Men's Christmas Choral Recordings

Review: 'A Little Christmas Magic' is just yuletide carols being sung by a choir, but not just any choir! For decades now, Costa Mesa, CA-based All-American Boys Chorus has prepared for months in pointed preparation for its busy Christmas concert season of more than 30 performances. The 9 to 15-year-old boys add their youthful vitality and energy to marvelous arrangements and understated orchestral accompaniment to produce a full, beautiful, yes indeed - magical sound! 10 standards, from 'We Need A Little Christmas' medley to 'O Holy Night.' Orchestrally accompanied

Songlist: We Need A Little Christmas , Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Waltz, Silent Night, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, Do You Hear What I Hear?, White Christmas, O Holy Night

Review: The joy and excitement of the holidays come to life as the boys tell the story of Christmas. Beginning with the season's earliest hearkenings of candy canes, Santa Claus, and toys, the narrative continues with the warmth and glow of home and hearth, and concludes with the spellbinding tale of the magic night itself.

Songlist: It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, Silver Bells, Here Comes Santa Claus/ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Jingle Bells, The Best Gift Of All, Angels We Have Heard On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, What Child Is This?, The First Noel, Ave Maria, A Medley Of Carols/ Joy To The World/ Hark! Herald Angels Sing/ O Come, All Ye Faithful

Review: During the past 6 decades of its existence, the AB has performed in more than 2,500 North American cities and towns, and in Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and South America. More than 80 boys, ages 10 to 14, all students at the American Boychoir School in Princeton, NJ, are the nucleus from which the two concert Boychoirs are selected. They have performed and recorded with many major orchestras and conductors, and recently joined Chanticleer for a series of concerts. Over the years, the Boychoir has gathered a large repertoire of carols and other holiday music during their many December tours and annual Holiday Festival concerts. This CD represents a popular sampling of music from the past 500 years and from many nations. 13 carols, all standards, from 'Carol of the Bells,' 'The Coventry Carol,' 'This Christmastide' and 'Christmas Day,' to 'O Holy Night,' 'What Child Is This,' 'Away In A Manger' and 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas,' all sweetly sung by the angelic voices of the Boychoir. What a gift!

Songlist: Carol Of The Bells, Joy To The World, The Coventry Carol, This Christmastide, Christmas Day, Deck The Hall, Silent Night! Holy Night!, O Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, What Child Is This, Away In A Manger, O Come, All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Review: A sparkling collection of beloved Christmas carols no longer available on American Boychoir recordings plus previously unreleased holiday favorites. Conducted by Litton-Lodal Music Director, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, and Music Director Emeritus, James Litton.

Songlist: O come, all ye faithful, In the bleak midwinter, Ding dong! merrily on high (instrumental), Up! good Christian folk, I Sing of a maiden, Watts's Cradle Hymn, While shepherds watched their flocks, Sir Christemas, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Ding dong! merrily on high, Oi Betleem, Ed Alavo, The Holly and the Ivy, Joy to the World, Candlelight Carol, Joseph, lieber, Joseph mein, Stille nacht, heilige nacht, Mary had a baby, Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn

Review: The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De Silos became famous outside of religious circles in the mid-'90s when a recording of their liturgical Gregorian chants unexpectedly climbed to the top of U.S. pop charts. The Benedictine Monks have released several successful albums of their monophonic chants and have helped bring joy of mediaeval plainsong to a new and larger audience. This is a very well recorded CD of top notch quality.

Songlist: Prayers. Rorate Celi desuper. Mode I, Antiphon. O Sapientia. Mode II, Introit. Gaudete in Domino semper and Psalm 84, 1. Mode I, Hymn. Christe, redemptor omnium. Mode I, Invitational Antiphon. Christus natus est nobis and Psalm 94, 1-2. Mode IV, First Lesson of Maitins, acc. to Isaiah 9, 1-6. Primo tempore., Hymn. A solis ortus cardine. Mode III, Antiphon. Quem vidistis, pastores? Mode II, Antiphon. Facta est cumm Angelo. Mode VII, Communion. Liturgia mozarabe. Gustate et videte. Mode II, Antiphon. Rubum quem viderat and Magnificat. Mode IV, Alleluia. Dies sanctificatus. Mode II, Communion. Viderunt omnes. Mode I, Canticle. Puer natus in Bethlehem. Mode I, Canticle. Adeste fideles. Mode VI, Introit. Dominus dixit and Psalm 2, 1. Mode II, Introit. Puer natus est nobis and Psalm 97, 1. Mod VII, Gradual. Omnes de Saba. Mode V, Antiphon. Alma Redemptoris Mater. Mode V, Hymn. Panis angelicus. Mode IV, Invitational Antiphon. Christum Regem. Mode IV, Hymn. Adoro te devote. Mode V, Hymn. Te decet laus. Mode II, Antiphon. Laudemus Dominum and Psalm 116. Mode II, Canticle. Ave verum. Mode VI

Review: The Shrine of Our Lady of Einsiedeln is an important Catholic shrine in the village of Einsiedeln, which is about 20 miles southeast of ZŸrich in Switzerland. The famous shrine incorporates the relics of a saint, a miraculous Black Madonna statue, and a Benedictine monastery. The village is also home to the world's largest nativity scene, the Diorama Bethlehem.

Songlist: Ringing of the Bells, Alma redemptoris, Kyrie, Servus tuus, Basse et des-sus de trompette, Regina coeli, Sanctus Benedictus, Plein jeu, Salve Regina, Grand jeu, Choir Concerto in the Dome of Aachen, Audi dulcis, O Maria vernans rosa, Ave Maria, Assumpta est Maria, Magnificat, Kyrie, Fugue, Cromorne, Trio, Dialogue sur les Grand Jeux

Review: Founded as an a cappella group at Cambridge and one of our favorite British male quartets, Cantabile's pure, bright, spirited harmonies have won them many fans over the years. With most arrangements done by the group, we could expect some of the group's trademark humor, which comes in spades on their a cappella 'Twelve Days of Christmas,' featuring silly and rude barnyard sound effects that underline the absurd problems associated with having an impossibly generous 'true love.' Other favorites are the spirited, a cappella 'Gaudete!,' a romantic 'Winter Wonderland,' a very Bing Crosby-like take on 'White Christmas,' the lovely a cappella 'Wexford Carol' and 'Coventry Carol,' 'The Jimmy Brown Song,' which has added lyrics which may or may not be tongue-in-cheek; and a Doo-Wop 'Lonely This Christmas,' (ditto). Tom Lehrer's quintessentially sarcastic 'A Christmas Carol' has no such ambiguity, nor does the silly 'The Carol Singers.' 'Silent Night,' also sung in German a la The Comedian Harmonists,' one of Cantabile's favorite influences, attempts to make amends for the craziness, but the surprising musical collage 'Carol' and the bonus track 'Les Trois Cloches,' which is, as far as we can tell, 'Jimmy Brown' sung sweetly and dramatically in French, are certainly non-traditional and may be parodies. There is piano accompaniment on several cuts. 'Christmas with Cantabile' is a beautifully sung and arranged, eclectic, often silly and unexpected collection that we totally enjoyed, and we bet that you will too!

Songlist: Winter Wonderland, The Little Road to Bethlehem, Gaudete!, Tua Bethlem Dref, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Wexford Carol, White Christmas, Susser die Glocken nie Klingen, Coventry Carol, The First Mercy, The Jimmy Brown Song, Lonely This Christmas, A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Song, The Carol Singers, Silent Night, Carol, Les Trois Cloches

Review: In their newest recording, the men of Cantus bring the sounds of the holidays to you and your family. Including audience favorites 'Do You Hear What I Hear,' 'Carol of the Bells,' 'Noel Nouvelet,' 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' and of course the Franz Biebl 'Ave Maria,' this collection of songs old and new is full of light and life.

Songlist: Nowell, Nowell! This is the Salutacion, Ta Stara Bozicnz Pejsen, 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, Coventry Carol, Noel Nouvelet, Priidite, Pokolonimsa, Carol of the Bells, Pat-a-Drummer, Folkefrelsar, Til Oss Kom, Awed by the Beauty, O Magnum Mysterium, Ave Maria, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Heleluyan, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Review: Cantus does it again and delivers another top knotch recording and shows how this fine male ensemble is developing into a world class act. This well recorded release features Gregorian chant, folksong arrangements, and major Christmas works for male choir, such as Morten Lauridsen's glorious 'O Magnum Mysterium' and Franz Biebl's moving 'Ave Maria.' Also featured are new arrangements by members of the ensemble of familiar holiday songs, as well as newly commissioned Christmas compositions. The song selection ranges from familiar carols such as 'O Little Town of Bethlehem,' 'I Wonder as I Wander,' 'The Three Kings,' 'What Child Is This and 'Silent Night,' to a Welsh lullaby, 'Suo Gan,' and 'Gabriel's Message,' a Basque carol arranged by John Rutter. This CD is intended to go well with a cold night, a roaring fire, and some eggnog. Due to the loving work of John Atkinson and the singers of Cantus, the album is that and more. It illuminates the human side of the Nativity, focusing on the idea of new life in the dead of winter and the bond between parent and child. Beautiful holiday music, finely-crafted and effortlessly sung.

Songlist: Puer natus est, Gabriel's Message, Ave Maria, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hodi Christus natus est, O Magnum Mysterium, O Magnum Mysterium, Mary Had a Baby, Suo Gan, A La Nanita Nana, I Wonder as I Wander, The Three Kings, What Child Is This?, Die Konige, Coventry Carol, Silent Night

Review: Minneapolis/St. Paul's ten-strong, all-male Cantus has impressed us with their excellent earlier recordings and continue to do so with 'Comfort and Joy: Volume Two,' their second Christmas recording. Song selection and arrangements (and, for that matter, the elegant liner notes) are particularly fine here. Little-known pieces like 'Puer natus in Bethlehem,' Omnis mundus jucundetur,' 'Four Carols' by Halsey Stevens,' Wm. Dawson's 'Hail Mary,' the Plainchant 'Hodie Christus natus est,' the Georgian wassailing song 'Alilo,' Ariel Ramirez' 'Los Reyes Magos' and Babatunde Olatunji's 'Betelehemu' with the more traditional carols like 'Go Tell it On the Mountain,' the French carol 'Masters In This Hall,' 'God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,' 'Riiu Riu Chiu,' and an almost unrecognizable arrangement of 'Deck the Halls.' Some percussion and accompaniment. Consistent throughout are the powerful harmonies of Cantus, one of our favorite male ensembles.

Songlist: Puer natus in Bethlehem, Omnis mundus jucundetur, Four Carols, All This Night Shrill Chanticleer, What Sweeter Music, As I Out Rode This Enderes Night, A Virgin Most Pure, Hail Mary, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Hodie Christmas naatus est, Masters in this Hall, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Alilo, Riu Riu Chiu, Los Reyes Magos, Bethlehemu, Deck The Halls

Review: 'Cantus' is an eleven member all-male group hailing from St. Olaf's College in Minnesota. Their holiday disc includes many traditional favorites, such as 'Coventry Carol,' 'Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming,' and 'God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen' and an original version of 'Deck the Halls' (done in 5/4, with jazzy harmonies??, a definite departure from the style on the rest of the recording). 'Riu, Riu, Chiu,' sung in Spanish, and accompanied by appropriate percussion, accented like a russian song (ask the group about this.) The recording, made in a church, adds atmosphere and presence to the group's own melliflous blend; the notes 'float' effortlessly as if weightless. The classically-trained voices are well-suited to the sacred material, the sound of which conveys allegiance to its origin centuries ago. A calming shelter from the Christmas frenzy.

Songlist: Veni, Veni Emmanuel, O Magnum Mysterium, Riu, Riu Chiu, Gabriels' Message, Salvation Is Created, Alleluia, Hail Mary, Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming, O Holy Child, Coventry Carol, Suo Gan, I Wonder As I Wander, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, I Saw Three Ships, Deck The Halls, Silent Night

Review: Not technically Gregorian, because of some polyphony this recording is predominantly chant, but there are times when the selections move to motets, the natural outgrowth of chant, being simultaneous independent plain songs as it were, combined to form a melodious and rhythmic whole much as partner songs do. As for the Christmas feel, it is certainly reverent and soothing. Highly recommended, this is an excellent budget album.

Songlist: Introitus: Puer natus est nobis, Kyrie: Kyrie eleison, Gloria: Gloria in excelsis Deo, Psalmus 112: Laudate pueri, Offertorium: Tui sunt caeli, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Communio: Viderunt omnes, Magnificat anuma mea Dominum, Hymnus: A solis ortus cardine, Introitus: Salve sancta Parens, Halleluja: Multifarie, Communio: Exulta filia Sion / Psalm 45, Magnificat anima mea Dominum

Review: Established in 1969, the CenturyMen is an auditioned men's chorus of professional musicians who are directors of music in Baptist churches across the country. The group has extensively toured the US, and has performed in churches, concert halls and on nationwide telecasts. Concert tours in foreign countries include Brazil, Russia, China, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Israel and Turkey. 'Beautiful Star' is a Christmas album, heavily accompanied by piano, Hammond and pip organ, electric piano, mandolin, guitar and percussion, that features 21 songs. Many of the songs are beautifully-arranged standards such as 'O Holy Night,' 'Angels We Have Heard on High,' 'Wexford Carol,' 'O Come All Ye Faithful,' 'Rise Up Shepherd/Go Tell It on the Mountain,' 'Silent Night,' 'Joy to the World' the spirited round 'This Little Babe' and 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,' are all wonderfully done by this veteran chorus. A few are new to us, the joyous 'O Jerusalem in the Morning,' the lovely, waltz-like 'O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,' the dramatic 'What You Gonna Name Your Pretty Little Baby' and the rhythmic 'Ain't That a-Rockin',' and these are the hits of the album. The CenturyMen have a powerful, rich harmonic sound (which we would love to hear unaccompanied) that rivals that of the best Barbershop Harmony Society choruses, and 'Beautiful Star' is a joy from beginning to end!

Songlist: O Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard On High, Mosaic Noel 1 "Fear not: for, behold...", Wexford Carol, Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, Mosaic Noel 2 "...I bring you good tidings of great joy..., O Jerusalem in the Morning, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, Mosaic Noel 3 "...which shall be to all people..., What You Gonna Name Your Pretty Little Baby, This Little Babe, Mosaic Noel 4 "...For unto you is born this day..., Ain't That a-Rockin', O Come All Ye Faithful, Mosaic Noel 5 "in the city of David a Savior..., Rise Up, Shepherd/Go Tell It on the Mountain, Silent Night, Christmas Triptych, Mosaic Noel 6 "...which is Christ the Lord.", Joy to the World, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Digital Reflection

Review: One of our all-time favorite groups since their founding in San Francisco in 1978, 12-man professional a cappella vocal ensemble Chanticleer has gained an international reputation, performing over 100 concerts a year around the world. But they have been most sought after at Christmas. In its extensive discography, which includes several Grammy winners, Chanticleer's Christmas recordings are best-sellers. To us, 'A Chanticleer Christmas is a particular treat because it was recorded live at Stanford University's magnificent Memorial Church. The soaring, glorious harmonies (including some of the purest and cleanest male soprano leads we've heard) are simply stunning. The 15-tune songlist includes classical music like Handl's 'O Admirabile Commercium,' Giovanni Nanino's 'Hodie Nobis Caelorum Rex' and Michael Praetorius' 'En! Natus Est Emanuel/Psallite;' traditional carols such as 'Caroling, Caroling/Bright, Bright the Holly Berries,' 'Angels We Have Heard on High,' 'Un Flambeau, Jeannette Isabella,' 'Away in a Manger,' 'O Holy Night' and 'The First Nowell;' and goodies such as Peter Warlock''s 'Bethlehem Down' the Plainsong 'Hodie Christus Natus Est' and Robert Young's 'There is No Rose of Such Virtue.' A powerful, joyous collection by Chanticleer, who are clearly in their element, and we, well, we are fortunate enough to be listening to them do their wondrous thing!

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, O Admirable Commercium, Hodie Nobis Caelorum Rex, En! Natus Est Emanuel - Psallite, Vom Himmel Hoch, Caroling, Caroling/ Bright, Bright the Holly Berries, Angels We Have Heard on High, Bethlehem Down, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, Rocking Carol, Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabella, Away in a Manger, O Holy Night, The First Nowell, Ave Maria

Review: 'Christmas with Chanticleer featuring Special Guest Dawn Upshaw,' is the first holiday album from the celebrated 12-man a cappella vocal ensemble since 'Sing We Christmas,' which has been a bestseller since its release in 1995. The CD Includes songs and carols drawn from many lands and traditions - from the traditional English 'Coventry Carol' to a modern work by Sir John Tavener, from a Spanish carol to an American spiritual - 'Christmas with' showcases Chanticleer's musical diversity. Several works feature arrangements by the group's music director, Joseph Jennings. Philip Wilder, one of the group's countertenors, said of Upshaw: 'She blended so perfectly, it felt as if we'd been singing together for 20 years...suddenly she would soar above us and the sound was just magical!'

Songlist: This Is The Truth Sent From Above, A Christmas Round, Today The Virgin, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, Noel Nouvelet, A Lullaby/Away In A Manger, The First Nowell, The Three Kings, Die Stimme Des Kindes, Suo Gan (Lullaby Song), Spanish Carol, Coventry Carol, Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem, Huron Carol, Mary And The Baby Medley,

Review: Known for their moving interpretations, spiritual insight and outstanding musicianship, Chanticleer has released several top-selling Christmas recordings . . . but none like this! This spectacular Christmas record is packed with holiday favorites with the additional treat of a couple of commissioned Gene Puerling arrangements. Clare Fischer and Bill Finegan also deliver upbeat arrangements for this lively holiday CD that is sure to be a family favorite for years. Most songs are a cappella with just a couple of tracks having full orchestra and swing band selections. This is a wonderful Christmas recording and is highly recommended.

Songlist: Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!, The Christmas Song, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen / Feliz Navidad, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Ave Maria, Silent Night, Sweeter Still, O, Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Holiday Cheer, a Suite of Seasonal Songs, Jingle Bells, Twelve Days of Christmas, Carol of the Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Review: For many years the Chanticleer Christmas concerts were a San Francisco special treat and they performed sold out performances virtually every day from Thanksgiving to New Years. And then they started winning Grammys and the word soon spread. Now they perform year round and tour all over the world but Christmas has always been special to this very talented ensemble. Here is a release of their favorite Christmas carols with wonderful a cappella arrangements by some of the best including Joe Jennings, David Willcocks and Gene Puerling.

Songlist: A Babe is Born in Bethlehem, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Rejoice and Be Merry, I Saw Three Ships, This Have I Done for My True Love, I Wonder as I Wander, Star of Wonder/We Three Kings of Orient Are/No Small Wonder, The Town Lay Hushed, The Holy and the Ivy, A Virgin Unspotted, Gabriel's Message, Huron Carol, See, Amid the Winter's Snow, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Christmas Carol, Good King Wenceslas, In the Bleak Midwinter

Review: Comprising a mix of old and new, ecclesiastic and pastoral, familiar and undiscovered, this CD is a rich array. Biebl's 'Ave Maria' is a contemporary setting, the final 'Amen' resolved in a series of step-wise imitative phrases. Britten's 'A Hymn To The Virgin' is a simple and consonant arrangement with a stark and melancholy beauty. The merry and lively ''Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant' is arranged by Rutter, while a medley of Christmas spirituals is a satisfying blend of Chanticleer's trained vocal style, with the non-diatonic contradiction of the blues. The final track: 'Silent Night,' capturing all the magic of the season, as simple and unique as a perfect snowflake. Newly remastered in 2004.

Songlist: Ave Maria...Virgo serena , Quem vidistis pastores?, In dulci jubilio, Virgen sancta, E la don don , Riu, riu, chiu , Ave Maria , There Is No Rose , A Hymn to the Virgin, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day -, Il est ne le divin enfant , O Come, o Come, Emmanuel , I Wonder as I Wander , Medley of Christmas Spirituals, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, Behold That Star, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Poor Little Jesus, What Month Was Jesus Born in?, Children, Go Where I Send Thee, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Silent Night

Review: Subtitled 'A Renaissance Christmas,' this collection of holiday and sacred music is drawn from the canons of De Prez, Byrd, Di Lasso and others of their caliber. Therefore, rather than the cheerful carols familiar to all who celebrate the season in the Western tradition, one finds the rather more subdued texture and mood of chant or counterpoint, as in Di Lasso's 'Resonet In Laudibus,' glorifying the birth of Jesus. This composition contains several sections that contain distinct rhythmic shifts and complex countermelodies; it expands in dimension with each listening. Tavener's 'Kyrie' implies the subtle majesty of a processional, the melody ascending in supplication. This is a wonderful alternative to the typical Christmas fare.

Songlist: O Admirabile Commercium, Canite Tuba In Sion, O Virgo Virginum , Ave Maria, Now Make We Joy, Hail Mary, Full of Grace, Nowell , Quaeramus Cum Pastoribus, Resonet In laudibus , Joseph, Lieber Joseph Mein, Psalliate Unigenito, In Dulci Jubilo , E La Don Don , Riu, Riu, Chiu , Sing Joyfully Unto God , Benedicamus Domino, Kyrie 'Leroy', Serenissima Una Noche , Diffusa Est Gratia, Benedicta Es, Coelorum Regina

Review: Recorded at the Paterskirche in Kempen, Germany, in 1994, the all-male Chanticleer ensemble (featuring five countertenors), brings the consummate musicality and professionalism to this recording that we associate with any Chanticleer production. 'Sing We Christmas' emphasizes classical pieces, not the typical holiday carols; rather, Charles Ives, Gustav Holst and Herbert Howells represent the twentieth century, while Handl, Victoria, Praetorius and Bach offer 'Hodie Christus Natus Est,' 'O Magnum Mysterium' and 'In Dulci Iubilo,' the latter a German dance song with four separate settings (it was common practice for composers to adapt a popular song, rather than write their own) from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Songlist: Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, O Magnum Mysterium, In Dulci Iubilo, O Virgo Virginum, O Jesulein SuB, O Jesulein Mild, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mirabile Mysterium, Verbum Caro Factum Est: Y La Virgen Le Dezia, A Un Nino Llorando, Here Is The Little Door, Noel Canon, Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable, El Noi de la Mare, A Christmas Carol, A Virgin Unspotted, In the Bleak Mid Winter, Glory to the Newborn King, Stille Nacht/Douce Nuit/Silent Night

Review: The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first held on Christmas Eve 1918. It was planned by Eric Milner-White, who at the age of thirty-four had just been appointed Dean of King's after experience as an army chaplain which had convinced him that the Church of England needed more imaginative worship. (He devised our Advent Carol Service in 1934, and was a liturgical pioneer and authority during his twenty two years as Dean of York.) The choir included sixteen trebles as laid down in King Henry VI's statutes, but until 1927 the men's voices were provided partly by Choral Scholars and partly by older Lay Clerks, and not, as now, by fourteen undergraduates. Almost immediately other churches adapted the service for their own use. A wider frame began to grow when the service was first broadcast in 1928 and, with the exception of 1930, it has been broadcast annually, even during the Second World War. Sometime in the early 1930s the BBC began broadcasting the service on overseas programmes. It is estimated that there are millions of listeners worldwide, including those to Radio Four in the United Kingdom. In recent years it has become the practice to broadcast a digital recording on Christmas Day on Radio Three, and since 1963 a shorter service has been filmed periodically for television.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, Bidding Prayer, Up! Good Christen Folk And Listen, The Truth From Above, First Lesson, Adam LAy Ybounden, Second Lesson, Sussex Carol, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, Third Lesson, In Dulci Jubilo, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Fourth Lesson, A Tender Shoot, The Lamb, Fifth Lesson, Joy's Seven, Gabriel's Lesson, Sixth Lesson, Dormi Jesu, Riu Riu Chiu, Seventh Lesson, The Fayrfax Carol, While Shepards Watched, Eighth Lesson, I Saw Three Ships, Illuminare Jerusalem, Ninth Lesson, O Come All Ye Faithful, Prayer And Blessing, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, In Dulci Jubilo BWV729

Review: Stephen Cleobury directed the choir with this fine collection of the many of the choir's classic Christmas repertoire.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, Rejoice And Be Merry, What Sweeter Music, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, A Spotless Rose, Heer Jezus Heeft Een Hofken, King Jesus Hath A Garden, The Lamb, Bogoroditze Dyevo, Infant Holy Infant Lowly, Illuminare Jerusalem, While Shepards Watched, Quittez Pasteurs, In Dulci Jubilo , The First Nowell, Coventry Carol, Personet Hodie , O Come All Ye Faithful

Review: The festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held in the chapel of King's College, Cambrige on Christmas eve has long since been a British Institution and an internationally famed event. The first broadcast of this beautiful service was in 1928, and has been broadcasted ever year since, including during wartime, with the exception of 1930. This excellent sounding 2 Disc set is a compilation of some of the best Christmas carols the choir has performed over the years. Each carol is performed to perfection but there are still some exceptionally memorable moments. As always, the opening boy soprano solo in 'Once in royal David's City' will give you chills, the arrangement of 'In The Bleak Midwinter' will melt your heart, and the gorgeous harmonies of 'Gabriel's Message' will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. Over 50 different carols!

Songlist: Over 50 different carols!

Review: The Choir of King's College, Cambridge has always been synonymous with Christmas -- from the yearly television broadcast of their Lessons and Carols service to their numerous best-selling albums of Christmas songs and masses. EMI Classics is proud to present a 2-CD compilation of their greatest Christmas carol recordings.

Songlist: Once in royal David's city , Ding Dong! Merrily on high, O come, all ye faithful, The Holly and the Ivy, Hark! the herald angels sing, Silent Night, While shepherds watched, In the bleak midwinter, God rest you merry, gentlemen, The Lamb, Angels, from the realms of glory, Adam lay ybounden, The Three Kings, I saw a maiden, Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?, Quem pastores laudavere, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, A maiden most gentle, A Spotless Rose, Sans Day Carool, I wonder as I wander, The Cherry Tree Carol, I sing of a maiden, Gabriel's Message, Personent hodie, The First Nowell, In dulci jubilo, O little town of Bethlehem, I saw three ships, It came upon the midnight clear, Away in a manger, Sussex Carol, O come, O come, Emmanuel, Myn Lyking, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, All my heart this night Rejoices, Dormi, Jesu, Riu, riu, chiu, O little one sweet, The Shepherd's Cradle Song, How far is it to Bethlehem?, The Truth from Above, Up! good Christen folk and listen, Remember, O thou man, Quittez, pasteurs, The Lord at first did Adam make, The Infant King, A child is born in Bethlehem, And all in the morning, O the Father's heart begotten, Organ voluntary: In dulci jubilo

Review: Another fine collection of Christmas carols from the Anglican tradition.Some albums are tailor-made for Christmas Eve listening, the cozy musical equivalent of a roaring fire, a mug of eggnog, and the bright lights on the tree. The morning of Christmas Day requires something else entirely, and that's when this set of Essential Carols from the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, will fit the bill, with the angelically pure voices of young British choristers blending to the strains of traditional carols both familiar and little-known. This is Christmas music sung the old-fashioned way, its simplicity and spiritual warmth not compromised by big operatic voices or pop personalities. Recorded under the direction of David Willcocks between 1959 and '65, these performances sound truly timeless today, and no matter how knowledgeable you are about Christmas music, you'll find some surprises among these 38 carols.

Songlist: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, The First Nowell, While shepherds watched their flocks by night, I Saw Three Ships, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, King Jesus Hath A Garden , In dulci jubilo, Unto Us Is Born A Son, O Come, All Ye Faithful , Away in a manger , O Little Town of Bethlehem, The Holly and the Ivy, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, See Amid the Winter's Snow, Past Three O'clock, Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio), Adam Lay Y-Bounden, Gabriel's Message, Once in Royal David's City, Sussex Carol, Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep, Rejoice and Be Merry, The Cherry Tree Carol, The Three Kings, As With Gladness, Men of Old, A Great And Mighty Wonder, The infant King , Balulalow, Legend (When Jesus Christ was but a child), Christ was born on Christmas day, Blessed Be That Maid Mary, Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang, Myn Lyking, Personent Hodie (On this day Earth shall ring), In the Bleak Midwinter, Coventry Carol , Shepherds, In the field abiding, Torches

Review: The Choir of King's College has recorded this new disc of contemporary Christmas carols commissioned especially for them. The new carols sung by the Choir each Christmas Eve are always eagerly awaited by audiences. Stephen Cleobury has developed a long-standing commitment to bringing contemporary compositions to the Choir's repertoire alongside the very traditional and he and the Choir are well known for their great support of new music and feature here a programme of pieces by a wide variety of modern composers. Among them, 'The Gleam', a new piece by Gramophone Award-winning artist Harrison Birtwistle, 'In Wintertime' by Lennox Berkely and 'Bogor—ditse Dyevo' (Mother of God and Virgin), which was a special gift to the Choir and Stephen Cleobury from Estonian composer Arvo Part. The disc also includes the Winter Solstice Carol, written by Giles and the carol 'What Sweeter Music' by composer John Rutter.

Songlist: The Shepherd's Carol, On Christmas Day to My Heart, God Would Be Born in Thee, Bogoroditse dyevo (Hail Mary), Angels, In Wintertime, Christmas Carol, The Three Kings, What Sweeter Music, A Gathering, Illuminare, Jerusalem, One Star at Last, Carol for St. Steven, The Birthday of Thy King, Winter Solstice Carol, Seinte Mari moder milde, The Gleam, Christo Paremus Cantica, Spring in Winter, The Fayrfax Carol, Swete Jesu, Pilgrim Jesus

Review: This renamed and repackaged version of Chor Leoni's first Christmas recording (Magnificat) presents three substantial and endearing seasonal works. The sunny Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa derives from the folk music of Hispanic America, and sets the Holy birth in the context of a Southwestern pinata party. Italian composer Ottorino Respighi was an early twentieth-century composer who looked to the past for inspiration and musical materials, e.g., in his well-known Ancient Airs and Dances. This tendency can also be heard in the Laud to the Nativity of Our Lord, Respighi's self-described 'personal Christmas card to the world.' The disc also includes the premiere recording of a Chor Leoni commission, Magnificat by Vancouver composer Rupert Lang. Using the unusual combination of mezzo-soprano soloist and male chorus, Lang seeks to express Mary's personal, human response to the formal biblical text, with wonderful results. Special guests for this recording include mezzo-soprano Mariateresa Magisano (winner of the 1998 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), soprano Lambroula Maria Pappas (winner of the 1999 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), and Elektra Women's Choir (four-time consecutive First Place winners in the CBC Competition).

Songlist: Oh, mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A la Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana Sobre Campana, En Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirriquitin, El Rorro, Lauda per la Nativita del Signore , Magnificat, Recitative, Mary's Song, Magnificat, Quia Fecit, Fecit Potentiam, Suscepit Israel, Gloria

Review: Vancouver BC's finest, Chor Leoni Men's Choir has delighted us in previous CDs, particularly with Folk tunes and sea shanties. Here we have a sumptuous, rich collection of 22 Christmas songs that show off CL's range, talent and feeling. From the Gregorian chants 'Hodie Christus Natus Est,' 'Veni, Veni Emanuel,' 'Lux Aeterna,' and 'Alma Redemptoris Mater,' the English carol 'God Rest You Merry Gentlemen,' and the Canadian 'Huron Carol,' to Diane Loomer's title tune, the Sarum chant 'Veni Redemtor Gencium: and the Austrian carol 'Still, Still, Still,' this is great stuff. There is some light accompaniment such as organ on a few cuts, but basically this is just a great male chorus showing off its chops on Christmas music ranging from the traditional and well-known to unknown and eclectic. Highly recommended.

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, God Rest You Merry, Huron Carol, Letabundus, As Joseph Was A-Walking, Es ist ein Ros' entspungen , Le sommeil de l'enfant Jesus , Veni, Veni Emanuel , Yuletide Fires, Nouvelle agreable! , The Lord at First , Lux Aeterna , Quelle est cetter odeur agreable , Veni Redemptor Gencium, Dostoyno Yest , Svete Tihiy , Alma Redemptoris Mater , Stille Nacht, Drei Konige , Rise Up Shepherd, Christmas Angel , Still, Still, Still

Review: With our world changing so rapidly, with our means of communication accelerating at dizzying speeds, with our cultures and beliefs intermingling and becoming less well-defined, what does Christmastime mean to people in our world and how do we choose the music for a CD that will be appealing to listeners? In many ways the music on this CD, Yuletide Fires II, is a reflection of that current world. You'll find ancient Latin chant expressing the wonder of the virgin and child; familiar words and carols that connect us to a Christmas of our childhood; songs written in the 21st century that explore new ways to celebrate the joys of Christmas and hopes and possibilities of a new year. There are also tunes and tales that tell of traditions and transport us back in memory to that time of heightened anticipation. We are thrilled to have renowned mezzo-soprano Judith Forst join us on this CD - what a wonderful Christmas present!

Songlist: What Child Is This? , Alma Redemptoris Mater, A La Nanita Nana , Ubi Caritas, Ave Regina Caelorum, The Gate of the Year , Ave Maria, The Three Kings, Sweet Was the Song , In the Bleak Midwinter , Peace I Leave with You , Salve Regina, Koppangen , Cantique de Noel , Regina Caeli, A New Year Carol , O Tannenbaum, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas , To Drive the Cold Winter Away , The Mummer Song , Christmas Time Is Here

Review: Founded in 1965, the Cincinnati Boychoir is divided into three groups; the Training Choir, Resident Choir, and the elite Touring Choir. Their Christmas CD, 'Gift,' is exactly that! Beginning with Josef Rheinburger's 'Messe in A, Op. 125 and Benjamin Britten's 12-part 'Ceremony of Carols,' we proceed to 5 Christmas Carols, including 'Joy to the World,' the Sicilian hymn 'O Sanctissima,' and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing.' Then we have 4 'Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir,' 'Riu, Riu, Chiu,' 'Children's Song of the Nativity,' 'Nino Querido' and 'Ding, Dong, Merrily on High; followed by 6 'Holiday Favorites,' which include the German tune 'Kling, Clockchen,' 'The Little Drummer Boy,' 'Toyland' and 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas.' All songs are accompanied by piano, harp and other instruments. As Christmas is about one special child, we particularly love beautiful Christmas music sung by a fine, well-directed children's choir like the Cincinnati Boychoir - it's a Gift!

Songlist: Messe in A, Op. 125, Gloria, A Ceremony of Carols , Processional, Wolcum, Yule!, There Is No Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, The Little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recessional, Christmas Carols:, Joy the the World , O Sanctissima , Hark, the Herald Angels Sing , O come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Children's Song of the Nativity , Nino Querido , Ding, Dong, Merrily On High , Holiday Favorites, Kling, Glockchen, The Little Drummer Boy , Toyland , We Need a Little Christmas , The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Pola/Wyle/Ades), We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Review: The incomparable sound of the men of King's College is unleashed on everything from chant to Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer. Close harmonies, impeccable tuning, and perfect programming make this a 'must-have' CD for connoisseurs of the very best in choral singing. 22 songs: Handl's 'Ante luciferum gentus,' Byrd's 'O magnum mysterium,' 'Puer natus est,' 'Ecce advenit,' 'The Coventry Carol,' 'Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen,' 'There is no rose of such virtue,' 'Beata es, Virgo Maria,' 'Quem vidistis, pastores?,' 'Hodie Christus natus est'... the Scholars make each song a lovely gem.

