In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Childrens Choir Christmas Recordings

Children love Christmas, and not just because of the presents. Christmas has pageantry, it has good food, and itâ€™s got good, fun music that they love to sing. What could be better for them? If you enjoy the sound of childrenâ€™s voices singing Christmas music â€“ and who wouldnâ€™t enjoy the pure magic of that sound? â€“ weâ€™ve got a number of treats for you here! Childrenâ€™s choirs from around the U.S. and Canada, and even some from as far away as Russian, singing traditional carols and modern pieces in English, French, Finnish, German, Latin â€“ even Cherokee!

Displaying 1-50 of 71 items.

African Children's Choir : African Christmas

Review: Friends in the West International, sponsors of East Africa's African Outreach Academy, have a new CD by the African Children's Choir, and a new Christmas musical (which we are encouraged to perform in our communities to raise money for African children), The First African Christmas, songs from which are the first 8 tunes: the reggae-flavored "Message for Africa," "God's promise from long ago," "The Wise Men rap, " "The gifts," "Shepherd's carol," "Philip's song," "Gift for the King," and the music from "Gift for you to sing." Following are 6 more Christmas tunes, the a cappella "Betelehemu," "Go tell it on the mountain," "Have you any room for Jesus?", "Bed of straw", "Drummer boy" and "Silent Night." Most songs are accompanied. New energy and spirit for a timeless story from a talented Choir.

Songlist: Message for Africa, God's promise form long ago, The Wise Men rap, The Gifts, Shepherd's carol, Philip's song, Gift for the King, Christmas Celebration Songs:, Betelehmu, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Have you any room for Jesus?, Bed of Straw, Drummer Boy, Silent Night

All-American Boys Chorus : A Little Christmas Magic

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

All-American Boys Chorus : The Best Gift Of All

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

American Boychoir : Carol

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, 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

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

Bella Voce Young Women's Choir : A Bella Christmas: Angels Are Singing

Review: "A Bella Christmas: Angels are Singing" is an aptly-named, live, gorgeous Christmas collection from the pride of Rochester, Minnesota. Most of the songs are accompanied by piano, a brass ensemble, organ, oboe and congas. But the highlight of the album is the high, soaring voices of the 51 singers, in perfect solos and together in glorious harmony. Some of our favorites among the 15 cuts are Z. Randall Stroope's "Magnificat" and "There Is No Rose;" Chris Dedrick's "The Angel Choir and The Trumpeter," Mozart's "Alleluia," John Rutter's lovely "Candlelight Carol" and a cappella "Deck The Hall;" Tchaikovsky's "Dans des Mirlitons" (Dance of the Reed Flutes," Pietro A. Yon's sublime "Gesu Bambino," the traditional song "Cantemos a Maria" (Let Us Sing to Mary); Egil Hovland's "Stay With Us" and the traditional carol "Silent Night." Every cut here is perfect, and guaranteed to bring joyous music to your Christmas celebrations for years to come!

Songlist: Magnificat, The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Alleluia, Candlelight Carol, Danse des Mirlitons (Dance of the Reed Flutes), Deck the Hall, Away in a Manger, Gesu Bambino, In the Bleak Midwinter, There Is No Rose, Cantemos a Maria (Let Us Sing To Mary), Stay With Us (from Captive and Free), Silent Night

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 : 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

Cambridge Singers : Rutter: The Gift of Life & 7 Sacred Pieces

Review: Described as "phenomenal" (The Times) and "devastatingly beautiful" (Gramophone Magazine), the BBC Music Magazine Award award-winning choir Tenebrae, under the direction of Nigel Short, one of the world's finest vocal ensembles renowned for its passion and precision return to disc on Signum with a sumptuous album of Carols, Hymns and other celebratory works for Christmas. Among the composers to feature on this disc are John Gardner, Peter Warlock, Philip Ledger and Arnold Bax, A singer of great acclaim, Nigel Short was a member of the world-renowned vocal ensemble The King's Singers from 1994-2000. Upon leaving the group, he formed Tenebrae, a virtuosic choir that embraced his dedication to passion and precision.

