In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Canadian Choral Music

Displaying 1-50 of 82 items.

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The Morning Trumpet

Amabile Boys and Mens Choirs : Soldier's Cry

Review: Songs and stories of war and peace are probably second in quantity only to songs of love. In planning this recording we have tried to find stories of war and peace that resonate profoundly with listeners and that might help us understand the countless loss of innocent soldiers' and civilians' lives throughout history. We offer this recording in honour of the soldiers by telling their stories and acknowledging their sacrifice for the rest of us. All of the Amabile Boys and Men's Choirs are represented on this recording from our youngest Treble Training Choir who combine with our Treble Concert Choir, to our Young Men and our senior choir, Primus, who sing together as the Amabile Young Men's Ensemble.

Songlist: Soldier's Cry, Waitin for the Dawn Of Peace, The Morning Trumpet, The Lord's My Shepherd, Even When God Is Silent, Amazing Grace, Oseh Shalom, Peace Drum Song, Prayer of the Children, When A Child Lights A Candle, I Am But A Small Voice, Varjele Jumala Soasta, In Flanders Fields, For The Fallen, Reconciliation, In Remembrance, Ave Maris Stella, Libertatum, The Last Post

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Non Nobis, Domine

Amabile Men's Ensemble : Inner Fire

Review: The debut recording of the Primus Amabile Men's Ensemble, a group of 25 senior singers, many of whom have sung with the Amabile Boys Choirs since its inception in 1990. Inner Fire portrays messages or remembrance, thanksgiving and hope, and is a personal accomplishment for each of the 25 young men who comprise the Primus Men's Ensemble. It is, in a sense, a trophy after many years of hard and dedicated work, and represents the culmination of almost two decades of singing and growing up together

Songlist: Lux Arumique, Non Nobis, Domine, Ave Dulcissima Maria, Got Ist Mein Hirt, Ave Maria, Steal Away/Nobody Knows, O Vos Omnes, Sing Me To Heaven, The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood, Nukapianguaq, A Celtic Triptych, Carrikfergus, Soldier's Cry, Ramkali, Ne Sedi, Djemo, Esti Dal

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Three Ways to Vaccuum Your House (II)

Amabile Youth Singers : Early Classics & Late Greats

Review: Composer's Notes: The first pieces I wrote for the Amabile Youth Singers, beautifully conducted by John Barron, were the cornerstone of my career. People often ask why they can't get those early classics on one CD. Now you can. Here in one collection are the legendary performances of "Nukapianguaq", "African Celebration", "Heaven Bound Train", "Missa Brevis", "The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy", and more from those astonishing early sessions in 1991-95. Spanning fifteen years of recordings, the CD also features the choir under my direction in superb live performances of new material such as "Geordie" and "The Sparks Fly Upward", plus gorgeous concert versions of "Once I Had A Sweetheart" and the 2nd movement of "Three Ways To Vaccum Your House". I am especially delighted that the CD includes several beloved performances that have never been commercially available before, such as the ferocious live version of "TJAK!", the first, unreleased recording of "La Lluvia" which remains my favourite version of the piece, and a radiant, mystical "Amazing Grace", performed here with oboe instead of bagpipes.

Songlist: Heaven Bound Train, African Celebration, Amazing Grace, Nukapianguaq, La Lluvia, Geordie, The Sparks Fly Upward, Apple Tree Wassail, TJAK!, Missa Brevis-Kyrie, Missa Brevis-Gloria, Missa Brevis-Sanctus, Missa Brevis-Agnus Dei, Carol of the Ladder, J'ai vu le loup, Three Ways to Vaccuum Your House (II), Go Where I Send Thee, Once I Had a Sweetheart, The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy

Amabile Youth Singers : Family Tree

Review: London, Ontario, Canada boasts seven children's choirs, and the Youth Singers, founded in 1985, is an auditioned choir of 50 young women ages 12 to 24. John Barron directs this sweet-singing choir in the music of Canadian composter Stephen Hatfield, who were the first choir to commission him, and their early recordings of his work were very important in establishing his reputation. There are 25 cuts here, favorites are "Uberlebensgross," the title tune,"O-Yo-Yo," "Let Me Ask You," the rhythmic "O Sapo," the haunting "A Maid That's Deep In Love" and "Dwa Serduszka." Cuts 13 to 25 are Hatfield's sublime "Christmas Cantata." There's considerable non-vocal percussion, and some flute, bass and acoustic guitar and handbells on the album. The beautiful, soaring blended voices are perfect for Hatfield's excellent compositions. A very special collection by one of the best youth choirs in the world.

Songlist: Uberlebensgross, For Elizabeth: Gold, Frank Innocence And Mirth, Take A Step, Family Tree, O -Yo - Yo, Let Me Ask You, Set, O Sapo, A Maid That's Deep In Love, Las Amarillas, Dwa Serduszka, Double Lotus, Christmas Cantata - When The Night Is Sweet With Starlight

Amabile Youth Singers : Garden of Delights

Review: Since its founding in 1985, the Amabile Youth Singers of London, Canada has developed the musical talents of hundreds of young singers. This auditioned ensemble features 65 young women ages 12 to 21. No strangers to competitions, founding directors John Barron and Brenda Zadorsky have led them to wins in 11 national and 4 international competitions. "Garden" is a lightly-accompanied, varied collection of 20 songs-some favorites are E. Elgar's "The Snow," J. Brahms' "Lullaby," Handel's "No, divoi non vo fidarmi," D. Gawthrop's "Mary Speaks," E. Daley's lovely "Each Child," R. Thompson's "Choose Something Like a Star," A. Bevan's "Ave Maria," C. Ives' "Serenity," R. Thompson's "A Girl's Garden," J. Mantyjarvi's surprising, eclectic "Pseudo-Yoik Lite" the joyous, soaring "Paruparong Bukid" and Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow." Some of these pieces are dissonant and difficult to perform, but these young women make it sound easy. If you'd like a tasty feast of tunes by one of the best young women's ensembles on the planet, the aptly-named "Garden of Delights" is for you!

Songlist: The Snow - Elgar, Song Of The Angels - Sirett, Lullaby - Brahms, No Di Voi Non Vo Fidarmi - Handel, I Thank You God - Walker, Mi'Kmaq Honour Song - Adams, Mary Speaks - Gawthrop, Each Child - Daley, Choose Something Like A Star - Thompson, Noel Des Enfants Qui Non Plus Des Maisons - Debussy, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Ave Maria - Bevan, Serenity - Ives, Cloths Of Heaven - Daley, A Girl's Garden - Thompson, Poi E, Pseudo-Yoik Lite, Paruparong Bukid, Over The Rainbow, Praise His Holy Name - Hampton

Amabile Youth Singers : Hatfield - All Good People

Review: Award-winning conductor Stephen Hatfield's London, Canada-based Amabile Boys Choirs have entertained audiences throughout Canada, the US, Europe and Australia, receiving numerous awards including 10 first places at the prestigious CBC Choral Competition. The ABC's refreshingly varied song selection and clean, spirited harmonies are in ample evidence on "All Good People," beginning from the first exuberant cut, the Reggae tune "Don't Bend Down." 18 other gems follow: the 4-part "Missa Brevis," the Japanese work song "Ohisashi buri" (It's been a long time), the spiritual "Ezekiel Saw The Wheel," the lovely "When The Stars Fall," the salsa-flavored "Son de Camaguey," the raucous sea shanty "All For Me Grog," the heart-tugging "All Too Soon," "Double Shot," the spirited "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well," and the South African tune "Dubula." Each song surprises us with the energy and joy of singing of these talented boys. We have heard some of these songs before, but Amabile makes each one their own, the definitive version. "All Good People" is a treat, and winning CD #4 for Amabile!