Songlist: Ante lucifeum genitus, O Magnum Mysterium, Puer natus est, Ecce advenit, Coventry Carol, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, There is no rose of such virtue, Beata es, Virgo Maria, Quem vidistis pastores, Hodie Christus natus est, Once In Royal David's Coty, Deck The Hall, Silent Night, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Hark! the hearld angel sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Rudelph the red-nosed reindeer, White Christmas, Wonderful Christmastide, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Review: The Cwmbach Male Choir was formed in 1921, and has survived to the present day even though it was severely tested by periods of hardship, depression and World War 2. During its 83 years it has flourished and built up an enviable record of success in competitions and concert performances. The musical repertoire of the Choir is wide and varied. It includes music for all tastes, ranging from operatic choruses, spirituals, hymns, folk music and popular ballads. The Choir, from the Cynon Valley, maintains the great Welsh tradition of male singing and this recording of holiday favourites is a treat.

Songlist: Unto To Us Is Born A Son, Mary Had A Baby, De Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Mistletoe And Wine, Christ-Child In The Manger, Hwiangerdd Mair, Nadolig Llawen I Chi Gyd, White Christmas, Joy To The World, Medley Of Christmas Carols, Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head, When A Child Is Born, Winter Wonderland, O Holy Night

Review: This release from the remarkable male vocal group is a celebration of the intimate connection between music and Christmas throughout the world, regardless of different customs and languages. In this case the focus is on Europe, but the point is that no other celebration is so closely associated with such an abundant repertoire of songs, many of which are shared and often adapted to suit a particular culture or tradition. As usual, the six singers (plus a couple of 'guests' on several tracks) perform first-rate arrangements (especially those by ensemble member Ludwig Thomas) of hymns and carols, including 'Adeste fideles', 'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen', 'Quelle est cette odeur agreable', and 'Stille Nacht'. Along the way we hear other songs (many less-familiar) from Norway, Italy, England, the Netherlands, and Catalonia.

Songlist: Adeste Fideles, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, Wilfried Hiller: Harfenklange 3 Weihnachtslieder, Mary's Boychild, Du Grenne Glitrende Tre, O Sanctissima, Nu Zijt Wellekome, Quanno Nascete Nino, Entre Le Boeuf Et L'ane Gris, Canco De Nadal, Interlude From Ceremony Of Carols, Von Himmel Hoch, Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable, Romance De Virgen y el Ciego, Still O Himmel, Heilgste Nacht, Kling No Klokka, Kings Of Orient, Venid Cantad, Stille Nacht

Review: Christmas Eve of the Russian Orthodox Church (January 6) is traditionally celebrated with the Christmas Vigil (vsenoschnoye bdeniye), a Vespers service lasting hours with much singing and illuminated processions. The present recording contains chants from the Christmas Vigil and works by Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian composers, performed by the eminent Don Cossacks Choir under the direction of Marcel Verhoeff.

Songlist: Nachalo velikogo povecherija/ Introduction to the Great Compline: from Psalm 90 of the Old Testament, S nami Bog/ God is with us: from the Great Compline "The Prophecy of Isaiah", Deva dnes'/ Today the Virgin gives birth: Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ Bolgarsky (the "Bulgarian") chant, Nyne otpuschayeshi/ Ode of Symeon: Nunc dimittis, Shestopsalmiye/ The Six Psalms, Velikaya ekteniya/ Great Litany, a Bog Gospod' i yavisya nam/ God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us/ b Rozhdestvo Tvoye, Khriste Bozhe nash/ Thy Nativity, O Christ our God (Grechesky "the Greek") , Khvalite imya Gospodne/ Praise the name of the Lord, Velichaniye/ Megalynarion: The exaltation of the Nativity of Christ, Ot yunosti moyeya/ From my youth: Gradual psalm, melody of the Sofronyeva pustyn', tone 4, Chteniye Evangeliya/ Gospel Reading, Slava v Vyshnikh Bogu/ Glory to the God in the highest, Irmosy kanona i malaya ekteniya/ The Heirmos of the Canon and Small Litany, Velikoye slavosloviye/ Great Doxology, Rozhdestvo Tvoye, Khriste Bozhe nash/ Thy Nativity, O Christ our God Troparion , Sugubaya ekteniya/ Litany of Supplication, Utverdi, Bozhe/ Establish, O God, Otpust/ Dismissal, Mnogoletiye/ Many Years

Review: The Christmas concert, with Russian and German Christmas carols, was recorded in one of Germany's most beautiful Baroque churches. In addition to the well known sacred songs such as 'In dulci jubilo' and Russian pieces like 'Gospodie Pomuli', Wanja Hlibka delved deeply into the ways of both cultures. The a cappella version of 'Es ist ein Ros entspungen', for example, enchanted the 1700 concert goers with the Kosaken's Russian melancholy..... a moving and grandiose experience. The church's interior, when one considers the basilica's dimensions, presents a challenge to a vocal ensemble. With a depth of over eighty meters, it requires the vocal power of the Russian operatic soloists comprising Wanja Hlibka's choir to elicit the necessary charisma from the vocally sophisticated arrangements and to captivate the audience in the way that they did. The atmosphere of the concert, dependent on the desired expression and dynamic, ranges from a peaceful, quiet, almost gentle honoring of the child in the manger to an enormous room-filling song of praise proclaiming the joy at the birth of the Redeemer.

Songlist: Credo, Neude Freude Ist Uber Uns Gekommen, Christus Ist Geboren, Gott Sei Mit Uns, In Dulci Jubilo, Oh Kommet Ihr Glaubigen, Tedeum Laudamus, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, Gospodie Pomilui, Sisser Die Glocken Nie Klingen, Russischer Weihnachtsgesang, Die Glocken Von Jerusalem, In Der Kirche, Leise Rieselt Der Schnee, Ich Bete An Die Macht Der Liebe

Review: The top-notch children's choir sings traditional Christmas carols including works by Brahms, Max Reger, Anton Bruckner, Handel and Mendelssohn.

Songlist: O Heiland Reif Die Himmel Auf, Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, Es Kommt Ein Schiff Geladen, Tauben Weif, Ave Maria, Ubers Gebrig Maria Geht, Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging, Tochter Zion Freu Dich, Warum toben Die Heiden, Maria Auf Dem Berge, Joseph Lieber Joseph, Schlaf Mein Kindelein, Laft Uns Lauschen, Ihr Kinderlein Kommet, Angelus Ad Pastores Ait, In Dulci Jubilo, Es Ist Ein Ros Entprungen, Leise Riesel Der Schnee, Lieb Nachtigall Wach Auf, Frohlich Soll Mein Herze Springen, Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht

Review: Dresden's famous Kreuzchor, one of the most traditional boys' choirs in the world, embarks on a new project! This recording marks the launch of a spectacular CD series oriented towards the great Ecclesiastical festivals and high days, capturing the mood and religious background of the church calendar in musical form. The selected works are all taken from the choir's popular repertoire, with special emphasis on composers of Saxony.