Songlist: O All Ye Works of the Lord, The Tree of Life, Hymn to the Creator of Life, O Lord, How Manifold Are Thee, The Gift of Each Day, Believe In Life, Give the King Thy Judgements, O God, A Flower Remembered, The Quest, Psalm 150, Christ Is the Morning Star, All Bells in Paradise, Rejoice and Sing

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Tuikkikaa, Oi Joulun Tahtoset

Campanella Female Choir : Christmas with Campanella - Campanellan Joulu

Review: There is a distinctly female point of view on this record - and no wonder. Aino Loppela has built a repertoire in which the dimensions of Finnish Christmas become thoroughly illuminated. Mysterious silence at the dusk of Christmas Eve, anticipation, presents and many other things fill up a little girl's mind. The protagonist is, however, Maria Matala Neiti, Pyha Herran Piikanen (Mary the Humble Maiden, sacred Lord's Servant), whose experience about the deepest message of Christmas is performed here. The Campanella Female Choir is among the elite of Finnish choirs of female voices and and winners of numerous awards.

Songlist: Piika Pikkarainen, Jouluna Jumala Syntyi, Maria Matala Neiti, Syntyi Poika Polvillehen, Harka Olkia Levitti, Otabat Piti Iloa, De Radice Processerat, Angelus Emittitur, Psallat Scholarum Concio, Maria, Herran Piikanen, Aa, Aa, Jo Lapsi Nukahtaa, Kun Joulu Valkeneepi, Kautta Tyynen, Vienon Yon, Joulun Odotukesessa, Talvi-Iltana, Pimeaa, Lasten Joulu, Joulu Tullut On, Jouluaattona, Joululumi, Joululaulu, Hiljainen Joululaulu, Joulun Kellot, Tule Takkaus Ihmisrintaan, Tuikkikaa, Oi Joulun Tahtoset, Betlehemin Tahti

Cantamus : Noel

Review: Founder Pamela Cook directs Cantamus, based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK, her 40 hand picked singers, girls age 13 to 19, in a generous, finely-crafted Christmas collection of 19 songs. Just a quick listen to John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," and accompanist Michael Neaum's arrangements of "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Do You Hear What I Hear," and we know what a treat "Noel" is going to be! Mostly accompanied by piano, flute and other instruments, there are few sounds as joyous and welcoming at Christmas than these soaring, spirited young voices singing favorites like "Patapan," "Stille Nacht," "White Christmas," "Riu, Riu Chiu" and "Away in a Manger;" and lesser-known tunes like "I Sing of a Maiden," "Lullay Myn Lyking," "Midwinter" and "Pastorcito Santo." Treat yourself and your loved ones to "Noel," a true musical Christmas gift!

Songlist: Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, The Little Drummer Boy, Do You Hear What I Hear?, I Sing of a Maiden, A Maiden Most Gentle, Patapan, Midwinter, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Pastorcito Santo, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, What Child is This?, The Lily and the Rose, Sussex Carol, Stille Nacht, Mary's Lullaby, Lullay Myn Lyking, Away in a Manger, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, White Christmas

Cherokee National Youth Choir : Jesus Is Born Today

Review: In the spirit of the true meaning of the Cherokee Christmas holiday, the Cherokee National Youth Choir delivers a CD of traditional and original songs of worship and celebration, entitled Jesus is Born Today (which is a translation from Cherokee, of the word Christmas). The album features powerful performances in the beauty of the Cherokee language. The CD opens with wonderful interpretations of "Silent Night" and "Angels We Have Heard on High," before moving into the title track "Jesus is Born Today," which was written by Parker and Janice Ballou. They are also joined by well respected Cherokee elder, Reverend Leroy Backwater in a narrative of "Grandfather's Christmas Story." The project soars with full choir productions and in selections by smaller groupings of choir members, accompanied by musical producer, Jeffrey Gray Parker.

Songlist: Silent Night, Joy to the World`, Angels We Have Heard On High, Jesus is Born Today, O Holy Night, Away in a Manger, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, What Child Is This?, Birth of a Savior, Grandfather's Christmas Story

Chicago Children's Choir : Songs Of The Season

Review: "The Chicago Children's Choir is a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization, shaping the future by making a difference in the lives of children and youth through musical excellence." This is how the directors and teachers of the CCC describe themselves and what they are trying to do, and it warms our hearts on many levels. In the very brief liner notes is a picture of the large, red-jacketed choir of beautiful, intently singing children. Inside the 15 live Christmas songs are listed: "Gesu Bambino," Sing Joyfully," "This Christmastide," "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," "Christmas Song," "Riu, Riu Ciu," "Vehavta," "Hacia Belen va un borrico," "Appletree Wassail," "I Want the Star," "Christmas Lights," "A Take Six Christmas," "Snow," "White Christmas" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Josephine Lee, Artistic Director, is there in very small type. That's it-we learn from their website that the group began in 1956, the dream of the late Rev. Christopher Moore, that grew from a handful of kids in the First Unitarian Church to 3,000 kids in 61 in-school choruses, 5 after-school neighborhood choirs and this 125-voice Concert Choir. The music, the message and, of course, the children are the emphasis and the gift. Some light accompaniment.

Songlist: Processional, Gesu Bambino, Sing Joyfully, This Christmastide, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Christmas Song, Riu Riu Chiu, Vehavta, Hacia Belen ca un borrio, Appletree Wassail, I Want the Star, Christmas Lights, A Take Six Christmas, Snow, White Christmas, Go, Tell it on the Mountain

Children's Chorus of Washington : Sing Joyfully - Holiday Concert Highlights 2001-2005

Review: Founder and Conductor Joan Gregoryk's singers bring us another impressive, lightly accompanied Christmas collection. Especially fine are Benjamin Britten's 4-part "Ceremony of Carols, John Rutter's "Jesus Child," the Rutter-arranged "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant" and "Personent Hodie;" standards "O Holy Night," "Away in a Manger," "Sussex Carol" and "O Come All ye Faithful;" audience sing-along "Al Shlosha d'Varim," "This is the Truth" (sung by the combined Concert and Treble Choruses) and many others. Simply beautiful!

Songlist: Make We Merry, Ceremony Of Carols, Lullabye, Jesus Child, O Holy Night, Light The Legend, What Sweeter Music, The Virgin Had A Baby Boy, Hatikva, Jubilate Deo, Away In A Manger, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, Personent Hodie, Sussex Carol, El Cielo Canta Alegria, This Is The Truth, Al Shlosha D'Varim, O Come All Ye Faithful

Children's Chorus of Washington : Sounds Of Christmas

Review: Under the direction of founder, Joan Gregoryk, these children shine once again. With beautiful pieces by John Rutter, Benjamin Britten, Bob Chilcott and G.F. Handel, to name a few, you are sure to fall into the Christmas spirit after listening to this beautiful music. This CD represents selections from the past five years of the Children's Chorus of Washington's December Holiday Concerts, and is surely not to be missed!

Songlist: Ding Dong, Merrily On High, Still Still, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Angel's Carol, The Snow, Angels We Have Heard on High, Two Old World Carols, A la Nanita Nana, Le Sommeil de I'enfant Jesus, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Mary had a Baby, Go Where I Send Thee, Mid Winter, This Little Babe, Never A Child As He, Star Carol, Donkey Carol, Hallelujah Chorus from "Messiah", Sleigh Ride

Chorus Angelicus : Christmas Angelicus

Review: This CD is a lovely assortment of familiar Christmas carols. The opening carol, "Once in Royal David's City" with soloist Maribeth Diggle is especially nice as voices are gradually added until the full choir is singing. Most pieces are a cappella with a few accompanied by organ. Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus are both directed by Paul Halley. The combination of the children's and adult choirs creates a beautiful sound. This is a delightful treat for Christmas.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, Torches, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, Joys Seven, Huron Carol, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, The First Nowell, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Nativity Carol, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Lo, How A Rose E'Er Blooming, Personent Hodie, There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue, O Come, All Ye Faithful, I Sing Of A Maiden, Sussex Carol, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, Sir Christmas, Hark The Herald Angels Sing

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Agnus Dei

Chorus Angelicus : What Child Is This?

Review: Paul Halley's renowned choirs Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus pair up for another spectacular offering. The choirs sing with precision and clarity while incorporating a warmth and immediacy to the performance of each song. What Child Is This? comprises a selection of the new, adventurous, and less familiar sacred Christmas repertoire, much of it performed in recent years in the choirs' annual Christmas Angelicus concert series (now in its sixteenth season and broadcast annually by National Public Radio.) More than half the arrangements on the CD are Halley's work, which adds a refreshing, new sound to this mix of Christmas music. Halley's arrangements and compositions, written for these choirs and previously unrecorded, deliver the adventurous harmonies and captivating lyricism for which he is celebrated.

