:16 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I wish so bad that the choir would put on a TWO weekend show for Christmas.
What would be wrong with charging to see the Christamas show ! They do enough free presentations. I LOVE the choir ! We are so lucky to have them !
Nobody gives more then the Mo Tab ! Their directors are the best, who would ever question that ? Do you have hearing problems ?

Dave | 8:47 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Let's not forget the Orchestra at Temple Square; they, too, deserve tremendous accolades! The Orchestra has added so much to improve the overall quality and repertoire of the choir as the two groups combine their talents. The Choir can now do so much more than previously without the Orchestra.
I don't see how they, the Choir and Orchestra, can get any better unless they practiced every day like university choirs.
We attended the concert over the weekend, actually Sunday morning. The arrangement of "O Holy Night" by Wilberg was outstanding! It brought tears to my eyes. Listen to the rebroadcast and hear for yourself.
The Choir and Orchestra are doing GREAT things! It really doesn't get any better.

Linda | 8:52 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

After attending both the BYU choir concerts under Mack Wilberg and Tab Choir concerts for many years, I keep wondering if it can possibly get any better each year! Thank heavens for Mack Wilberg and his astonishing talent, and for Craig Jessop also. As a team they can't be beat!!! The concert was magnificent, and I feel very blessed and uplifted for having been in attendance. Thank you to the choir, the directors, the organists, the musicians, the dancers, the stage crews, the sound crews, and all the others who put together such a wonderful concert!

crimen del siglo | 9:29 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

whether you like eggplant, liver or chocolate, who cares about your opinion. OPINION, operative word. there is not "best" when measured by opinion. quit opinionating, be grateful, appreciative or not. you like the Choir or not; you like Jessop or not; you like Wilberg or not.
just sit back and enjoy the ride, the movie, the sounds, the sight, the taste, or whatever but don't tell me your opinion is better than mine. it AIN'T.
thanx for your opinion; thanx for mine too.

Brad H. | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

A few have posted about the Orch. at Temple Square which prompts me to post this.

We truly do not appreciate fully what we have here. This is a rare orchestra. Orchestras are so dominated by the union and here we have a complete volunteer orchestra performing at world-class stature. This is a miracle!

Thank you, Orchestra at Temple Square!

sb | 11:18 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Stissel, the King Singers, and the MoTab are all great performs and have great talent. For those throwing disparaging remarks toward any of them may need to employ the Thumper Rule. Merry Christmas.

Stenar | 7:15 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Just because Marcus doesn't like Wilberg's choral arrangments does not mean he's a Mormon hater, PolyMo.

Paula Johnson | 2:16 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

It has been my great pleasure to take my mother to the Christmas Concert several times, and each time has been a musical and spiritual feast. It sets the tone for my Christmas holiday and calms my stressful life. Thank you to the hundreds of people who make this possible.

Choir Director | 1:27 p.m. Dec. 22, 2007

I can only say that if not by now, in the future we will regard Mack Wilberg as one of the great composers/arrangers in the 20th/21st century. What a great blessing to have him in our time, Palestrina, Bach, Handel and others were great in their own time, some of them never recognized, we are so lucky to be able to praise Mack's talent. I know him personally and can attest of his musical talent, but this is simply my own humble opinion.

Stenar | 5:02 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

Wilberg's arrangement of "Silent Night" at last year's concert was so slow as to be pure crap. It drove me nuts how slow they sang that song.
The best arrangements at the concert last year were done by Kjetil Bjerkestrand (for Sissel).
The one really good song they choir sang on their own (without Sissel) they cut from the CD and TV program. The Nigerian carol "Betlehemu." Why on earth did they cut their best song from the album/TV program!??

Steve Christensen | 7:57 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007

It is too bad that someone can be so critical of something that is so beautiful. And, by the way, here is a quote from the Utah History Encyclopedia

"National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences "Grammy" award (1959) for Wilhousky's arrangement of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and Grammy nominations in 1967 and 1987."

For me, it is not the awards or that they sang a song written or arranged by a certain artist, but their spirit. Multiple times I have read stories about how impressed professional artists are with the choir. The following is what impresses me. It's the spirit these artists talk about. One of the King Singers mentioned that his two most spiritual experiences happened while singing with the choir. Also, Sting, from the group Police, made the comment "You make me very proud to be a member of the human race and one of God's children. I didn't know people were capable of producing such beauty."(Desert News February 20, 2002 Doug Robinson). This is why I love the Choir and believe is it's reason for being here.

Anonymous | 3:26 a.m. Jan. 1, 2008

Who is Stenar?

I think we all get the message now; you do not like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Why don't you just come and out and say so!

Stenar | 1:49 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I already said that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir generally bores me to tears.

velixia | 5:58 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

It's always nice to hear about things like this. Wow, I can even say this without having anything negative to say about Craig Jessop. I qualify for a comment here while the rest of you air heads might as well comment somewhere else if the only thing you have is insults.

I'm so grateful for the choir- they do such outstanding performances on stage.

Brian | 10:36 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Historically I was never much of a fan of the MTC. I realize that this statement is likely sacrilege in the State of Utah, but then again I don't live there. Just have never liked the sound. Really liked the younger voices in the BYU choirs and liked what they sang when Wilberg was there. I'm starting to warm to the choir with Jessop and Wilberg but I'm not converted. Wilberg is an incredible talent, although on occasion I wish he wouldn't take so long to end a song i.e. Danny Boy was a great arrangement but needed to end a few measures earlier. I can relate to those that say his arrangements are the same, (solo/duet instrument counterpoint) most of the time it works very well - think "Lead Kindly Light - beautifully done" but this is splitting hairs, after all, on my best days if I wrote a few measures of music and played it we would have all the dogs in the neighborhood howling. Wilberg is very talented and just because I don't like every single measure he writes doesn't mean much. Overall - we are very lucky to have him.

Martin | 5:21 a.m. March 16, 2008

I think that we are overlooking something here - whether or not one is a fan of the choir or the Mormon Church.The fact is that although in my humble opinion I think the Mo-Tab choir and Orchestra at Temple Square are superb and arguably one of the best musical organizations in the world,never the less,the artistic element is not the only purpose of their existence.
The genius of Mack Wilberg and the contribution of the now former director, the fabulous Craig Jessop has served enormously to enhance the choirs main purpose which is of course to mission to the people through the medium of music.The Mormon Church has a message of the love of Jesus Christ which it wants to share with all people and the choir and orchestra are another medium in which to reach the people and spread the word of the holy gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Choir and Orchestra are a national and international treasure - I love them all and thank the Good Lord for their mission to the people of the world.To me they are priceless - I wish peace and love to all who read my posting. Martin in the UK.

Louis | 11:18 p.m. June 2, 2008

Thank you Martin

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