Songlist: Don't Bend Down, Missa Brevis-, -Kyrie, -Sanctus, -Gloria, Agnus Dei, Ohisashi Buri, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Un Flambeau, Jeannette Isabelle, When The Stars Fall, Ka hia manu, Elibama, Son de Camaguey, All For Me Grog, All Too Soon, Double Shot (Honey in the Rock), Jesus Met The Woman At The Well, Living In A Holy City, Dubula, God-Bless Wassail

Amabile Youth Singers : Live & Kicking!

Review: Composer's Notes: The title for this CD refers to the fact that it opens and closes with all 300 members of the Amabile family singing and dancing in killer versions of "Oolichan" and "Dubula". These live performances, which I conducted, show all the Amabile choirs at their most fiery and confident, and include several massed choir selections that give an extra richness to the sound. The massed Amabile trebles give stunning performances of "Ahe Lau Makani", "Ain't That News" and "Acceptance Speech". The Amabile men are at their Olympian peak with "Heaven Somewhere" and "O Yo Yo". "Living In A Holy City" and "All For Me Grog" are sung as only 300 voices can sing them, while the younger choirs in the Amabile family give stand-out versions of "Two Minutes Before Sleep", "Foggy Birthday Shuffle", "Set" and the previously unavailable "Three-Part Conniption". In addition to the fourteen live performances that capture the singers at their high-flying best, the CD includes three treasures from the studio: the Amabile men tear up the speakers with their show-stopping TTBB version of "Nukapianguaq" ; the Chamber Choir gives their definitive performance of "Hard Shoulder", one of my best pieces ; and the Junior Amabile Singers serve up one of the rarest of Hatfield recordings, the reggae-soaked "No Rock". Fans of Amabile and Hatfield will not be disappointed in this collection of treasures from the archives.

Songlist: Oolichan, Ahe Lau Makani, O Yo Yo, Two Minutes Before Sleep, Foggy Birthday Shuffle, Set, No Rock, Ka Hia Manu, Three- part Conniption, Ain't That News, Acceptance Speech, Nukapianguaq, All for Me Grog, Living in a Holy City, Hard Shoulder, Heaven Somewhere, Dubula

Amabile Youth Singers : She Shall Have Music

Review: The young women of the Junior Amabile Singers, one of 7 choirs in the Amabile Choirs of London, Canada, are joined in this exploration of the hopes, desires and human experiences of today's young women by the Amabile Da Capo Choir, a training choir for the JAS. Artistic directors Jacquelyn Norman and Wendy Gee conduct them in this rich collection of 23 lightly accompanied songs. Favorites are the title tune, whose lyrics are from the nursery rhyme, "Ride a cock horse to Banbury cross," Darla Eshelman's "A Song from the Heart," Z. Randall Stroope's "The Poet Sings," Bob Chilcott's "The Lily and the Rose," Ed Robertson's "Sing a Song," Eugene Butler's "Music is My Life," Ruth Morris Gray's lilting, humorous "No Thank You, John," Ella Fitzgerald's "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," the Gershwins' "Someone to Watch Over Me," Billy Joel's "Lullabye" and Smokey Robinson's "My Guy." This is a poised, confident collection by one of the finest young women's ensembles in the world, beautiful, entertaining and moving.

Songlist: She Shall Have Music, To Be Young, A Song From The Heart, Think On Me, The Poet Sings, Dirait-On, The Lily And The Rose, Come To Me O My Love, Sing A Song, One Song, Just A Single Voice, Music Is My Life, He's Gone Away, Banks Of Doon, No Thank You John, Joan Of Arc, Give Us Hope, A-Tisket A-Tasket, Someone To Watch Over Me, Lullaby, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, My Guy, Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)

Amabile Youth Singers : Sing the Music of Stephen Hatfield

Review: The Amabile (Ah MAH bee lay) Singers, based in London, Ontario, Canada is an auditioned choir of 50 young women, ages 12 to 23 years. It exists to give its members musical experiences of the highest caliber and to develop musical talents. Its repertoire ranges from Medieval to Broadway. Amabile rose quickly to national and international prominence with competition wins at the CBC Biennial Choral Competition, International Choral Competition, and many others. They have toured Europe several times and performed at Carnegie Hall. The music of Canadian composer Stephen Hatfield is surprising and wonderful, and it has never sounded better. 17 songs, the energetic spiritual "Run Children Run," the dramatic "Vus Vet Zayn," the lovely "Camino Caminante," the powerful 3-part a cappella gem, "Three Ways to Vacuum Your House," the sweet, plaintive "Queen Jane," the haunting "When It Was Dark," the plaintive "Once I Had a Sweetheart," the finger-snapping "Sweet Tooth," "Crimson, Ivory and Aquamarine" and "La Lluvia" (with percussion by Hatfield and others), the short, harmonic "Old Fox Wassail," the complex, dramatic, accompanied "Ya Faraoule" and the rhythmic, primitive "TJAK!" are favorites. This is edgy, interesting, entertaining stuff that definitely pushes the Choral envelope.

Songlist: Run Children, Run, Vus Vet Zayn, Ower the Hills, Camino Caminante, Three Ways to Vacuum Your House, Queen Jane, When It Was Yet Dark, Once I Had a Sweetheart, Odi Odi, Sweet Tooth, Crimson, Ivory and Aquamarine, La Lluvia, Old Fox Wassail, Ya Faraoule, TJAK!

Amabile Youth Singers : Wrapped in Song

Review: The ACC is is a mixed-voice ensemble of 50 senior members of the seven London, Ontario, Canada children's choirs. 24 beautiful pieces, including Bob Chilcott's "Dona Nobis Pacem," versions I-IV, a pair of "O Magnum Mysteriums," one by Lauridsen and one by Thomas Luis de Victoria., Eleanor Daley's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" and "My Master from a Garden Rose," and three with guest soloist Denise Pelley, "The Rain is Over and Gone," "Worthy to Be Praised" and "I Go to the Rock." Secular tunes "Flanders Fields," "The Banks of the Don," "Song of the Breton Fishermen," "Un Canadian errant" and Billy Joel's "And So It Goes" are also very special. Some piano accompaniment. We enjoyed every cut of this beautifully crafted collection from talented Amabile!

Songlist: Dona Nobis Pacem I, O Magnum Mysterium, Dona Nobis Pacem II, My Master From A Garden Rose, Flanders Fields, Le Temps De Vivre, Dona Nobis Pacem III, El Hambo, Rattle On The Stovepipe, iod Mar Chaidh an Cal a Dholaidh, The Banks On The Don, Song Of The Breton Fishermen, Un Canadien Errant, Dona Nobis Pacem IV, O Magnum Mysterium, Sing Me To Heaven, Sing Lullaby, Gloria In Exelcis Deo, Precious Lord, The Rain Is Over And Gone, Worthy To Be Praised, And So It Goes, Dona Nobis Pacem V

Bach Children's Chorus : Go Where You Will

Review: The 4 choirs of the Bach Children's Chorus (BCC) have earned acclaim throughout greater Toronto for their beautiful, musical sound and professionalism. Totally approximately 200 children and youth, the BCC choirs are Choir I (ages 6-9), Choir 2 (ages 8-13), Choir III (treble singers ages 10-16) and Bach Chamber Youth Choir (boys with changed voices and girls 16-23). 23 songs, about half composed or arranged by Canadian composers. Particularly nice secular songs are the Quebecois folk songs "Canadian Boat Song" and "Un Canadien Errant," the Nova Scotia folk song "The Blackbird," James Gordon's "Frobisher Bay," Michael Unger's "Sea Song, the Cuban folk song "Son de Camaguey," Carolyn Jennings' "Panda," and the Venezuelan folk song "El Barquito." Favorite religious songs are 4 by Eleanor Daley, "The Cloths of Heaven," "O Be Joyful in the Lord," "My Master from a Garden Rose" and "The Angels Will Guide You Home," Z. Randall Stroope's "Lux Aeterna," Christopher Brown's "There is no rose of such virtue" and the final cut, "Hope for Resolution." The bright, clear sound of these childrens' voices makes "Go Where You Will" a special, moving CD. Accompaniment and percussion on some songs. Beautiful and extensive liner notes.

Songlist: Canadian Boat song, The Cloths of Heaven, O Be Joyful in the Lord, Lux Aeterna, There is no rose of such virtue, Come, Colours Rise, The Blackbird, Frobisher Bay, Sea Song (Michael Unger), Son de Camaguey, A Celtic Prater, My Master from a Garden Rose, Lift Up Your Voice!, Un Canadien Errant, Spring is singing in the garden, Panda, The Butterfly and the Shadow, The Angels Will Guide You Home, El Barquito, The Garden Song, Like a Rainbow, Hope for Resolution

Bach Children's Chorus : Land of Tomorrow

Review: We have always loved Toronto's Bach Children's Chorus, founded in 1987 and comprised of 185 singers aged 6 and up in four choirs. Conductor Linda Beaupre directs these wonderfully trained choirs in 21 tunes in "Land of Tomorrow," all accompanied by light piano and sometimes percussion. Some favorites are "Psalm 100," "The Little Sandman," "Skylark and Nightingale," "Somewhere a Child is Singing," "Ballerine du Vent," "The Grey Donkey," "Give Ear Unto Me" and "Niska Banja" by Choir III, "Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild" by Choir II, "Hark the Tiny Cowslip Bell" by Choir I, "Blessing" by the Bach Chamber Youth Choir and "Song for Canada" by All Choirs. These sweet, innocent voices are a joy to listen to on every well-chosen, finely-crafted cut. Treat yourself to "Land of Tomorrow" by one of Canada's finest children's choruses! PS, the extensive liner notes have all the lyrics and some great photos.

Songlist: Psalm 100, The Little Sandman, Yo le Canto Todo el Dia, Skylark and Nightingale, Cantate Domino, Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild, Hark the Tiny Cowslip Bell, Sing a Song, Come, Let Us All This Day, Dirait-On, Somewhere A Child Is Singing, I Waited For The Lord, Ballerine du Vent, The Grey Donkey, O Rest In The Lord, Give Ear Unto Me, Niska Banja, A Croon, Laus Deo, Blessing, Song For Canada

Bach Children's Chorus : Outside The Snow Is Falling

Review: Toronto's BCC, 200 talented singers ages 6 and up, are divided into 4 choirs and have become a beloved part of Toronto's musical culture. The Christmas CD "Outside" is the BCC's second, their first being the lovely "Go Where You Will." This is a joyous CD, the high, sweet voices of the children are perfect for traditional carols such as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "O Holy Night," "Ding Dong! Merrily on High," and "Echo Carol," a pair by John Rutter, "The Angels' Carol" and "Carol of the Children," and many by Canadian composers we haven't heard, Eleanor Daley's "What Sweeter Music," Mark Sirett's "Sunny Bank," Edith Harrhy's "Ring, Bells, Ring," W.H. Anderson's "Long, Long Ago," Alexander Tilley's "When Christ Was Born," Heather Barnes' "Torches!" and others. 24 songs, all lightly accompanied. A lovely gift from one of Canada's finest children's choirs.

Songlist: A King Is Born, What Sweeter Music, Sunny Bank, The Angels' Carol, Echo Carol, Go Where I Send Thee, Carol Of The Children, Pat -A- Pan, Ring Bells, Ring, Long, Long Ago, Were You There?, When Christ Was Born, S'Vivon / Candle Lullaby, Ding - Dong - Doh!, El Cant Dels Ocels, This Little Babe, Winds Through The Olive Trees, Torches!, Song Of The Innkeeper's Children, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Holy Night, This Joy, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Sleigh Ride

Calgary Girls Choir : A Child's Question

Review: Founder and Conductor Elaine Quilichini's excellent Calgary Girls Chorus-Viva, for singers in grades two to six, present their debut CD of 21 songs, and it's touching and impressive from the first tune, the title tune by Timothy Strang. Spiritual music like "Once in Royal David's City," "I See the Love of God in Every River" by David Ouchterlony, Handel's "Dear Lord and Savior" and "Hand me down my silver trumpet;" upbeat songs like "Welcome Carol," "The Song of the Music Makers," "We Will Sing for Joy," Eric Thiman's "The Skylark," Thomas Dunhill's "April's a Lovely Lady" and Franz Schubert's "The Trout;" children's music like "The Owl and the Pussycat," "Badgers and Hedgehogs" and "Hey Diddle Diddle," and folk tunes like "Marie's Wedding, "The Bonny Blue-Eyed Sailor" and "The Man from Okerboker" all contribute to this feel-good, enjoyable collection.

Songlist: A Question To A Child's Question, Welcome Carol, Winds Through The Olive Trees, Oce In Royal David's City, I See The Lovee Of God In Every River, Dear Lord And Savior, The Dream Seller, The Song Of The Music Makers, We Will Sing For Joy, Arcady, The Skylark, April's A Lovely Lady, The Trout (Die Forelle), Marie's Wedding, The Owl And The Pussycat, The Bonnie Blue Eyed Sailor, Badgers And HedgeHogs, Hey Diddle Diddle, The Man From Okerboker, Hand Me Down My Siler Trumpet, Cool Under Fire

Calgary Girls Choir : Christmas Blessings

Review: Elaine Quilichini directs the elite "Brava," finest of 5 performing choirs within the CGC, in this dramatically beautiful Christmas collection, accompanied by pianos, percussion, violin and cello. This CD was recorded in 2003, after which the Choir performed in the Choral Peace Concert at Carnegie Hall in NYC. 23 songs, beginning with 7 by Salvator Mundi "Make We Merry," "Mirabile Mysterium," "Be we Merry in this Feast," "Lullay," "Susani," "Christie, Redemptor Omnium," and the lively, joyous "Welcome Yule." Other favorites are "Mary's Cradle Song," El Cant des Ocells," the French songs "Venez, divin Messie," "Il est ne, le divin enfant," "Dans cette etable" and "On ne creaint plus dans l'univers," "The Holly and The Ivy," "A Carol of Peace," "Bashana Habah'ah" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." A sweet, memorable collection that will fill you and yours with joy and Christmas spirit! Complete lyrics on the nice liner notes.

Songlist: Make We merry, Mirabile Mysterium, Be we Merry in this Feast, Lullaby, Susanni, Christe, Redemptor Omnium, Welcome, Yule, Ave maria, Mary's Cradle Song, Canco a la Verge, El Cant des Ocells, Lullaby, Venez, divin Messie, Il est ne le divin Enfant, Dans cette etable, On ne craint plus dans lunivers, In Dulci Jubilo, The Holly and The Ivy, Away in a Manger, A Carol of Peace, Bashana Habah'ah, Blessing, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Calgary Girls Choir : Christmas Creche

Review: The Calgary Girls Choir presents a unique musical gift to its audiences everywhere. Recorded by Brava, the main performing, recording and touring ensemble of the Calgary Girls Choir, Christmas Creche is the first of many promising accomplishments by these talented singers.

Songlist: Je Ne L'O Se Dire, Come Let Us All This Day, Schafe Konnen Sicher Weiden, Jesu Meme Freude, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Guten Abend, Velvet Shoes, A Litany, Os Justi, Rise Up My Love, And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears, Angels Are Everywhere, The Blooming Bright Star Of Belle Isle, She's Like The Swallow, Shule Agra, The Drinaun Donn, Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye!, I Am In Love I Dare Not Own It, O Can Ye Sew Cushions?, Vem Kan Segla Forutan Vind?, Are You Sleeping, Brother John?, Niska Banja, Old Macdoodle Had A Band, Feel Good, When I Sing

Calgary Girls Choir : Collection

Review: The award-winning Calgary Girls Choir, formed of students attending the Canadian Choral Music School and members of the Calgary community, includes girls and young women from 5 to 19 years old. "Collection" is a lively group of 25 songs, from the masters (Bach's "Come Let Us All This Day," "Schafe Konnen Sicher Weiden" and "Jesu Meine Freude;" Schubert's "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and Brahms' "Guten Abend"), and contemporary composers (Randall Thompson's "Velvet Shoes," Eleanor Daley's "Os Justi" and "Rise Up My Love," and Daniel Pinkham's "Angels are Everywhere") to folk tunes (Canadian folksong "She's Like the Swallow," "The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle," the Irish folktunes "Shule Agra" and "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye!", and the Appalachian folktune "I Am In Love, I Dare Not Own It"), gospel ("Feel Good") and even jazz ("When I Sing"). A lovely, mostly lightly accompanied Collection by the spirited, talented CGC.

Songlist: Je Ne L'O Se Dire, Come Let Us All This Day, Schafe Konnen, Jesu Meine Freude, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Guten Abend, Velvet Shoes, A litany, Os Justi, Rise Up my Love, And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears, Angels Are Everywhere, The Blooming Bright Star Of Belle Isle, She's Like The Swallow / Three Irish Songs, Shule Agra, The Drinaun Donn, Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye!, I Am In Love, I Dare Not Own It, O can Ye Sew Cushions?, Vem Kan Segla Forutan Vind?, Are You Sleeping, Brother John?, Niska banja, Old MacDoodle Had A Band, Feel Good, When I Sing

Calgary Girls Choir : Good Cheer

Review: Conductor Elaine Quilichini leads her talented singers in a lightly accompanied, spirited Christmas collection. The selection of 20 songs begins with the 8-parts of Derek Holman's eclectic masterpiece, "Sir Christemas," and continues in the same vein with David Willcocks' dissonant "Psalm 150," Eric Thiman's dreamy "Spindrift," a pair by Bach, "Wir eilen mit schwachen" and "Domine Deus," a moody pair by Imant Raminsh, "Psalm 23" and "Vestigia," and the moving "Bashana Habah'ah" by Nurit Hirsh. A lovely, very different Christmas collection by one of Canada's great girls choirs!

Songlist: ir Christemas, Psalm 150, Spindrift, The Green Bushes, The Blackbird, Domine Deus, Wir Eilen Mit Schwachen, If Ye Love Me, Psalm 23, Vestigia, Bashana Habah'ah, MAry's Cradle Song, On Christmas Morn

Calgary Girls Choir : Seven Joys of Christmas

Review: Artistic Director Elaine Quilichini founded the Calgary Girls Choir in 1995, an award-winning community choir known for its outstanding performance of a wide variety of musical styles and challenging repertoire. The Choir offers five programs for girls and young women, of which two, "Allegra," a preparatory choir for girls ages 6 to 11 years, and "Brava," winner of many provincial and national music awards. 15 Christmas songs, all accompanied by light piano, beginning with the title cut, a medley of the "7 Joys," including "This Is The Truth," "Din, Don! Merrily on High," "Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine," "Patapan," "Fum, fum, fum!" and others; Schubert's "Ave Maria," "Once In Royal David's City," the Czech folksong "Zither Carol," "Al Shlosha D'Varim," the lovely "Candles, Candles," "The Carol of the Rose," "Apple-Tree Wassail," and standard carols "Fa La, La, La, La" and "Silent Night," "A Celtic Blessing" and others. A lovely Christmas winner from one of Canada's most talented and beloved children's choirs.

Songlist: The Joy of Love: This is the truth, The Joy of Bells: Din don! merrily on high, The Joy of Mary: Joseph dearest, Joseph mine, The Joy of Children: Patapan, The Joy of the New Year: New Year Song, The Joy of Dance: Fum, fum, fum, The Joy of Song: God bless the master of this house, Ave Maria, The little road to Bethlehem, Once in Royal David's City, The Little Jesus Came to Town, Zither Carol, Candles, Candles, Al Shlosha D'Varim, The Carol of the Rose, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Carols of French Canada, Apple-Tree Wassail, Fa, la, La, La, La, Silent Night, A Celtic Blessing

Chor Leoni : Canadian Safari

Review: Chor Greek for choir, Leoni, (Italian for Lions) was formed in 1992 by director Diane Loomer to give skilled male singers an opportunity to gather and sing challenging repertoire. Quality a cappella singing, strong arrangements and a willingness to "try anything once" have led these 46 men to the upper echelons of the Canadian choral world. This CD is a treat for us fans of folk music, 20 better- and lesser-known Canadian folk songs, from "Fogarty's Cove" ("She cries when I'm away to sea, nags me when I'm with her, She'd rather I'd a government job or maybe go on the dole"), "Vive L'Amour," and "Away From The Roll of the Sea" to the Nova Scotia folk song "The Carrion Crow," "Northwest Passage," "Wood River," the British Columbia tune "Grand Hotel" and "Make and Break Harbor," this is all great stuff. Some light accompaniment here and there by piano, clarinet, bass, harmonica, guitar and spoons, but make no mistake - the focus is one of the best male choruses we've heard, and folk music is their meat. From the deep bass harmonies to sweet, soaring tenor solos, "Safari" is cut after cut of achingly lovely, heartstrings-tugging stuff!

Songlist: Fogarty's Cove, The Water Is Wide, Veve L'Amour, Away From the Roll of the Sea, Ave Maris Stella, Chi Mi Na Mor Bheanna, Song For the Mira, She's Like a Swallow, Red River Valley, The Carrion Crow, Potlach Fair, Northwest Passage, Four Strong Winds, Dondaine La Ridaine, Wood River, Oh Mary, Come Home, Grand Hotel, Drunken Sailor, Barrett's Privateers, Make and Break Harbour

Chor Leoni : Carols & Lullabies

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

Chor Leoni : Chor Leoni

Review: This fifth release from Vancouver's pride of lions features a mostly sacred and deeply moving program of works ranging from the 12th to the 20th centuries. Canadian baritone Bret Polegato guests on one of the few non-sacred pieces, Schubert's beautiful Stanchen for soloist and men's choir. Other highlights include 12th century organum by Perotin, Beata Viscera, excerpts from Caplet's Messe a trois voix, a beautiful and seamless performance of Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine transcribed for men's voices, and Michael Head's stunning How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps.

Songlist: Duo Seraphim, Beata Viscera, Cantique de Jean Racine, Sanctus & Benedictus from Messe a trois voix, Agnus Dei from Messe a trois voix, Ubi Caritas, Magnificat, Repleti Sunt Omnes, Spaseniye sodelal, Die Nacht D983 c, Standchen, Kung Liljekonvalje, Traumlicht from Drei Mannerchor, How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps

Chor Leoni : Circle of Compassion

Review: Chor Leoni is well known for its Remembrance day concerts, and this latest addition to its CD catalogue is a compilation of works performed at its most recent November concerts. "Is is dedicated to the citizens of all nationalities and faiths who have experienced loss and who deserve our compassion," writes conductor Diane Loomer. The singing is sensitive and beautiful as always, and the selections range from classics such as Schubert's setting of Psalm 23 and Randall Thompson's Choose Something Like a Star to works written for Chor Leoni, including the premiere recording of Stephen Smith's moving Pensive on Her Dead Gazing. And just try to stay dry-eyed during Bring Him Home from Les Miserables!

