The Heart's Reflection – CD Review and an MPR Exclusive Note from the Composer

After listening to this album, I was simply blown away by Daniel Elder's beautiful harmonic language. I was so inspired by his music that I contacted him almost immediately to discuss his compositional journey. The artistry this ensemble exhibits is simply astounding and it became abundantly clear why Daniel Elder won the Abbey Road Studios' 80th Anniversary Anthem Competition with his composition The Heart's Reflection. Dr. Joe Miller and the Westminster Choir illuminate the warmth and transparency of Elder's music in this fantastic recording. I strongly recommend you give this album a listen.

"The process of recording "The Heart's Reflection," the Westminster Choir's newest recording under Maestro Joe Miller, was one of utmost privilege for me as an emerging composer. From the early stages of planning the program, in which Dr. Miller sat down with me to comb through my entire works and pick a dozen of the best-fitting artistic statements, to the month-long rehearsal process (yes, barely four weeks of rehearsal) in which I sat in with the choir as they prepared these works to record; in all of this I was humbled at the high level of attention and artistry that my music was given. When the album was first planned, I was given leave to write an additional 3-4 works on top of what I currently had in my catalogue - I cannot express how exciting it was to write new music knowing it would immediately be rehearsed and recorded on such a profound project. I endeavored to create a collection of widely-varying themes that could hold the attention of today's diverse audience, from sweet piano themes to electric percussion accompaniments and every a cappella style in between. As a result, I hope that those who listen to this CD can take something from it that speaks directly to them and their unique experiences."

Preview Track: Ballade to the Moon