Founded in 1847,
the Mormon Tabernacle Choir developed into a well-respected institution during the 20th century, perfecting the art of choral harmony by specializing in spirituals, gospel, European classical, and traditional Christmas fare, then becoming ever more versatile by expanding the repertoire to include folk, Americana, show tunes, and -- in 2007 -- even themes from blockbuster movies. Composers touched upon over the years have included Handel, Buxtehude, Bach, Beethoven,
Copland, and Rodgers & Hammerstein. Released in 2008,
Called to Serve concentrates instead upon the subject of missionary work with 15 devotional songs, almost all of them composed by Mormons. Both orchestra and choir are characteristically austere and pristine, the focused religiosity poignant and serene. This album is therefore bound to appeal to some Christians but will speak more directly to devout Mormons than to anyone outside of that faith. ~ arwulf arwulf