You know the review you’re reading is biased when it describes its subject as epic and awesome in the first sentence. Now that you’ve reached the second sentence, I would like to say Messiah in America, is an epic and yes, even awesome work of music (so maybe my wife was among those who performed the work).
Messiah in America, composed by Brett Stewart and recorded by the Mormon Choral Organization, is an oratorio. For the laymen: an oratorio is a musical composition including an orchestra, a choir and soloists (think Handel’s Messiah). This particular oratorio is a celebration of the appearance of Christ to the people in America.
The music is beautiful, and at times quite exciting. Preview There Arose a Great Storm if you don’t believe religious music can be just as exciting as any movie soundtrack.
The lyrics of the oratorio are taken directly from The Book of Mormon. As a result, returned missionaries will be especially touched by the music which contains the very words they shared with their investigators.
Messiah in America is the second album produced by the Mormon Choral Organization, an organization which Brett Stewart and his brother Brandon created to promote “quality sacred, choral and classical music” among people of all faiths.
The release of Messiah in America was a success, with the album debuting at number seven on the Billboard charts for Classical Albums.
Look for more quality work to come from the Stewart brothers.
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I was blessed to be a part of the East Valley performance of this 6 months to the day after getting home from my mission. I can testify that the Book of Mormon is true and this music is inspired of God. There is no better music for RMs to listen to! It definitely confirmed and strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon!