Concert A Cappella DVDs

St. Olaf Choir : Love Divine Illume Our Darkness

Review: The St. Olaf Choir was formed in 1911 by Dr. F Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. So began a tradition of a cappella choral sacred music that remains strong and vital today. 23 pieces, such songs as Edward Elgar's "Adagio," Christiansen's "Light Everlasting," and "The Song Of Peace," Bartholdi's "There Shall Be A Star," Paulus' "Pilgrim's Hymn," Daniel Gawthrop's "Mary Speaks," Paul Lohman's "What Child," our friend Moses Hogan's arrangement of "This Little Light of Mine," Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem," Hovland's "Stay With Us" and "Beautiful Savior." The music is that of angels, and the focus of this wonderful CD is what the holiday is all about, the birth of Christ. Excellent!

Songlist: Adagio (Enigma Variations) (Edward Elgar), Light Everlasting (Olaf C. Christiansen), Keep Your Lamps (arr. Andre Thomas), There Shall A Star (Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy), Lost in the Night (arr. Kyle Haugen), Pilgrim's Hymn (Stephen Paulus), Adam Lay Ybounden (Richard Webster), All This Night (Robert Scholz), Mary Speaks (Daniel Gawthrop), Gloria (Jeffrey Rickard), What Child (Paul Lohman), Midnight Clear (Russell Schultz-Widmar, arr. Robert Scholz), Come to the Cradle (Cathy and Laura Conger, arr. Robert Scholz), The Song of Peace (Olaf C. Christiansen), The Little Light of Mine (arr. Moses Hogan), Oh, How Joyfully (Andrew Carter), Pat-A-Pan (Hershy Kay), Carols for Choir and Orchestra (arr. John Ferguson), O Day Full of Grace (Christoph E. F. Weyse, arr. F. Melius Christiansen), Dona Nobis Pacem (Ralph Vaughan Williams), Narration, Stay With Us (Egil Howland), Beautiful Savior (arr. F. Melius Christiansen)

St. Olaf Choir : Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing

Review: What a milestone! This was the 100th annual Christmas Festival Concert at this venerated institution. This DVD is the PBS television special that broadcasts nationally and has become quite the Holiday tradition in many homes across the country. A magnificent way to get into the festive mood.

Songlist: Adagio "Nimrod" (Enigma Variations), As the Dark Awaits the Dawnz, Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, Te Deum laudamus, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, O Day Full of Grace, Deepest Heart, A Hymn of the Nativity, God's Word is Our Great Heritage, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Today the Virgin, Infant Holy, This Little Babe, Christ the Apple Tree, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Ring Gladsome Bells, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, Psalm 50 (Movement III), Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart, Stay With Us (Captive and Free), Beautiful Savior

Sweet Adelines : Top Choruses 2004

Review: Indianapolis, IN welcomed the 2004 Sweet Adelines' convention to their beautiful city, where talented, massive choruses belted out the harmonies with gold, silver and bronze on the line. We have here the top ten choruses. In 5th place was "San Diego Chorus", in 4th the "Ronninge Show Chorus," 3rd, "Gem City Chorus," 2nd, "Skyline Chorus," and the Gold Medal winners, "Harborlights Chorus." There are four songs by The Harborlights Chorus, "The Joint Is Jumpin', "When Day Is Done," "Roses of Yesterday," and "My Honey's Lovin' Arms." Skyline Chorus performs 3 songs, Gem City, three, Ronninge Show Chorus 3 and San Diego chorus 3. The 6th through 10th place groups perform 2 songs each. Powerful, spirited harmonies, a "best of" CD for lovers of Sweet Adelines Chorus music.

Songlist: From The First Hello To The Lost Goodbye - Channelaire Chorus, Mamma Goes Where Papa Goes - Spirit of the Gulf Chorus, (Here Am I) Brokenhearted - City of Lakes Church, If I Give My Heart To You - City of Lakes Church, Medley: Alabamy Bound; Alabama Jubilee - Pride of Portland Chorus, Love Me and the World is Mine - Pride of Portland Chorus, Original Dixieland One Step - Pacific Sound Chorus, It's Time To Sing Sweet Adeline Again - Pacific Sound Chorus, There Goes My heart - San Diego Chorus, Medley: I Love Jazz; At The Jazz Band Ball - San Diego Chorus, Young And Foolish - San Diego Chorus, Medley: Deed I Do; Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey - Ronninge Show Chorus, Heart of A Clown - Ronninge Show Chorus, Medley: I'm The Last of the Red Hot Mamas; You've Gotta See Mama Every Night; Nobody Knows What A Redhead Mama Can Do - Ronninge Show Chorus, What'll I Do? - Gem City Chorus, Medley: Roll On Mississippi; On The Mississippi; Daddy I'm Saying Goodbye - Gem City Chorus, Medley: I Used To Call Him Baby; Yes Sir, That's My Baby; Baby Face; I Want A Girl - Skyline Chorus, If You Love Me - Skyline Chorus, Medley: I'm The Last of the Red Hot Mamas; Nobody Knows What A Redhead Mama - Skyline Chorus, Can Do; You've Gotta See Mama Every Night - Skyline Chorus, Joint is Jumpin - Harborlites Chorus, When Day Is Done - Harborlites Chorus, Roses of Yesterday - Harborlites Chorus, My Honey's Lovin' Arms - Harborlites Chorus

Sweet Adelines : Top Choruses 2005

Review: Looking at the wonderful pix of the top 10 Choruses at the International Chorus Finals in October 2005 in Detroit, we totally want to be there. Incredible costumes, joyous faces-dozens of beaming, beautiful women having big fun singing their hearts out, going for the Gold. That honor went to Scottsdale (AZ) Chorus, so consistently fine that they have entered 13 International competitions since 1976 and have placed no lower than 3rd, winning it all 4 times! Silver went to Pride of Baltimore Chorus, 3rd to Kansas City (MO) Chorus and 4th to Coastline Show Chorus of Providence, RI. This "best-of" compilation features 2 songs each for the 5th to 10th place finishers, beginning with Greater Nassau Chorus's "At A Georgia Camp Meeting," 3 songs each for 5th through 2nd place groups, and 4 songs for the Champs, as it should be! Favorites among these 26 tunes are Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do," by Scottsdale Chorus, Berlin's "How Deep Is the Ocean," by Pride of Baltimore, "Runnin' Wild," by Kansas City Chorus and "The Joint Is Jumpin'" by Coastline Show Chorus. Powerful harmonies, hitting on all cylinders from the Motor City!

Songlist: At A Georgia Camp Meeting, The Masquerade Is Over, If I Give My Heart To You, No No Nora, You Keep Coming Back Like A Song, How Many Hearts Have You Broken, Brokenhearted, After My Laughter Came Tears, Auld Lang Syne, Climb Every Mountain, Charleston, The Joint Is Jumpin', If The Rest Of The World Don't Want You, Mistakes, I'll Never Say Never Again, Runnin Wild, From The First Hello To The Last Goodbye, How Deep Is The Ocean, Once Upon a Time, Original Dixieland One, What'll I Do, If You Love Me, Really Love Me, Swanee, There'll Be Some Changes Made, Going, Going, Gone

Sweet Adelines : Top Choruses 2006

Review: Once again, another fine year for the Sweet Adelines International Chorus competition, not to mention the fact that it was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year we have North Metro Chorus in 3rd place, the Melodeers in 2nd, and champions this year were the Rich Tone Chorus, of Richardson, Texas. Some of today's, and yesterday's, finest songs were transformed into tight barbershop arrangements and sung with gusto by these choruses, who were all very deserving of their spot in the top 10.

Songlist: Runnin Wild - Velvet Hills, I I Ruled The World - Velvet Hills, Fugue In D Minor - Velvet Hills, One - Velvet Hills, You Tookk Advantage Of Me - Channelaire, My Honey's Lovin' Arms - Channelaire, The First Hello To The Last Goodbye - Channelaire, Tuxedo Junction - Channelaire, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone - Pacific Sound, I've Got The Sun In The Morning - Pacific Sound, I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Pacific Sound, I Get The Blues When It Rains - Pacific Sound, The First Hello To The Last Goodbye - Spirit Of The Gulf, I'll Never Say Never Again - Spirit Of The Gulf, You Can't Stop The Beat - San Diego Chorus, You Keep Coming Back Like A Song - San Diego Chorus, When My Baby Smiles - San Diego Chorus, Listen To My Heart - San Diego Chorus, Great Come And Get It Day - Gem City, What'll I Do - Gem City, Swanee - Gem City, When I Lift Up My Head - Gem City, Cinderella - Skyline, Step Sisters' Lament - Skyline, My Romance - Skyline, Hey Good Lookin' - Skyline, We Are The People Of The Street - North Metro, At The End Of The Day - North Metro, Powder Your Face - North Metro, Into The Fire - North Metro, and more

Sweet Adelines : Top Quartets 2006

Review: Another great Sweet Adelines International convention took place this year, and this one was especially exciting as it was held in Las Vegas, Nevada! The Bay Area favorite, the Razzcals did quite well this year, taking 3rd Place. Four Betty's, who also put on a great show at our 2005 Harmony Sweepstakes, Chicago Regional, grabbed 2nd place. This year's Queens, SALT, stole the show, reminding us once again, so many great performers/musicians have come out of Sweden. This CD features two tracks from the quartets placing 4th - 10th, three tracks from Four Bettys and the Razzcals, and we get to hear four tracks from SALT! If you're looking for the best in Sweet Adelines' recordings, this collection definitely delivers!

Songlist: Jazz Me Bllues - Ice, Moon River - Ice, Gospel Medley - Ice, Orange Colored Sky - Moxie Ladies Quartet, I'm Dancing This Dance In The Wrong Romance - Moxie Ladies Quartet, That's My Weakness Now - Moxie Ladies, Birth Of The Blues - Moxie Ladies, This Could Be The Start Of Something Big - Capri, Little Lady Make Believe - Capri, She's Gonna Fly - Capri, Oh You Beautiful Doll - Jukebox, When You Wish Upon A Star - Jukebox, Lady Madonna, Hallelujah Barbershop - Jukebox, Great Day - Xtreme, Ballin' The Jack - Xtreme, In His Eyes - Xtreme, Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart - Zing, If You Love Me Really Love Me - Zing, There Goes My Heart - Zing, The Very Thought Of You - Zing, With Plenty Of Money And You - Jackpot, Come Take Your Place In Your Heart - Jackpot, That's Life - Jackpot, Roses Of Yesterday - Razzcal, Flirty Eyes - Razzcals, There Goes My Heart - Razzcals, Put Your Arms Around Me Honey - Four Bettys, I'm Alone Because I Love You - Four Bettys, If I Love Again - Four Bettys, and more

Sweet Adelines : Top Quartets 2008

Review: Sweet Adelines International chose beautiful Honolulu for their 62nd Annual Convention and Competition, and Columbus Ohio's Moxie Ladies took the Gold from a very strong and talented field. They have 3 songs on this exciting, electric DVD: "It's You, Wilson," "Yes Sir, That's My Baby" and "My Man." Silver went to Winter Springs, Florida's Jackpot!, also with 3 tunes including "How Deep is the Ocean;" Roseville, California's popular Razzcals won Bronze and sing "Fifty Eyes" and 2 other songs, and Edgewater, Maryland's Maxx Factor, 2009 winner of the Harmony Sweepstakes, won 4th and sing "We'll Sing All We Know" and "Listen to that Dixie Band." The 5th through 10th place winners, Capri, Mojo, Zing!, Martini, Affinity and Sparx, have 3 to 4 songs apiece. If you missed Honolulu, or want to experience again that amazing competition, this DVD is for you!

Songlist: So Long, Dearie, You Can't Go On Forever Breaking My Heart, You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby, Floatin' Down to Cotton Town, All The Way, Don't Break the Heart That Loves You, Zing Went the Strings of My Heart, If You Love Me, Really Love Me, Oh, How I Miss You Tonight, Oh, You Beautiful Doll, Roses of Yesterday, It's The Girl, I Had the Craziest Dream, Young and Foolish, Listen To That Dixie Band, Lonesomest Girl In Town, If I Only Had A Brain, Flirty Eyes, There Goes My Heart, Taking A Chance On Love, Over The Rainbow, Medley: With Plenty of Money and You/We're In The Money, Medley: I Can't Give You Anything But Love, It's You, Pal Of My Cradle Days, Yes Sir, That's My Baby

The Choir : Tavener: Choral Ikons

Review: The Choir sings Sir John Tavener's hauntingly beautiful unaccompaniedchoral music in a stunning virtual reality restoration of the ancient Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople. Orthodox ikons enrich the visual tapestry, enhancing the full richness of Tavener's mystic inspiration.The power of the performances is overwhelming and the credit goes to James Whitbourn and his vocal ensemble The Choir that he created for the express purpose of television and DVD recordings for Opus Arte. The Choir sing Tavener's music with great understanding and sensitivity to the religious texts. This DVD captures every beauteous moment of Tavener's music with The Choir. Opus Arte, as in all their productions, never leave you second-guessing about the music with their investigative extra features that bring further insight upon the chosen subject.The ikon chooses you which, together with an illustrated booklet containing an in-depth article on the inspirational power of ikons as well as the vocal texts and an introduction by Tavener himself, round off this beautifully presented package.

Tonic Sol-fa : If I Can Dream

Review: Live concert footage and behind the scenes shots and interviews make up this captivating DVD, of the contemporary a cappella group, Tonic Sol-fa. Filmed primarily at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place Theater in Des Moines, Iowa, you'll get an opportunity to join in the energy and vocal performance of Greg, Jared, Mark and Shaun, that is Tonic Sol-fa. Included, are a few additional extras, that will be appreciated by new and old fans alike.

Various : Holy Russia - The Festival of Christmas

Review: The spiritual culture of Russia is reflected in the beauty of its churches and monasteries, paintings and frescoes that adorn them and - above all - in the sacred music that is sung in them. This program celebrates the history of Christmas in Russia and features 15 beautiful holiday songs. Holy Russia is a vocal and musical treasure that you will enjoy year after year.

Songlist: Today Christ, God Is With Us, From My Youth, The Golden Ring, The Cherubic Hymn, Holy Day Troparion, Song of the Magi, Rejoice the Righteous, Credo, Praise the Lord from the Heavens, Nunc Dimittis, Kaliadka, Epiphany Troparion, The Cherubic Hymn, Praise the Name of the Lord

Various Artists : Countertenors

Review: An LWT South Bank Show, presented by Melvyn Bragg, exploring the phenomenon of countertenor singing With its unique, soaring beauty, the high male voice is today enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity. Heirs to the celebrated castrati of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, today's countertenors produce their voices by wholly natural means. In this program international stars Michael Chance, Andreas Scholl and James Bowman, as well as pop star Jimmy Somerville, shed light on the appeal of the male falsetto. Meanwhile, experts such as Michael White place today's countertenors in their historical context. What emerges is a compelling portrayal of an unmistakable vocal style, rooted in church and operatic tradition, yet completely up-to-date, resonating louder today than at any time in the last two hundred years. Following the South Bank Show is a 70-minute program of specially recorded performance material, showcasing the extraordinary talents of today's most popular countertenors.

Songlist: Never Weather-Beaten Saile, Sorrow Stay: Can She Excuse My Wrongs?, Flow My Tears, Since I First Saw Your Face, Sound The Trumpet; O Dive Custos, Strike the Viol; Evening Hymn, Ode on the Death of Henry Purcell, Cantata BWV 170, Cum Dederit, Stabat Mater, Ombra Mai Fu (Xerxes), Dove Sei; Civi Tiranno (Rodelinda), When I Was One-and-Twenty, Is My Team Ploughing?

Various Artists : Pure Gospel - Top Gospel Choirs

Review: The popularity of the Gospel Choir is one of the major reasons for the growth of the genre. Crystal Rose searched its vault and selected the best live performances ever for a visually exciting gospel music experience. This DVD compilation provides pure gospel in the form of Praise & Worship as well as contemporary and traditional gospel songs by some of today's most recognized choirs.

Songlist: The Vision, Praise Is What I Do, Don't Forget To Remember, Jesus Paid It All, Jesus Paid It All (reprise), Great Things, There Is No Way, Bless His Name, Hold On, He Made A Way

Various Artists : The Singing Revolution

Review: Most people don't think about singing when they think about revolution. But song was the weapon of choice when Estonians sought to free themselves from decades of Soviet occupation. The Singing Revolution is an inspiring account of one nation's dramatic rebirth. It is the story of humankind's irrepressible drive for freedom and self-determination. Hundreds of thousands of people faced down their oppressors... armed only with hope, truth and song. Recommended.

Various Artists : Vocal Group Hall Of Fame Induction Concert Vol. 4

Review: The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame was created to honor the Greatest Vocal Groups of the World, to preserve their music at a world-class museum, to promote their music and memories throughout the world and to pay tribute to the inductees as National Music Treasures. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was designed to perpetuate the life long careers of the Inducted Artists, recognizing them as inventors and creators of the music that influenced today's pop culture, promoting their music to many fans, and bring to the attention of the world, their legacy for many generations to come. The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame's Annual Induction Ceremony honors these great groups and features their legendary music.

Songlist: Never My Love, Pennies From Heaven, Rock 'n Roll Is Here To Stay, Little Darlin', More, Return To Sender & Jailhouse Rock, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, If I Didn't Care, Aquarius/ Let The Sunshine In, Be My Baby, You Keep Me Hangin' On, I Only Have Eyes For You, Why Do Some Fools Fall In Love, In The Still Of The Night, Betchya By Goly Wow, Loves Me Like A Rock, Perfidia, Help Me Rhonda & California Girls, Only You & The Great Pretender, Charlie Brown, Ruby, Ruby, What A Wonderful World, Under the Boardwalk, For the Love Of Money & Love Train, Love Train

Voena : The Journey Makes Us One

Review: This 2-DVD set celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the remarkable Benicia, CA-based VOENA (Voices of Eve 'N Angels), created by director Annabelle Marie. Disc 1 features the group's amazing journey through an interview conducted with Annabelle in the front seat of her moving car, and a collage of still photos and colorful live performance videos. Disc 2 is packed with full performances of their 2004 COPIA and Napa Valley Opera House concerts, highlights of their 2003 A&E Special featuring VOENA in the Pageant of Peace Ceremony at the White House. The colorfully-dressed, talented, joyful children (including 12-year-old soloist Holly Stell, who recorded with Andrea Bocelli) dance and sing on stage with Annabelle in many languages, delighting us and their audiences with their joy of singing. There is usually some light accompaniment, percussion and piano supplied by the children, violin played by Annabelle, and other instruments. "The Journey" is a feel-good, inspirational CD set from start to finish!

Voices Of Lee : 10th Anniversary Concert DVD

Review: We believe that Lee's University's Voices Of Lee is one of the finest Christian a cappella ensembles performing today and their excellence shines thru in this well produced DVD. A nice bonus is that four members of the ensemble also makes up the International Barbershop quartet champions Four Voices who step to the front to perform a couple of dynamic songs. This 2 DVD set has over two hours of performances and with it's high quality production values it will be a show you will watch over and over.

Songlist: One Voice, Jesus, His Name, Hallelujah, When God Dips His Love In My Heart, The Love of God, A Mighty Fortress, Beyond the Open Door, Softly and Tenderly, All Rise, Holy Ground, Keep Believin' Catch On Fire, It Is Well With My Soul, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Benediction: The Lord Bless and Keep You, Oh How He Loves You and Me ('94-'95 Original Members), The Lord's Prayer ('96-'97 Alumni), Lamb of God ('98-'99 Alumni), Tonight (4-Voices), Be Happy (4-Voices), Man of Constant Sorrows (Ryan Wilson), American Idol Revue, Follow Me (Special Gues Judy Jacobs), You Raise Me Up ('Voices' tribute to Danny Murray), The Battle Hymn ('00-'01 Alumni), God Bless America ('02-'03 Alumni)

Voices Of Lee : An Evening With Voices of Lee - Live Concert DVD

Review: This Christian university choir has been performing at a high level for many years under the expert guidance of director Danny Murray. The choir alumni boast a host of talented singers some of who now have successful music careers and who appear on this live concert DVD such as Doyle Dykes, Babbie Mason, Jay Demarcus and Ryan Wilson. The choir is in fine voice in this well-produced DVD and is a real treat for all fans of this delightful group of singers.

Songlist: How Great Thou Art, For All my Sin, Power in Praisin' the Lord, God Will Open up the Windows, He'll Find a Way, Freedom & Justice, America, The Beautiful, Strike up the Band, God Bless The USA, Battle Hymn, The Lord's Prayer, Mercy Seat, Jesus Hold my Hand, He Giveth More grace, He Looked Beyond my Fault, Press On

Winchester College Chapel Choir : Christmas With

Review: This selection of music for Christmas brings together East and West in the collaboration of Winchester College Chapel Choir and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Recorded live in Hong Kong in December 2004, this disc features a selection of perennial favourites from the Baroque period, including Bach cantatas and Handel's Messiah, and three exquisite modern carols.

Songlist: Corelli Concerto Grosso, From Praetorius to Weir (Four a Cappella), O Come All Ye Faithful, All Bach (4 Excerpts), Handel Concerto Grosso, Handel Messiah, Joy to the World and the First Noel