Songlist: And Death Shall Have No Dominion, Beati Mortui, Christmas in the Trenches, Dulce et Decorum, O Vos Omnes, Dirge from Cymbeline, Tarantella, Psaume 121, Vechnaya Pamiat (from Panhida No. 2), Iltapilvia, Choose Something Like a Star (from Frostiana), Reconciliation, Furusato, Der 23, Psalm, Pensive on Her Dead Gazing, Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables)

Listen to
Fengyang Ge

Chor Leoni : Goin' Home

Review: "Goin' Home is Chor Leoni's sixth CD - each one we rave about, and each one is better than the last! Internationally acclaimed conductor Diane Loomer's flawless direction and song selection keep the Vancouver, BC-based all-male choir going in the right direction. As Canada is composed of citizens from every corner of the world, the object of "Goin'" was to collect and present folk songs from many of these countries, in the hope that CL's audience would experience "the bittersweet tightness in the throat and tear in the eye that only comes when you are goin' home." 18 richly textured a cappella songs, beginning with 3 dramatic Ainu folk tunes, "Bear Festival," "Piraka" and "Whale Festival," and continuing with "Fenyang Ge" and "Minoi, Minoi," Anhui and Samoan folk songs, respectively. Following are the Lapp folk song, "Dalvi duoddar luohti," and one of the best covers of the Zulu tune "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" we've heard. German, English, Irish, Estonian, and Welsh folk songs delight the crowd (this is a live performance, although the audience is almost edited out). A couple of nice American songs, the Appalachian folk song "Bright Morning Star" and "Shenandoah," precede the title tune by Antonin Dvorak, the Scottish tune "Loch Lomond" and "Christmas Angel." Sweet harmonies and what we can only call "personality" pour forth from CL like water from a Canadian stream. Recommended!

Songlist: Three Folk Songs, Bear Festival, Pirika, Pirika, Whale Festival, Fengyang Ge, Minoi, Minoi, Dalvi duoddar luohti, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Jing-ga-lye-ah, Gaudeamus igitur, Drink to my only with thine eyes, Dulaman, Kolm mul oli kaunist sona, Suo-Gan, Bright Morning Star, Shenandoah, Goin' Home, Loch Lomond, Christmas Angel

Chor Leoni : Magnificat

Review: We have reviewed five CDs by the talented men of Canada's 'Choral Lions,' and we have loved them all! Conductor and founder Loomer seems to call forth and inspire the rich, powerful baritone and bass parts, providing the ground for the soaring leads of the altos and tenors. 'Magnificat' is a lightly-accompanied Christmas collection, beginning with Contrad Susa's delightful 10-part 'Christmas in the Southwest,' continuing with the Elektra Women's Choir on Ottorino Respighi's 'Lauda per la Nativita del Signore,' and closing beautifully with Rupert Lang's 7-part title tune, 'Magnificat.' Listen to Susa's joyous 'Campana Sobre Campana,' 'En Belen Tocan a Fuego' and 'En Noi de la Mare' to get a taste of this delectable, surprising Christmas collection from one of our favorite male ensembles.

Songlist: Carols And Lullabies: Christmas In The Southwest, Lauda Per La Nativita Del Signore, Magnificat

Listen to
Witness

Chor Leoni : Meetin' Here Tonight

Review: Since its founding in 1997 by director Diane Loomer, C.M., recipient of the Order of Canada, 57-strong men's chorus Chor Leoni has been recognized as a Canadian choral treasure, and lauded for its innovative programming, technical precision and commitment to the creation of new Canadian works for male choir. We have given high praise to the ensemble's collections of Folk, Pop, traditional and original tunes in the Singers.com catalog, and totally enjoyed this collection of traditional Christian hymns, like "Shall We Gather at the River," "All Beautiful the March of Days," the Shaker hymn "Not One Sparrow is Forgotten," "Precious Lord," "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," "In The Garden," "Abide with Me" and "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal;" Spirituals like the title tune, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I See," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin'," "Witness," "Over Yonder" and "Ain'-A That Good News!;" and Folk songs like Stephen Foster's "Hard Times" and Antonin Dvorak's "Goin' Home." There is some piano accompaniment. Chor Leoni doesn't overpower us with testosterone as some large, all-male choruses have a tendency to do, but touches and moves us with beautiful leads and sweet harmonies. Kudos and thanks to Ms. Loomer for crafting one of our favorite men's choruses, and for another stellar collection, "Meetin' Here Tonight!"

Songlist: There's a Meetin' Here Tonight, Shall We Gather at the River, Hard Times, All Beautiful the March of Days, Not One Sparrow Is Forgotten, Precious Lord, Eternal Father, Strong to Save, Goin' Home, Nobody Knows the Trouble I See, Blessed Assurance, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin', Witness, All Through the Night, In the Garden, Wehrlos und verlassen, Abide with Me, Over Yonder, Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal, Ain'-A That Good News!

Chor Leoni : Songs of War & Peace

Review: 'Songs' joins 6 other strong recordings by Vancouver's prize-winning pride of lions, led by Loomer, one of Canada's top choral conductors (she also conducts the Amabile Singers, the UBC Choral Union and is co-conductor of Canada's award-winning women's choir Electra). 'Songs of War and Peace' reflects the various reactions of artists and composers to war, some are swept up in the swell of nationalism and idealism and glorified the bravery of soldiers, others have written songs to encourage the troops and pray for their safety, and some have spoken out against the glorification of warfare. The lightly-accompanied songlist focuses first on the sacrifice and loss of the soldiers with Mike Sammes' 'For the Fallen,' John McRae's 'In Flanders Field' and the stark, frightening 'A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map' by Samuel Barber and Kirke Mechem's haunting 'Blow Ye the Trumpet.' The cheery, martial air of Charles Gounod's 'Soldier's Chorus' provides a counterpoint to the powerful, dark story of Percy Grainger's 'Danny Deever,' the poignant 'An Irish Airman Foresees His Death,' and Eric Bogle's Australian ballad 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda.' Particularly touching is the medley 'Songs Soldiers Sing,' which includes 'Lilli Marlene,' 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary,' White Cliffs of Dover,' 'Pack Up Your Troubles' and 'We'll Meet Again.' The Irish air 'The Minstrel Boy' and a pair of American Spirituals, 'Over Yonder' and 'We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace' provide a fitting close to this powerful, thought-provoking collection.

Songlist: For The Fallen, In Flanders Field, A Stopwatch And And Ordinance Map, Blow Ye The Trumpet, Parti De Mal, Il Bravido, Soldier's Chorus, Varjele, Jumala Soasta, Una Sanosa Porfia, Danny Deever, An Irish Airman Foresees His Death, Sydameni Laulu, And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, Songs Soldiers Sing, The Minstrel Boy, Over Yonder, We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace

Chor Leoni : Yuletide Fires

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

Chor Leoni : Yuletide Fires 2

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

Elektra Women's Choir : A Ceremony Of Carols

Review: In our opinion, probably the top women's choir performing today (this of course is a matter of some debate) is the Elektra Women's Choir, and as proof we offer their latest, "A Ceremony Of Carols," a brilliant CD of choral Christmas classics. First we have 12 cuts from Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols." Then three selections from Paul Csonka's "Concierto de Natividad," Then John Rutter's "Dancing Day, Parts I and II," eight songs. Featured is Rita Costanzi on harp. Just settle back in your easy chair with a Christmas toddy, put this on the stereo and let the beautiful music take you to a Christmas of another time and place.

