Charlton Heston Albums

Charlton Heston Albums (4)

'Charlton Heston Reads the Old Testament'

Release Date 11/11/2003

Tracks 43

Label Artemis

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What The Critics Say

Long before he was filmmaker Michael Moore's buddy, NRA president, or screaming about taking guns from his cold dead hands, Charlton Heston was Moses. This role as Moses propelled Heston from being just another Hollywood schlep into an icon adored by millions worldwide. At the peak of Heston's success, he went into the studio and recorded two records worth of material: the first being that of the Old Testament and the second being The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ. The first of the two releases finds Heston in fine form throughout the span of two full-length discs, delivering the material with great confidence that isn't overly dramatic (as is he is so prone to do at times) and brings the material the majestic justice it so richly deserves. It doesn't read from the Bible verbatim; rather it takes the most important passages from each book and weaves them together in an epic fashion. The Robert DeCormier Chorale breaks up some of the text with soaring hymns that work very well as a supplement to Heston's reading. It's a release that will interest die-hard Heston fans, retro-kitsch obsessors, and most importantly, those looking for a primer or supplement to aid them through reading one of the most important pieces of text of all time. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide

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'Charlton Heston Reads from the Life and Passion of Jesus Christ'

Release Date 11/11/2003

Tracks 56

Label Artemis

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What The Critics Say

The second in the series of Charlton Heston biblical reissue series finds our favorite Moses reading from The Life and Passion of Jesus according to the Gospels. The first disc takes various passages and finds Heston locked in an echo chamber, giving him a regal yet slightly ominous delivery and tone to his otherwise warm and grandfatherly voice. In between passages, the soaring vocals of the Robert DeCormier Chorale break things up with majestic interludes and hymns that do Heston's righteous delivery justice. It's not as thorough as Heston's reading of the Old Testament, but scholars and newbies alike will find it equally entertaining as it is a great primer for reading the overwhelming Bible. Inexplicably, there is a second disc of African-American spirituals beautifully delivered by Roland Hayes. Why this is included and not issued separately remains an inexplicable mystery, as the beauty of Hayes' delivery far exceeds the emotion and quality of Heston and company on the previous disc, and brings to life the story of Jesus with equal clarity as reading from the Bible verbatim. It is without a doubt worthy of its own release. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide

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