Songlist: What Child is This?, Angelus ad Virginem, Angelus ad Virginem, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, O Leave Your Sheep, The Blessed Son of God, I Saw Three Ships, O Magnum Mysterium, Agnus Dei, The First Nowell, Bogoroditse Devo, Tis Winter Now, Good King Wenceslas, A Nativity, The Holy Boy, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Lullaby My Jesus, Beannact Leat, Infinite Light, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Watts' Cradle Hymn

Cincinnati Boychoir : Gift Vol 2

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, and more

Colorado Children's Chorale : Tellin' it on the Mountain

Review: An exceptional collection of Appalachia folk music, Tellin' it on the Mountain takes listeners on an inspiring musical journey back to a simpler time in our nation's history. The music is arranged by local composer Samuel Lancaster, who has composed dozens of works for the Colorado Children's Chorale through the years. Lancaster describes the music as "a collection of valuable antiques." At times beautifully simple, the music moves the listener through sweet, whimsical grooves to powerfully complex harmonies and pure excitement. Inspired by Appalachia's traditional Christmas "all-night watch" services where people gathered to sing until the Morning Star appeared, Lancaster calls Tellin' it on the Mountain a "remembrance of people gathering to look for new life and new hope." This CD also features two Chorale favorites never before available on one recording: "Christmas in Colorado" and "This Christmastide."

Songlist: Wonder, Wonder, Go Tell It, Bye And Bye, Cradle Song, Angel Band, Wondrous Love, I Wonder As I Wander, Children Go, This Christmastide, Christmas In Colorado

Dresden Boys' Choir : Singt Die Schonsten Weihnachtslieder (Singing the Christmas Carols)

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

Dresden Boys' Choir : Unto Us A Child Is Born

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

Listen to
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus : Celestial Voices

Review: Colorful Christmas selections of all styles by the multiple award-winning, Chicago area-based mixed-voice GECC, directed since 1996 by Emily Ellsworth, with Guest Artist Stephen Hartman on harp. 21 songs, featuring Britten's "Ceremony of Carols," traditional favorites, popular selections such as "Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and a poignant new arrangement of "Auld Lang Syne." We love the sound of a fine children's chorus at Christmas, especially one as beautifully trained and directed as this one. John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" and "Personent Hodie," "Ding Dong Merrily on High," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and a lilting cover of Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child." Some accompaniment, from light harp to orchestral, on all songs. An excellent CD, sure to fill you with Christmas spirit!

Songlist: Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Ding Dong Merrily on High, One Fine Hour, A Ceremony of Carols:, Procession, Wolcum Yole!, There is no Rose, That yonge child, Balulalaw, As dew in Aprille, This little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, -Recession, Personent Hodie, The Most Wonderful Time of Year, Shiru (Sing!), Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Mary's LIttle Boy Child, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Auld Lang Syne

Knabenchor Capella Vocalis : Christ ist Geboren

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

Land of Lakes Choirboys : Home For Christmas

Review: "Minnesota's Singing Boys" had humble beginnings in 1976 when 18 Elk River, MN boys gathered for their first choir practice under director Craig Carmody Anderson. Today the Choir has grown to an organization of 120 boys making up 6 different choirs of varying levels, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years, that draws boys from all over the Twin Cities. The Choirboys have a rich history of travel and concert appearances, especially the Viking Choir, which is featured on this recording. The group has an international reputation for its pure and hauntingly-beautiful sound. "Home for Christmas" is a lovely Christmas collection of 18 songs, of which "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "In Dulci Jubilo," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "Leise rieselt der Schnee," "O Salutaris Hostia," and the Caribbean spiritual "De Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy," all a cappella cuts that emphasize the beautiful voices of these talented boys! This is a wonderful album for yourself and your family, or as a gift that will sure to be treasured.

Songlist: Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, O Holy Night, What Child is This / Greensleeves, In the Bleak Midwinter, Hark, Now O Shepherds, In Dulci Jubilo, Heilige Nacht, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Angels from the Relms of Glory, Leise rieselt der Schnee, O Slutaris Hostia, Panis Angelicus, De Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy, I am so Glad Each Christmas Eve, White Christmas, Hallelujah Chorus (live)

Lawrence Children's Choir : Sing We Now of Christmas

Review: Considered to be one of the finest children's choirs in the country we expect a high standard and director Janeal Crabb Krehbiel delivers with a fine collection of carols and songs in celebration of the season.

