This is one of my very favorite choral pieces of all time. It is brilliant in its emotion and power.
There are two versions of this piece. SATB and TTBB. I really prefer the TTBB version and the Turtle Creek Chorale is absolutely stunning! Hearing the tenors sing "Alleluia" over the "Amen’s" at the end gives me chills. Listen to this; you will want to hear it again and again!
The other version is also TTBB and is absolutely gorgeous! It is from Wayne State University in 1965. It is a little slower and deliberate and the piano is a little better balanced in the recording.
I would reccomend listening to a great SATB version. Go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBnLIzZuNNM and listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing it. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is so big and lush it was really built for a piece like this. Sometimes I worry because the choir is so big little things like consonants and dynamics can be difficult. This is an impressive performance. Not only are the dynamics spot on but you can understand every word. It is really good. The organ really adds an element that is missing with just the piano.
Although I like the organ and MoTab really sang well, I have to say I prefer the two male performances. I'd love to hear what you think.