Started in 1962 under the direction of Ward Swingle, The Swingle Singers perform virtuosic a capella vocal covers of classical music flavored with jazz harmonies and the occasional string bass and drum accompaniment. Their repertoire ranges from Chopin piano preludes, to Mozart violin sonatas, to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and everything in between.
LINK [swinglesingers.com]
LINK [further reading]
The original French group disbanded in 1973, but have reformed several times since around the world, including the modern British incarnation which is currently on tour and recording. The current ensemble has a flashier style and tighter harmonies, but for me at least, nothing compares to the original group’s sensitivity and cohesiveness, especially their Anyone For Mozart, Bach, Handle, Vivaldi? and Bach Hits Back / Acapella Amadeus albums (US release titles). Here’s a track from the former album featuring the beautiful Christine Legrand, and a track from the new Swingle Singers’ recent album, Keyboard Classics.
AUDIO [Swingle Singers (original) - Harpsichord Concerto, Largo (BWV 1056)]
AUDIO [Swingle Singers (modern) - Chopin - Prelude in E minor (op. 28)]
BUY/PREVIEW [Swingle Singers]
BUY/PREVIEW [Swingle Singers]
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I have all their recordings, and I like them very much, but one thing I notice time and again is that it is very easy to “overdose” on their music - one CD is usually all it takes for me to switch to something else.
But yes, the sensitivity and cohesiveness are second to none.
We recently celebrated founder Ward Swingle’s 80th birthday, here in London!
It’s great to see how so many people around the world have been affected by the group’s unique approach and that special ‘Swingle’ sound.
Some more links for you:
The Official web page : http://www.swinglesingers.com
‘The Swingle SIngers - The Definitive Guide’ : http://www.squidoo.com/swinglesingers
MySpace : http://www.myspace.com/swinglesingers
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