Songlist: Solstice, Come, Join the Angels' Song, A Cuckoo Flew Out of the Woods, Prayer, Gaudete! Gaudete!, Dashing Through the Snow, In the Bleak Mid-wainter, Russian Candle Carol, Gesu Bambino, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Patapan, Weinachtsglocken, Huron Carol, He Came Down, Three Catalonian Carols, Sing We Now Noel!, Night of Silence

Libera : The Christmas Album

Review: Libera is as close as a boyschoir could ever be to be called a pop sensation but in a way that's exactly what this group is. With millions of CDs sold and touring world wide this ensemble has taken choral music to whole new audiences to great success. The singers of Libera who are aged seven to sixteen attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band. This Christmas release, their first holiday album, is superb and you will listen to this recording season after season.

Songlist: Joy to the World, Still, still, still, Carol of the Bells, Veni, Veni Emmanuel, Once in Royal David's City, O Holy Night, White Christmas, Corpus Christi Carol, In Dulci Jubilo, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Sing the Story, Coventry Carol, The First Nowell, Jubilate Deo, While Shepherds watched their Flocks, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

London Children's Choir : Britten: Ceremony of Carols / Friday Afternoons

Review: This album brings together some of Britten's most celebrated music for treble voices, accompanied and unaccompanied, ranging in period from 1929 (when the composer was still in his mid teens and a pupil of Frank Bridge) to 1967. " A triumph of the realist Britten" (Redlich) drawing largely on texts from Walter de la Mare's collection Tom Tiddler's Ground, Friday Afternoons (1933-35), the first of Britten's many works for children, was written for his schoolmaster brother, Robert and the boys of Clive House preparatory school, Prestatyn: choir practice used to take place on Friday afternoons. The twelve settings, with their witty piano accompaniments, belong to an England between two world wars, to an age of innocence, to a childhood time of Meccano sets and Hornby trains, of model boats and Arthur Ransome. These " enchanting fresh songs," Pears says, " a performance of which, given by well-trained boys and girls with their intelligent teacher at the piano, once heard is never forgotten". Their imagination and economy remains extraordinary. All are beautiful. Most are short. The last -Old Abram Brown - aspires to Wunderhorn Mahler (the slow movement of the First symphony). Together with Hymn to Saint Cecilia and Rejoice in the Lamb, A Ceremony of Carols, written "at sea, MS Axel Johnson March 1942" en route from New York to Liverpool via Boston and Halifax, Nova Scotia, helped establish Britten "as a master of English song"

Songlist: Friday Afternoons, Op. 7, Sweet was the Song, King Herod and the Cock, The Oxen, Fancie, The Birds, Three Two-part Songs, A Wealden Trio: Christmas Song of the Women, A Ceremony of Carols

Manitou Singers of St. Olaf College : Christmas

Review: Sigrid Johnson conducts the Manitou Singers, comprised of 95 first-year female students at Northfield, Minnesota's St. Olaf College. The Singers have delighted audiences over the years with their beautiful and striking interpretations of treble choral literature. Included are Clausen's "Make a Joyful Noise," Rutter's "Candlelight Carol" and "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," "There Is No Rose of Such Virtue," Jackson Berkey's "Gloria," "Sanctus," "Make We Joy," "Sing A New Noel;" 17 songs in total. Orchestral accompaniment on most songs, but the beautiful voices of the young women are on center stage. Lovely and intricate music for Christmas!

Songlist: Make A Joyful Noise, Candlelight Carol, The Road Ahead, Gloria, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, I Sing of a Maiden, Sleep, O Lovely One, Sanctus (from Missa Hosanna), Make We Joy, The Journey of Mary, Sing a New Noel, How Far is it to Bethlehem?, A la nanita nana, Lullaby (from Hodie), Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Memphis Boychoir : Our Dancing Day

Review: Founded in 1988 and 89, Memphis' Boychoir and Chamber Choir have recorded a number of CDs that have earned them international acclaim. "Dancing Day" is a Christmas CD, about half accompanied by strings, drum, tambourine, flute and brass. Familiar tunes like John Rutter's "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," Britten's "A Shepherd's Carol," Praetorius' "Psallite Unigenito," "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night," and the traditional French carol "Ding Dong! Merrily On High!"; and lesser known ones like Mathias' "Sir Christemas," Belcher's "Lutebook Lullabye," and Waters' "I Sing of a Maiden" create an impressive mix. This is a generous, beautifully performed Christmas CD!

