Following the vision I had in mind for this website, I have created a category called Music Satchel. Although these posts might not appear frequently, they include my personal recommendations to inform readers of musical releases by other composers that make for interesting listening sessions to curb the wait for future E.S. Posthumus projects.

Today marks the release of the epic orchestral album Excelsius by composer Larry Groupé.

Excelsius Album Cover | Imperativa Records

What follows is Imperativa Records’ description of the album.

Recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios, Excelsius is an epic orchestral and choral masterpiece from award-winning film and orchestral composer Larry Groupé. Featuring large orchestra and choir, intricate orchestrations and sweeping melodies, Groupé’s debut album pulls out all the stops in delivering passionate, emotional, cinematic themes originally composed for a European docudrama about the life and work of missionary Reinhard Bonnke. As the film was never broadcast, Groupé’s work is arguably the most ambitiously epic soundtrack that has never been heard!

For a sublime piece of work, Excelsius had its share of hurdles.

With the project spanning across three years, it was originally titled Mission and sported a different cover for the time that it had appeared on the Imperativa Records catalogue, until two months ago. Mission was the name that Groupé assigned the project since the film that the score was meant to be attached to did not have an official name.

Mission Album Cover | Imperativa Records

As the above press release indicates, the film was never aired, so this album is the only way the music can be fully appreciated. This could have been the cause for the delay of Excelsius, previously slated for availability early this year, though most projects of this scale are bound to encounter speed bumps during production. It’s a shame the final product that the music was intended for will never see the light of day, however, in no way do I think it’s a wasted effort.

Admittedly, I don’t understand the true meaning behind the cover art of the album, but given the circumstances, I have my own interpretation; sound detached from its visual partner that was never meant to be. It’s the music that excels.

By reading this post, I hope it has given you awareness about the album and I recommend giving it a listen.

Excelsius was released 28th July 2009 under the Imperativa Records label. You can purchase a digital copy of the album through iTunes or buy the CD from the Imperativa Records store.

Thanks Larry