For those unaware, Cantus first conceived of this conceptual concert in 2016, intending to reflect the tension in our modern society between technological connectedness and human longing for genuine in-person interaction.

As one of the nation’s few full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus has come to prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process, creating programs that give voice to shared human experiences.

As the Star Tribune has written, “The main hallmark of the Cantus sound has always been sheer quality and an unbroken belief in the special way that vocal music has of warming and invigorating the human spirit.”

We’ve never been able to communicate as quickly or efficiently across distance through the internet and social media. We’ve seen new art forms take shape, new types of communities form, and new ways of living that were inconceivable even 50 years ago.

Alone Together has taken on a whole new context and meaning since March 2020. Although the original themes remain, the pandemic has – in some ways – turned the concept on its head. Instead of a deterrent to connectedness, technology has sometimes been the only tool to help us maintain community and relationships.

This album is a journey that reflects upon isolation and connectedness in our world. We hope that you find moments for beauty and introspection, both familiar and new.

1. When the Earth Stands Still – Don Macdonald
2. You: I. You, here ... now ...) - Libby Larsen
3. Deep Blue – Arcade Fire
4. You: II. You, now ... know) - Libby Larsen
5. Gersang der Mönche, - Beethoven
6. A Most Peculiar Man – Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel
7. You: III. You, know ... who, are) - Libby Larsen
8. You Will Be Found - Benj Pasek / Justin Paul
9. Camina Siempre Adelante – Alberto Cortez
10. She’s Leaving Home – John Lennon and Paul McCartney
11. You: IV. You, here ... need) - Libby Larsen
12. She - Laura Mvula
13. Coffee with Borges - Gabriel Kahane
14. Calme Des Nuits (Stillness of the Night) – Camille Saint-Saëns
15. Beneath Thin Blanket - Jeff Beal
16. You: V. You, here ... are know ... love) - Libby Larsen
17. The Green And Salty Days - Kathleen Allan
18. Chinese Proverb - Sharon Durant
19. When We Sing - Rosephanye Powell

The all-male ensemble’s brand new recording opens on the gently harmonious When the Earth Stands Still, the emboldened of the first of five parts You: I. You, here ... now ...) by Libby Larsen, and then we get the evolving nature within Deep Blue, the enchanting second You: II. You, now ... know), a rhythmically emerging rendition of Beethoven’s Gersang der Mönche, the quietly motive A Most Peculiar Man, a beautiful harmony shown within the third You: III. You, know ... who, are), before we are brought forth the alluring You Will Be Found (from Dear Evan Hansen) and the impassioned Camina Siempre Adelante.

Along next is a rather inventive rendition of the Beatles’ She’s Leaving Home and the pleasantly melodic fourth You: IV. You, here ... need), before we next get a veritably glistening She, the empowered Coffee with Borges, a serenic Calme Des Nuits (Stillness of the Night), the calming Beneath Thin Blanket, and they are in turn followed by the captivating fifth, and final You: V. You, here ... are know ... love), the seductive The Green And Salty Days - Kathleen Allan, coming to a close on the emotional Chinese Proverb and the joyfully-imbibed When We Sing.

The term Alone Together has taken on new meaning in this age of COVID-19 and social distancing. What does it mean to be Alone Together, and how do we find that connection? Music helps address those questions in this beautifully crafted program filled with popular music and classical pieces.

Official Purchase Link

www.cantussings.org