Songlist: Psallite Unigenito, Once in royal David's city (Irby), A Carol of Adoration, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, A Shepherd's Carol, While Shepherd's Watched Their Flocks by Night (Winchester Old), Ding Dong! Merrily on High!, Cradle Song of the Infant Jesus, Christmas Cantata (Sinfonia Sacra) Movement III á, Sleep, Holy Child, I Sing of a Maiden That is Mateless, Nova! nova!, Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child Opus 25b, Sir Christemas, Adam lay ybounden, A Child is Born in Bethlehem, There is no Rose of such Virtue, O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste fideles), In the Bleak Midwinter, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Op 75, No 2

Michigan State Children's Choir : A Classic Christmas

Review: The MSU Children's Choir program began in 1993 with the founding of the MSU Community Music School. The program now has 145 singers representing 23 different school districts and communities. The Choir has been honored to perform at the 2002 6th World Symposium on Choral Music as the representative of the US, and at numerous conventions of the ACDA. Mary Alice Stollak directs the talented Choir in 12 exquisite (mostly organ accompanied) Christmas carols and a pair of sacred pieces, Bach's sublime "Ave Maria" and "Alleluia." There's some rarely heard French carols, "Manger Carol" and "Oh, Leave Your Sheep," English and Irish traditional carols, "Wexford Carol" and "Sussex Carol," and traditional German, "Still, Still, Still;" in additional to "Joy to the World," "Silent Night" and others. The Choir has a sweet, bright sound that makes "A Classic Christmas" a very special album.

Songlist: Joy To The World, Manger Carol, Ave Maria, Wexford Carol, Oh, Leave Your Sheep, Silent Night, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Alleluia, Sussex Carol, Angels We Have Heard On High, Still, Still, Still, O Come, All Ye Faithful

Michigan State Children's Choir : What Sweeter Music

Review: "Music" is an excellent collection of Christmas Songs by Conductor and Founder Stollak's sweet-singing MSUCC, all lightly piano (and sometimes flute) accompanied. Classics like "I Saw Three Ships," "Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella," "Wassail Song," "Pat-a-Pan," "Ding Dong, Merrily on High" and "White Christmas" segue nicely into lesser-known tunes like Paul Carey's "A Cradle Song," Nancy Cobb's "Hodie," and Eleanor Daley's title tune. John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" are icing on a very tasty Christmas cake!

Songlist: I Saw Three Ships, Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella, A Cradle Song, La Bonne Nouvelle, Wassail Song, Hodie, Cantate Domino, Pat-A-Pan, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, What Sweeter Music, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, White Christmas, The Christmas Song, On Christmas Morn

Milwaukee Children's Choir : Christmas Suite

Review: This festive suite by acclaimed composer Mark Brymer is scored in a Holiday Pops style for orchestra, choir and soloist. This 30-minute work is divided into nine sections, each titled for a letter in the word C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. This performance by the Milwaukee Children's Choir features mezzo-soprano Christine Thomas and is accompanied by the Indianapolis Recording Orchestra. This is a charming piece which weaves together holiday favorites with newly composed songs. It is a fresh new work which will delight this season.

Songlist: It Must Be Christmas, Hark! Hear the Children Sing, Rejoice! Rejoice!, I Hear the Bells, Snow!, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Merry, Merry Christmas, Angels We Have Heard On High, Savior!

Listen to
Hodie

Milwaukee Children's Choir : Mid-Winter Night's Dream

Review: Good cheer comes from the Milwaukee Children's Choir on this recording of Christmas music. This album features Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols as sung by the Cantorei Choir, led by Emily Crocker and accompanied by harpist Stephen Hartman. This is one of the great Christmas pieces for treble voices. The CD also contains performances by the Concert Choir and Prelude Choir and includes pieces by Emily Crocker: "In dulci jubilo" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Wonderful performances by all.

Songlist: Cantorei Choir:, Good Cheer, Cantate, Carol of the Bells, Concert Choir and Prelude Choir:, Orion, The Birch Tree, Antiphonal Gloria, In dulci jubilo, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Cantorei Choir:, In dulci jubilo, Ask the Moon, Path to the Moon, The Sleigh (a la Russe), Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Ceremony of Carols, Hodie, Wolcum Yole, There Is No Rose, That Tonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, This Little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Adam Lay Ybounden, Hodie

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The Boar's Head Carol

Milwaukee Children's Choir : Winter's Night

Review: This is wonderful program of holiday music from the Milwaukee Children's Choir. The recording features performances by the Cantorei Choir with additional selections by the Concert Choir, Youth Chorale and Prelude Choir. Conducted by Emily Crocker, the Cantorei Choir sings selections from Henry Purcell's Come Ye Sons of Art and John Rutter's suite, Dancing Day, with Stephen Hartman on harp. These spirited performances will bring joy to your holiday season.