Songlist: A Ceremony of Carols, Procession, Wolcum Yole!, There is no Rose, That yonge child, Balulalow, As dew in Aprille, This little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recession, Concierto di Navidad, Amoroso Pastorcillo, Al Nino Jesus, La Nana, Dancing Day, Prelude, Angelus and Virginem, A virgin most pure, Personent Hodie, Interlude, There Is No Rose, Coventry Carol, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Listen to
Yorkshire Wassail

Elektra Women's Choir : Chez Nous

Review: Diane Loomer, C.M. and Morna Edmundson, Artistic Director, co-founded the Elektra Women's Choir in 1987, giving it a mandate to lead and inspire in the choral art form through the creation, exploration and celebration of women's repertoire. Adding to a long tradition of honors and awards, Elektra once again won first place in the women's voices category of the 2010 NNational Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs. The choir's many recordings are best sellers in the Singers.com catalog, and are in demand all over the world-the choir is also proud to offer ongoing programs that train and encourage young singers, conductors and composers. They have commissioned and premiered over 60 new works, many of which have become standards of women's choral literature. "Chez Nous" (French for "Our House") is a gorgeous Christmas collection of 20 songs, featuring such favorites as Michael Praetorius' "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," Edward Henderson's lovely "Star Song," Benjamin Britten's wonderful 12-song "A Ceremony of Carols," Jeffrey Enns' "Da Pacem," Robert Buckley's "December," and "Night of Silence" by Daniel Kantor. All of these songs are lightly accompanied by piano, but the focus is on the sweet, angelic leads, harmonies and rounds by the perfectly trained and led voices of Elektra. Simply beautiful!

Songlist: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, Star Song, Joys Seven, Procession - A Ceremony of Carols, Wolcum Yole! - A Ceremony of Carols, There is no Rose - A Ceremony of Carols, That yonge child - A Ceremony of Carols, Balulalow - A Ceremony of Carols, As dew in Aprillle - A Ceremony of Carols, This little Babe - A Ceremony of Carols, Interlude - A Ceremony of Carols, In Freezing Winter Night - A Ceremony of Carols, Spring Carol - A Ceremony of Carols, Adam lay i-bounden - A Ceremony of Carols, Recession - A Ceremony of Carols, Da Pacem, Yorkshire Wassail, December, Three in White: a suite of songs about snow, Night of Silence

Listen to
How Far Is It To Bethlehem?

Elektra Women's Choir : Child Of Grace

Review: Founded in 1987, and co-directed by Diane Loomer, C.M. and Morna Edmundson, the 57-strong, Vancouver, BC-based Elektra is now regarded as a leader in the classical women's choir movement worldwide. Seeking out music written specifically for women and frequently commissioning new works, the singers are selected by audition--and share an enthusiasm for challenging repertoire. "Child of Grace," a Christmas CD, is the group's 5th, and contains 21 songs, some with light accompaniment, piano and drums. This is a stunningly lovely collection of beautiful, little-known carols and Christmas songs, like Eleanor Daley's "What Sweeter Music" and "I Sing of a Maiden," and Knut Nystedt's "Mary's Song." There's a joyous group of 8 songs by Derick Holman called "Sir Christemas." Songs we've heard many times like "I Saw Three Ships," "How Far Is It to Bethlehem" and Malcolm Edwards' "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" are the exceptions. Each song is a gem!

Songlist: Adam Lay Ybounden, O My Dear Heat, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, What Sweeter Music, Carol for the Animals, I Sing of a Maiden, Mary's Song, How Far is it to Bethlehem?, In the Bleak Midwinter, Sir Christemas:, -Proface, welcome!, -Sir Christemas, -The Wassail, -Omnes gentes plaudite, -Here comes holly, -Ivy, chief of trees, -Nay, ivy, nay, -Now have good day!, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, The Huron Carol, I Saw Three Ships, I Sing of a Maiden

Listen to
El Grito

Elektra Women's Choir : Classic Elektra

Review: This much-acclaimed women's classical choir from Vancouver, British Columbia, performs a diverse, frequently modern, repertoire drawn from many cultures world over. The ethereal "Hosanna," combines a concise traditional text with a repetitive theme and mixed meter; "The Snow," by the Romantic English composer Edward Elgar, is accompanied by two violins and piano, a delicately melodic, tonally-centered work in sonata form. "The Seeds Of Love," begins with a jazzy, engaging piano intro, alternating with a cappella choir, gradually becoming homophonic in texture; a "jazz/classical" fusion that is undeniably moving. Several Finnish composers, an Estonian, and Canadian composer Stephen Hatfield's interpretation of seven South African freedom songs, "African Celebration," round out this eclectic and adventurous recording.

Songlist: Laudate Dominum, Missa Brevis, Kyria, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Nigra Sum, Hosanna, The Snow, The Seeds of Love, In Praise of Music, First Section, Second Section, Third Section, Vesy Vasyy Lumen Alle, "Suite" de Lorca, Cancion de jinete, El Grito, La luna Asoma, Malaguena, Karjan Kotiinkutsu, African Celebration

Listen to
Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's

Elektra Women's Choir : Elektra's Garden

Review: Elektra's Garden is a collection of secular music from many parts of the world, including Spain, France, England, the United States and Canada. The music, much of it recently written, evocatively explores the human experiences of nature and love. Canadian composers Allan Bevan, Eleanor Daley, Allison Girvan, Diane Loomer, and Stephen Smith offer works ranging from new compositions to lyrical texts to exceptional folk song arrangements. The disc also includes two major suites: the delicate and deservedly famous Five Hebrew Folk Songs by Eric Whitacre and Stories of the Wind from Spain's Alejandro Yague, which was written for Elektra.

Songlist: Scarborough Fair, Temuna, Kala Kalla, Larov, Eyze Sheleg!, Rakut, To Morning, Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's, Kaipaava, El Viento Venia Rojo, Viento Estancado, La Brisa, Que Doncella se Casa con el Viento, Harp of Wild, Les Angelus, The Lake Isle of Innisfree, V'la l'bon Vent, Love Went a-Riding, Here's to Song

Listen to
Ave Maria

Elektra Women's Choir : From The Heart

Review: Founded in 1987, The 33-strong pride of Vancouver, British Columbia, this much-acclaimed women's classical choir, known for its adventurous programming, seeks out and commissions music written specifically for women. "From The Heart" brings us 15 pieces from Elektra's touring repertoire. Eight of the selections are from Canada, most of them well-known folk songs, opening with David MacIntyre's electrifying "Ave Maria," which has captivated audiences since 1994. Fine works by European, and, in particular, British composers, and the "Missa Brevis" by American composer Ron Jeffers round out a marvelous recording. All words and translations are there on the very nice liner notes.

Songlist: Ave Maria, Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen, Missa Brevis In Tempore Violentiae, Kyrie, Gloria, Flos regalis, Linden Lea, Two Eastern Pictures, Spring, Summer, The Lass OF Richmond Hill, Follow Me Down To Carlow, Reel A Bouche, Away From The Roll Of The Sea, She's Like The Swallow, Wood River, The Log Driver's Waltz, Heaven Bound Train, J'entends Le Moulin

Elektra Women's Choir : Josef Rheinberger - Missa et Hymni

Review: Conductor, composer, organist and music teacher Josef Gabriel Rheinberger wrote many compositions for mixed, female and male voice ensembles. The majority of his secular part songs were written for male-voice choir while his sacred pieces featured female voices. In addition to the three masses, Rheinberger wrote twenty smaller pieces for two to four part female-voice choir. On this volume of Rheinberger's sacred music, the Elektra Women's Choir with soprano Lorraine Reinhardt sings many of his two and three part hymns and the Mass in E-flat for three part choir and organ.

