Album Review: European Concert Tour 1970 – University of Massachusetts Chorale & Richard Dubois
Let’s cut to the chase. The European Concert Tour 1970 by the University of Massachusetts Chorale, conducted by Richard Dubois, is like that one friend who shows up at a party and quietly blows everyone away without even trying. Released in 1970 on Century Records (because, you know, vinyl was still king back then), this classical gem feels less like an album and more like stepping into a cathedral where time doesn’t exist. It’s got all the hallmarks of choral greatness—big emotions, soaring harmonies, and just enough Latin to make you feel fancy.
Now, I’m not gonna lie; there are 22 tracks here. That's a lot. Like, "how do they remember all these words?" kind of a lot. But two songs stuck with me like gum under a church pew: Fall Softly, Snow and Ain’a That Good News. And no, it’s not because their titles rhyme.
Fall Softly, Snow hits different. Imagine standing outside during the first snowfall of winter while someone sings directly into your soul. The piece has this ethereal vibe, almost like the choir borrowed angels for backup vocals. You can practically hear the frost forming as each note drifts through the air. If you’ve ever wanted music to wrap you up in a warm blanket while simultaneously making you question the meaning of life, this is your jam.
Then we’ve got Ain’a That Good News, which couldn’t be more opposite if it tried. This track bursts onto the scene like a caffeinated gospel choir decided to crash a tea party. It’s lively, it’s joyous, and it makes you wanna clap along even if rhythm isn’t exactly your thing. There’s something about its raw energy that reminds me of my grandma yelling “Hallelujah!” at Sunday service—it’s messy but beautiful, and honestly? I love it.
What strikes me most about this album is how unapologetically human it feels. Sure, it’s polished and refined, but there’s also a sense that these singers aren’t robots programmed for perfection—they’re real people pouring their hearts out. Plus, can we talk about how wild it is that they pulled off singing in multiple languages? Between German, Latin, and English, this album could double as a Rosetta Stone course.
In the end, listening to European Concert Tour 1970 feels like flipping through an old photo album. Some moments are serene and reflective, others burst with color and laughter, and occasionally, you stumble across something so profound it stops you dead in your tracks. So yeah, props to the UMass Chorale and Richard Dubois for creating a record that’s equal parts inspiring and slightly overwhelming.
Oh, and fun fact: Did you know this album predates disco? Makes you wonder what kind of dance moves people were busting out to choral masterpieces in the '70s. Probably involved a lot of awkward swaying.
