"Praise to the Man, Songs Honoring the Prophet Joseph" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

From the joyful opening strains of "The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee," to its more somber conclusion, this new release from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square commemorates the life and mission of Joseph Smith, called the prophet of the Restoration by Latter-day Saints everywhere.  The release date of December 23rd also marks the Prophet's birthday in 1805 in Sharon, Vermont.For those not familiar with the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called “Mormons” or “Latter-day Saints,” the role of a Prophet is very important—like Moses to the Israelites, or Peter and Paul to the early Saints. The first of these, the one called by God to Restore the ancient church in the latter days, was Joseph Smith, Jr.Besides the cover painting by David Lindsley, the CD booklet is beautifully illustrated inside with 9 full-color paintings by Jon McNaughton and includes a short history of the life and times of Joseph Smith.Music Director and Arranger Dr. Mack Wilberg talks about the song choices and the arrangements in this album of LDS classic hymns such as "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," "An Angel From on High," and the title hymn, "Praise to the Man."  Also included are two children's songs, as well as the millennial hymn "Adam-ondi-Ahman," and of course "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.