Songlist: Drei lateinische Hymnen op. 96:, Ave vivens hostia, Regina coeli, Adoramus te, Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen op. 35, Missa in Es op. 155:, -Jyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Sechs zweistimmige Hymnen op. 118:, Salve Regina, Memorare, Quam admirabile, Inclina Domine, Ave maris stella, Puer natus in Bethlehem

Elektra Women's Choir : Legacy

Review: Since 1987 the Elektra Women's Choir has been an international ambassador for the Canadian choral legacy. Under the guidance of co-conductors Morna Edmundson and Diane Loomer, they are regarded as a leader, worldwide, of seeking out and performing music written specifically for women's choir, in addition to commissioning new works. You will be treated to a playlist which includes the works of six Canadian contemporary composers of great reknown. The technically demanding quality of this performance is breath-taking. You will never forget Malcolm Forsyth's composition "Northern Journey." From traditional to contemporary sounds of women's voices this is a virtuoso recording.

Songlist: Ave Maria Stella, Lullaby, Northern Journey, Salem, 1692, Hear My Prayer, When You Are Old, Four Mystical Songs, Ave Maria, Northern Lights, Miss Brevis, Celebremust

Listen to
Lauda Sion

Elektra Women's Choir : Pure Elektra

Review: Pure Elektra marks the Silver Anniversary of Elektra Women's Choir with a collection of highlights from several recent seasons of Elektra programming. All but four of the composers and arrangers are alive and well today, most of them Canadians, and all are worthy of being appreciated far and wide. This recording has two intended audiences: one of listeners who are attracted to exhilarating and moving sounds of fine choral music, and another of choral conductors who are looking to discover new repertoire for their own ensembles. Close your eyes, open your ears, and take a deep breath of Pure Elektra!

Songlist: Da Pacem, Ave Regina Coelorum , Lauda Sion, In the Gardens of Shushan, Cedit, Hyems, Magnificat, Early Spring, I Am Not Yours, Joy, Changed Forever, Un Canadien errant, The Garden of Dreams, Solitude, Le ruisseau, what i want, One Voice

Listen to
Os Justi

Elektra Women's Choir : Sacred Places

Review: Elektra Women's Choir unveils an eloquent collection of sacred works for treble voices. The repertoire encompasses contemporary settings by composers from Hungary, Canada, the United States, and Spain. The collection includes Gyorgy Orban's "Mass No. 6", psalm settings by the late Srul Irving Glick, Eleanor Daley's assured "Os Justi", the haunting lullaby "Durme, Durme" arranged by Alice Parker; the glorious "Set Me as a Seal" by Richard Nance, Eva Ugalde's dramatic "Miserere" and Gwyneth Walker's "I Thank You God". This moving collection highlights the very essence of Elektra - complete with transcendent harmonies, thrilling melodies, and the full spectrum of the vocal palette.

Songlist: Mass No. 6, Psalm 92, Psalm 47, Psalm 23, Os Justi, Durme, Durme, Set Me As A Seal, Miserere, I Thank You God

Elektra Women's Choir : Skylark

Review: British Columbia's much-acclaimed Elektra Women's Choir is known for seeking out challenging music for women, and "Skylark" is certainly no exception. It celebrates a wealth of outstanding choral repertoire for women from four areas of the world, Continental Europe, Canada, Britain and the Baltic Sea. The 13 selections are rich and varied, drawing its inspiration from nature, the church and folk traditions. For example we hear "O Vivens Fons" by Medieval abbess Hildegard von Bingen, Canadian composer Richard Kidd's "Wind Song," Gustav Holst's "Ave Maria" and Veljo Tormis' magical arrangement of the Estonian folk song "Lauliku Lapsepoli." Beautiful liner notes with the words and translations.

Songlist: O Vivens Fons, Laudi Alla Vergine Maria, Total Pulchra Es, Wind Song, Salve Regina, Snowforms, Follow Me to Carlow, Ave Maria, He Hath Entered the Heaven, Jaakobin Pojat, Lauliku Lapsepoli, On Suuri Sun Rantas Autius, Mina Olen Harman Kankaanpaasta

Elmer Iseler Singers : Gloria - Sacred Choral Works

Review: The ''sound'' of the Elmer Iseler Singers, has been described as a fleeting moment of almost ineffable beauty and passion. Elmer Iseler was a man of deep faith, and he professed it in an unusual way: by fashioning a choral instrument, a highly accomplished professional group. The sacred works collected here are varied and touch upon some of the most passionate and poetic humanistic ideals. In this release, Maestro Iseler honours landmarks of the French repertoire by Durufle, Milhaud, Poulenc and Messiaen. He also features classic works from our time by his own living colleagues - Canadian composers Barrie Cabena, Harry Freedman, Ruth Watson Henderson and Syd Robinovitch.

Songlist: Quatre Motets Sur Des Themes Gregoriens, Pasumes - 114 and 115, Messe En Sol Majeur, O Sacrum Convivium, Prayer Of St. Francis, God The Master Of The Scene, Missa Brevis, Talmud Suite

Elmer Iseler Singers : Puer Natus in Bethlehem, Alleluia

Review: The Iseler Singers perform carols by Canadian composers commissioned for this recording - four original compositions, an arrangement of the Huron Carol and eleven new arrangements of carols from the 1582 collection, "Piae Cantiones" by the Swedish monk, Theodoricus Petrus of Nyland. Published in England in 1853, its timeless melodies have permeated the church music of the English-speaking world. According to Ken Winters' informative liner notes the only work on the program not commissioned by the Singers is Healey Willan's miniature masterpiece, Resonet in Laudibus, also from "Piae Cantiones". Each carol is a highly individual exploration of musical beauty. Exquisite dissonances propel Eleanor Daley's harmonization of Ave Maris Stella; Eric Robertson astonishes with his symphonic vision of Puer Natus in Bethlehem; Derek Holman's modal counterpoint to the syncopations of Gaudete bursts with energy; Donald Patriquin's folk song treatment of Puer Nobis Nascitur is fresh and unexpected; Peter Togni's arrangement of Corde Natus - Of the Father's love begotten moves with deft assurance from two-part simplicity to a grand multiphonic concluding Amen.

Songlist: Ave Maris Stella, Gaudete!, In the Bleak Mid-winter, A Christmas Lullaby, Angelus ad Virginem, In Dulci Jubilo, Jumalisten joucko, The Huron Carol, Christmas Lullaby, Puer Nobis Nascitur, Puer Natus in Bethlehem, Laetetur Jerusalem, Paranymphus Adiens, Corde Natus, Of the Father's Love Begotten, Waye Not His Cribb, Verbum Caro Factum Est, Resonet in Laudibus, Christmas Song 14th Century, Un Instant Mystique (A Boy is Born)

Elmer Iseler Singers : Spirituals

Review: Internationally renowned for their expressive phrasing and luxurious tone, The Elmer Iseler Singers present sixteen traditional spirituals, including Go Down Moses, Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

Songlist: Ain'a that Good News, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Ol' Time Religion, Mary Had A Baby, Git On Board, Go Down Moses, Listen to de Lambs, Aint' Got Time To Die, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Deep River, Poor Man Lazrus, Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen, Same Train, Lit'le David, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, Let Me Fly

Elmer Iseler Singers : Welcome Yule!

Review: This recording features the contributions of several Canadians to the caroling genre, as composers of new carols and arrangers of old ones. From the perennially beautiful O Come All Ye Faithful and The Holly and the Ivy to the 14th century German Christmas Song, better known as "Joseph, lieber Joseph", this is a lively recording by one of Canada's most loved choirs. Derek Holman's rollicking arrangement of Deck the Halls shows off its insouciance by capturing an unmistakable tipsiness which very likely did accompany the decking of those particular halls. Two of the arranged carols are especially notable: The Huron Carol, known as Canada's first Christmas Carol (1642), is sung here in Robert Anderson's arrangement; and a rare Nova Scotia variant of the Cherry Tree Carol collected by Helen Creighton and arranged by Louis Applebaum.