Songlist: Machet die Tore weit, Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit, Freut euch un jubiliert, Uns ist ein Kind geboren, Das Wort ward Fleisch, Verbum caro factum est, Wie schon singt uns der Engel Schar, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, Virga Jesse floruit, Joseph, lieber Joseph mein, Sei wilkommen, Jesulein, Jerusalem gaude gaudio magno, Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobis, Singet und klinget, ihr Kinderlein, Das neugeborne Kindlein, Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein

Review: Ensemble Amarcord is one of the most acclaimed male vocal ensembles performing today and this Christmas release shows why. Impeccable blend and enticing arrangements makes this a recording that will be a favorite every holiday season. It combines 15 Amarcord classics, taking you from Finland to Nigeria, from Trinidad & Tobago to Poland - sometimes jazzy, sometimes reflective and moving, but always guided by the longing for coming home for Christmas.

Songlist: Juokse, Porosein!, So Viel Heimlichkeit, Winter Wonderland, Nu Taendas Tusen Juleljus, Noel Nouvelet, Betelehemu, Jezus Malusienki, Stille Nacht, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Fum, Fum, Fum, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, White Christmas, Summer Sleeps (Greta's Song), I Wonder As I Wander, Parang Christmas Chutney, So Viel Heimlichkeit (Zuckerbaecker-remix)

Review: Christmas has been celebrated for many centuries in all corners of the world, and this tradition has brought forth what are probably some of the most beautiful and enduring folk songs. The present CD is as diverse as the cultures. It goes from the well-known 'Es ist ein Ros entspungen' by way of Sicily ('O sanctissima') to Trinidad, and from Gregorian chant through the Renaissance to a Christmas motet by Thomaskantor Erhard Mauersberger (1903-1982). 'In adventu Domini' contains Advent and Christmas pieces from a period of over a half a millennium, including real gems that are gems not just because they are not to be found on any other Christmas CD. And of course the Leipzig vocal ensemble Amarcord once again arouses enthusiasm with its incomparable sound.

Songlist: Hosianna Dem Sohne Davids, Hymnus - In Adventu Domini, Ante Luciferum Genitus, O Heiland Reiss Die Himmel Auf, Angelus Ad Virginem, Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging, Ther Is No Rose Of Swych Vertu, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, O Sanctissma, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, In Dulci Jubilo, O Regem Coeli, Weinacht, Schlaf, Mein Kindlein, Riu Riu Chiu, Rise Up Shepard And Follow, La Baylere, O Jesulein Suss, Ich Steh An Deiner Krippen Hier, Ding Dong Ding, Stille Nacht

Review: 'Nun komm der Heiden Heiland', containing Early and Renaissance Christmas music, won a CASA award in 2006 for 'Best classical album' and is a most rewarding of the award. The tale told by the booklet stretches back to St. Augustine and his role in early Christian church music, all by way of explaining the origins of Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (Now come, savior of the Gentiles), the hymn that gives the album its title. It got started as a Latin hymn, Veni redemptor gentium, by Saint Ambrose, the bishop of Milan who baptized Augustine of Hippo; translated into German and simplified somewhat by Martin Luther, it became a pan-Protestant hit. The group's singing is intonationally dazzling and splendidly controlled, fully the equal of any of the world's more flamboyant male vocal ensembles but without drawing attention to itself.

Songlist: Alle Psallite Cum Luya, Veni Redemptor Gentium, Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, Angelus Ad Virginiem, Magnificat Sexti Toni, Veni Redemptor Gentium, Stella Splendens, Pastores Loquebantur Inter Se, Officium Nativitatis Domini, Vetus Abit Littera Vid erunt Omnes, Sys Willekomen Heirre Kerst, In Dulci Jubilo, O Viridissma Virga, There is No Rose Of Swych Vertu, Es Ist Rose Entsprungen, Veni Redemptor Gentium, Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, Alleluya: A Nywe Werk, Veni redemptor gentium

Review: For many years Waring and his Pennsylvanians entertained America with radio and tv broadcasts, as well as stage shows and a multitude of recordings. Culled from the Waring archives, the spontaneity and energy of these live recordings comes through from the first cut. Featured are famous Pennsylvanian soloists and the incomparable Waring Glee Club on these 21 wonderful (all big band accompanied) songs of Christmas. We can't really pick favorites here. The jazzy 'Jingle Bells' perhaps, or the Teen Trio's solo on 'Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer' that segues into manic sound-effect silliness.' Certainly the 'Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow Medley,' Frank Davis' soulful solo on 'One for the Little Bitty Baby,' and Jack Best and Gordon Goodman on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.' Oh, and we have to include Jane Wilson's solos on 'Away In A Manger' and 'Cantique De Noel' (Oh Holy Night). The bottom line is, this is great, classic entertainment by, in our opinion, the premier choral organization of all time. Christmas music just doesn't get any better than this!

Songlist: Opening: I Hear Music, Jingle Bells, Christmas Was Meant For Children, Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, One For The Little Bitty Baby, Medley (Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, The Sleigh, Winter Wonderland), White Christmas, The Christmas Song, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, Medley (Adeste Fidelis, The First Noel, Carol Of The Bells), Beautiful Savior, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Rise Up Shepard And Foller, Oh Gathering Clouds, Behold That Star, Medley Of English Carols (Suzzani, Coventry Carol, Gloucestershire Wassail), Away In A Manger, Cantique De Noel (Oh Holy Night), Silent Night/Come Unto Him, Closing Sleep

Review: After their first CD for Channel Classics: The Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal, with English Polyphony of the Renaissance, now present themselves in a completely different guise: on this Christmas CD they give you a glimpse of their taste for the lighter styles. You will hear a wide selection of the personal favourites of their singers, such as Follow that star, A Wonderful Christmastime, and Jingle Bell Rock. In addition to other popular Christmas Ballads from the American Songbook, such as Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas and White Christmas, they have put a new spin on a couple of traditional carols, like Silent Night and Es ist ein Ros entsprungen. Most of the arrangements were written especially for The Gents.

Songlist: Follow That Star, Gaudete Christus Est Natus, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas, Walking in the Air, Wonderful Christmastime, Hijo de la Luna, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Just Another Star, Jingle Bell Rock, Let It Snow, The Christmas Song, Sleighride, Winter Wonderland, Silent Night

Review: The oldest college chorus in America, the 60-voice, all-male Harvard Glee Club was essentially a social club on campus after its founding in 1858, performing college songs and glees to the accompaniment of banjos and mandolins. It was not until 1912, under the dynamic leadership of its new conductor, Dr. Archibald Davison, that it began to develop a repertoire of distinction and earn a national reputation. Under conductor Jameson Marvin since 1978, the HGC has been invited to perform at 5 national conventions of the ACDA, and recently they have appeared at Boston's Symphony Hall and Kennedy Center, and at the Lincoln Center in New York. 'Christmas With' is a finely-crafted, mostly a cappella Christmas collection of 13 songs. Favorites are the 13th Century Georgian wedding song 'Shen khar venakhi,' the Gregorian chant 'Salve Regina,' Josquin des Prez' 'Gloria,' Michael Pretorius' lovely 'Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming,' the traditional carol 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,' the organ-accompanied 'Three Kings of Orient,' Leonard Bernstein's 'Almighty Father,' Hildegard von Bingen's haunting 'Caritas abundat,' Thomas Tallis' 'Sanctus,' Randall Thompson's 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,' based on the Robert Frost poem, Hans Leo von Hassler's exquisite 'Cantate Domino' and Franz Biebl's 'Ave Maria.' 'Christmas With the Harvard Glee Club' is a richly harmonic gift to yourself or your loved ones that will add to your celebration and joy of Christmas!