Songlist: O Come All Ye Faithful, The Echo Carol, The Holly And The Ivy, Noel Cest L'Amour, Good Christian Men Rejoice, Mary Is A Lady Bright, Welcome Yule, Lullaby For The Christ Child, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, A Canadian Christmas Carol, The Huron Carol, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Deck The Halls, Christmas Song Of The 14th Century, Masters In This Hall, What Is This Lovely Fragrance, Cherry Tree Carol `, Il Est Ne Divin Enfant, The Golden Vase Carol, Variations On The Sussex Carol, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Angelus ad Virginem, Away In A Manger, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Elora Festival Singers : Arvo Part - Music for Unaccompanied Choir

Review: During the past 20 years, Arvo Part has consolidated his reputation as one of the most significant contemporary composers with a sequence of magnificent sacred choral works. Dating from between 1990 and 2001, the works on this recording exemplify Part's mature idiom at its most harmonically expressive. If Triodion represents his music at its starkest and most unadorned, Kanon Pokajanen, the composer's largest work after the 1982 St John Passion (Naxos 8.555860), is music of a dark-hued and intensely felt contemplation. Part's emotionally-charged Bogorditse Djvo, is a vibrant tribute to the Virgin Mary.

Songlist: O Jesus Son of God, Have Mercy Upon Us, O Most Holy Birth-giver of God, Save Us, O Holy Saint Nicholas, Pray to God for Us, Tribute to Caesar, Nunc Dimittis, Ode VII, I am the True Vine, The Woman with the Alabaster Box, Dopo la Vittoria, Bogoroditse Djevo

Elora Festival Singers : Eric Whitacre Choral Music

Review: Eric Whitacre's dedication to the beauty of sound, paired with exquisite texts, results in a poetic combination that creates a unique sonic experience. These works are existential choral moments, beautifully crafted, and harmonised to express a compressed moment in time. Such sublime sonorities transcend descriptions such as 'warm', 'glistening' or 'shimmering', although these features of his choral works do suggest affinities with the sound worlds of Arvo Part or John Tavener, for instance. However, Whitacre's fluid lines and blossoming harmonies give his music its own highly personal and irresistible magic.

Songlist: Her Sacred Spirit Soars, A Boy and a Girl, Water Night, This Marriage, Luz Aurumque, Little Tree, When David Heard, Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine, I Thank You God for this Amazing Day, Sleep, Little Birds

Elora Festival Singers : Morton Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium O Natu Lux

Review: Morten Lauridsen is America's preeminent composer of choral music. Characterized by long, arching and highly expressive lines, his works are enjoyed by performers and audiences worldwide. O nata lux, perhaps Lauridsen's most popular work, is a serene evocation of heavenly light, while the searingly intense and technically demanding Madrigali inhabit a more feverish and earthy realm. The refined Les Chansons des Roses employ a design reminiscent of the formal gardens, filled with roses, found in the grounds of the great French chateaux. The unforgettable final movement is the now-famous Dirait-on. The Mid-Winter Songs for chorus and piano are a stunning example of compositional virtuosity. O magnum mysterium, for a cappella chorus, is a setting of a Christmas text that has inspired composers from Victoria to Poulenc.

Songlist: O nata lux, Ov'e, lass', il bel viso, Quando son piu lontan, Amor, lo sento l'alma, Io piango, Luci serene e chiare, Se per havervi, oime, En une seul fleur, Contre qui, rose, De ton reve trop plein, La rose complete/ Dirait-on, Lament for Pasiphae, Like Snow, She Tells Her Love While Half Asleep, Mid-Winter Waking, Intercession in late October, O magnum mysterium

Elora Festival Singers : The Wonder Of Christmas

Review: The Elora Festival Singers, conducted by internationally acclaimed director Noel Edison, is one of the most exciting of contemporary choirs. Their disc of Eric Whitacre's choral music (8.559677) was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2010. Now they turn to the art of the Christmas carol, a genre covering a variety of styles,6305c both popular and refined, each piece expressing religious sentiments and beliefs. The music ranges from much-loved settings to new works, from polyphony to more straightforward melodies, in a recital stretching from the Middle Ages to the music of today.

Songlist: Once in Royal David's City, My Dancing Day, What Child Is This?, A Boy Was Born,, The Holly and the Ivy, Who is He in Yonder Stall, Nesciens Mater Virgo Virum, Away in a Manger, Ding! Dong! Merrily on High, O Holy Night, Adam Lay Y Bounden, Ecce Concipies, Rocking, Gabriel's Message, I Wonder as I Wander, There is a Flower, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, The First Nowell

Guelph Youth Singers : Birds In The Nest

Review: GCS was founded in 1991 with the help of the Guelph (Canada) Arts Council, to provide youth aged nine and up with an opportunity to experience a professional level of musicianship. There are now 3 divisions of choirs, all represented on this CD, Choir I, a treble choir of children ages 9 and up, Choir II, a more advanced choir of children ages 10 and up, and Guelph Youth Singers, an SATB choir founded in 1997 for girls ages 16 and up and boys with changed voices. Here are 21 songs with sacred music like Mendelssohn's "I Waited For the Lord" and "Lift Thine Eyes," Handel's "Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound" and Schubert's "The Lord is My Shepherd" co-existing nicely with W.H Anderson's title tune, Newfoundland folksong "Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle, the Japanese children's song "Hotaru Koi" and the African folksongs medley "African Celebration." Some light accompaniment. Guelph, and Canada, are beautifully represented by these talented choirs, and "Bird In The Nest" is a powerful, impressive CD!

Songlist: The Bird in the Nest, Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle, Land of the Silver Birch, Frobisher Bay, Wood River, Vagabond Song, I'se the B'y, Fare Thee Well, Love, Bist Du Bei Mir, I waited for the Lord, Lift Thine Eyes, Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound, Kyrie, Nigra Sum, The Lord is My Shepherd, Noel des Enfants, One Fine Hour, Noel Ayisyen, Il Est Bel et Bon, Hotaru Koi, African Celebration

Guelph Youth Singers : Wind In Our Sails

Review: Guelph Youth Singers, Linda Beaupre, Conductor: The Wind in our SailsPride of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, the Guelph Youth Singers bring us this well-selected group of 22 songs, 14 written by Canadian composers. Favorites are Connie Kaldor's "Wood River," "Strings in the Earth and Air," the spiritual "Little Wheel," Franz Schubert's "To the Moon" (An den Mond), the Canadian folksong "The False Young Man," Thomas F. Dunhill's "April's a Lovely Lady," the English folksong "May Day Carol," James Gordon's "Song of Our City," Bach's "Ich Jauchze Mit Lachen und Schall," Eleanor Daley's "Rise Up My Love," Engelbert Humperdinck's "Evening Prayer," Stephen Adams' "The Holy City," and the final cut, Allister MacGillivray's "Song for Peace." All songs are lightly piano accompanied. An impressive, spirited collection from the talented and beautifully-directed Guelph Youth Singers.

Songlist: Psalm 100, The Lamb, Wood River, Strings in the Earth and Air, Little Wheel, To the Moon, Ave Maria, The False Young Man, April's a Lovely Lady, Orion, May Day Carol, Song of Our City, Come, Ye Makres of song, Ich Jauchze Mit Lachen und Schall, Ye Songs of Israel, Rise Up, My Love, Loving Shepherd, Evening Prayer, Can You Hear Me?, The Holy City, Canticle to the Spirit, Song for Peace

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