Songlist: Shen Khar Venakhi, Salve Regina, Kyrie, Gloria, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Three Kings Of Orient, Almighty Father, Caritas Abundat, Sanctus, Stopping by Woods On A Snowy Evening, Cantate Domino, Ave Maria

Review: HMC's first holiday recording, this wonderful CD is being re-released in 2005 in celebration of the Chorus' 20th anniversary after having been out-of-print for several years. Conducted by Reuben M. Reynolds, III.

Songlist: A Winter Triptych, Din Don Merrily On High, O Holy Night, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Gloria, The Christmas Song, Silent Night, Holy Night, The Holly and the Ivy, A New Year's Song, Water Under Snow is Weary, Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, White Christmas, A Song For Christmas

Review: HMC's third holiday disc, this recording includes an exceptionally wide and diverse range of music--yet reflects on the quiet of winter as we await the emergence of new life in the spring. A timely thought as we hurry through the holidays and deal with a sometimes chaotic world.

Songlist: Sing We Now of Christmas, Lux Aurumque, A New Decamber, A La Nanita Nana, Bogoroditse Devo, An Angel Gets Its Wings, Deck The Halls in 7/8, The Sleigh (a la Russe), Hodie, Ose Shalom, The Bells, Nativity Carol, Angel's Blessing, Ding Dong Merrily on High

Review: Recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios in 1989, this partially-orchestrated recording (The City Of London Sinfonia on about half the tracks, their brass quintet on another handful), is Britain's King's Singers at their delightful best. This classically-educated male sextet is known for their lively performances - never pedantic, always entertaining. They navigate through the most challenging and thrilling of passages, as wave upon wave of countermelody ascend and crescendo from every quadrant, with apparent ease and confidence. The a cappella arrangements, such as 'The Little Drummer Boy' and 'Stille Nacht' (sung in German), are uncomplicated and soothing, sung with perfect majesty. 'A Little Christmas Music (Medley a la Mozart)' with guest soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, is the CD's heroic odyssey, going completely over the top with reckless abandon!

Songlist: Here We Come A-Wassailing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, The Little Drummer Boy, I Wonder as I Wander, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprugen, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Stille Nacht, O Little Town of Bethlehem, A Little Christmas Music, The Coventry Carol, The Boar's Head Carol, Gaudete, Joy to the World, Riu, Riu, Chiu, El Nino Querido, Villancico Catalan, Deck the Hall, The Wexford Carol, The Gift (Simple Gifts), Patapan and Farandole

Review: A stunning new jazz arrangement by Bill Dobbins of J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio, performed by Grammy-award-winning ensembles The King's Singers and the WDR (West German Radio, Cologne) Big Band. Recorded live in concert last year, this performance captures the timeless and versatile nature of Bach's work, retaining the integrity of the original within a wholly new musical setting. Dobbins's aims in creating the arrangement were four-fold: to convey the Christmas story of the original; to illustrate the musical diversityand imagination of the entire work through selected representative numbers from the original six cantatas;to translate the musical content and dramatic character of the original into jazz and latin idioms while retaining the spirit of Bach's music; and to showcase the talents of the ensembles.

Songlist: Erster Teil, Zewiter Teil, Dritter Teil, Vierter Teil, Funffer Teil, Sechster Teil

Review: The first new Christmas CD from the King's Singers since their popular 2004 release 'Christmas', this new disc sets an eclectic assortment of modern Christmas classics with special arrangements of some much loved favourites. 'Precise intonation, instinctive articulation, a downy, luxuriant tone, all captured in an excitingly lifelike recording' - International Record Review. 'The King's Singers' style is beautifully detailed, and even the most familiar carols sound fresh.' - Classic FM Magazine

Songlist: Rise up, shepherd, and follow, Gabriel's message, Noel nouvelet , What child is this?, The crown of roses , O little one sweet, Lullay my liking, Stille Nacht , The quiet heart , There is a flower, Joy to the world , Serenade d'hiver, The twelve days of Christmas , Gaudete, God rest you merry gentlemen , The little drummer boy , Jingle bells, Deck the hall with boughs of holly

Review: Started in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from King's College in Cambridge, the group quickly became a musical force in the UK, and the rest of the world soon followed. Since then they have been delighting audiences with incomparable musicianship, from mediaeval to renaissance, romantic to contemporary, folk and pop. The Singers looked into the music that most touched them to hear and sing in their own childhoods, and 'Christmas' is the result-the quintessential classical Christmas CD. 25 perfectly performed songs, some favorites: the traditional Veni, veni Emmanuel' and 'This is the truth sent from above,' Praetorius' 'Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen,' Bo Holten's 'Nowell sing we now,' Phillip Lawson's 'Lullay my liking,' Tchaikovsky' 'The Crown of Roses,' John Rutter's 'There is a flower,' Ramirez' 'La Peregrinacion,' and Gruber's 'Stille Nacht.' Extensive, multilingual liner notes with all lyrics. Incomparable, trademark King's Singers and soaring vocals throughout.

Songlist: Veni, veni Emmanuel , Angelus ad Virginem , This is the truth sent from above , Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern , Es ist ein Ros' ensprungen , There is no rose , Coventry Carol, Nowell sing we now , Remember, O thou man , In dulci jubilo , Lullay my liking, Bogoroditsye Dyevo , The Lamb , Maria durch ein Dornwald ging , O little one sweet , Bethlehem Down, The Crown of Roses, To us in Bethlem City, Szezo to za prediwo , There is a flower , La Peregrinacion , Away in a manger , Noel nouvelet , Stille Nacht , Born on a New Day

Review: Founded in 1992 and not associated with any religion or institution, Holzgerlingen, Germany-based Capella Vocalis performs religious and secular music in churches as well as in other venues. 'Christ ist Geboren' (Christ is born) is a nice collection of 25 Christmas songs (sung all in German, and by mostly German composers, with some light accompaniment) that feature the angelic voices of this talented boys' choir. J. Heinrich Lutzel's 'Machet die Tore weit,' Michael Praetorius' 'Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen,' W. Herrmann's 'O schlafe, schlafe, gottlinger Knabe' and Franz Gruber's 'Stille Nacht, heilage Nacht' give us a sweet taste of what the spirited young voices of Capella Vocalis can do.

Songlist: Three angels sang a sweet hymn, Machet die Tore weit, Mary went through thorny wood, O Saviour, tear open the skies, Now come the heathens' Saviour, There comes a ship, laden, The morning star has risen, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Komm, du Heiland aller Welt, O Schlafe, Schlafe, Gottliche Knabe, Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Kolenden, Polnische Weihnachtslieder , Christus est geboren, Triumphe, Gestern abend, Bruder, Shepherds travelled with, Solitude is all around, Lulaley, sweet Jesus, Let us all go, In the manger, Shepherds, rest a while, In Bethleh, Jesus, boy child, On the day, The New Year is a-coming