Songlist: Winter's Night, Old Fox Wassail, Chrissimas Day, The Boar's Head Carol, Winter Holiday, Al Shlosha D'Varim, S'vivon, Come Ye Sons of Art, Come Ye Sons of Art, Strike the Viol, Sound the Trumpet, Laudate Pueri Dominum, Dancing Day, Prelude, Angelus and virginem, A Virgin Most Pure, Personent Hodie, Interlude, There Is No Rose, Coventry Carol, Dancing Day

Minnesota Boychoir : We Rise Again

Review: Mark S. Johnson directs his renowned 87-member Minnesota Boychoir in a strong, varied 10-song program that includes some Christian music, "Consecrate the Place and Day" form Lloyd Plautsch's "Triptych," the title tune by Leon Dubinsky, and the spiritual "Ride the Chariot;" some nice folk tunes including "Three Madrigals" by Emma Lou Diemer, the lovely "Danny Boy" and "Londonderry Air", and the Israeli Folk song "Erev Shel Shoshanim (Evening of Roses"), Keith Hampton's "True Light" and more. There is some piano accompaniment. "We Rise" is another beautiful collection by one of our favorite Boychoirs!

Songlist: Consecrate The Place And Day, Three Madrigals, Erev Shel Shoshanim, Ride The Chariot, Tres Cantos Nativos Dos Indios Krao, Danny Boy, Congori Shango, True Light, We Rise Again, Until We Meet Again

Minnesota Boychoir : When the Snow Lay Round About

Review: Mark S. Johnson leads his internationally renowned, 117-strong Boychoir in this beautifully performed, piano and organ-accompanied Christmas CD. 12 songs, from familiar tunes like Carole Stephens' "Gloria," John Rutter's "Angels' Carol," the exciting "The Sleigh," "Jingle Bells," Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children" and "Good King Wenceslas;" and less familiar (but no less enjoyable) tunes like Joseph Martin's "Winter Song," Richard Soto's "Cuncti simus," "Hope for Resolution (A Song for Mandela and DeKlerk)," the lively "Dance and Turn from Six Folksongs" and John Phillips' "Listen to the Sounds in Heaven." The rich harmonies and spirited, joyous singing from these talented boys and young men are sure to add to your holiday enjoyment!

Songlist: Gloria, Winter Song, Angels' Carol, Cuncti Simus, A La Russe, Water Under Snow Is Weary, Hope For Resolution A Song For Mandela And DeKlerk, Jingle Bells, Prayer Of The Children, Dance And Turn, Listen To The Sounds In Heaven, Good King Wenceslas

Minnesota Boychoir : Winter Wonderland

Review: Building their excellent reputation since 1962, the Minnesota Boychoir applies their rich, youthful sound to 11 piano-accompanied Christmas standards. Favorites such as "Winter Wonderland," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," a rich a cappella arrangement of "I Saw Three Ships," "Riu, Riu, Chiu" and "Once in Royal David's City" are here, as well as more unexpected gifts: Keith Hampton's spiritual medley "True Light," Bob Chilcott's lovely "Mid-winter," John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol," Carolyn Jennings' "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain" and the rhythmic gem, "African Carol." "Wonderland" is exactly that, a sweet gift to all from Minnesota's talented Boychoir.

Songlist: Winter Wonderland, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, I Saw Three Ships, True Light, Mid-Winter, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Candlelight Carol, African Noel, Climb To The Top Of The Highest Mountain, Once In A Royal David's City, Christmas Time is Here

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Maoz Tsur

Moscow Boys Choir : Christmas Around The World

Review: This internationally renowned boys choir performs Christmas music from around the world. Led by Ninel Kamburg, listeners are transported to far away places as the choir showcases classics. Featured on this disc are such favorites as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Jingle Bells" and their beautiful rendition of "Silent Night" plus moving classical standards as Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria." This group will warm your hearts this holiday season.

Songlist: The Christmas Song, God Is With us, The Little Drummer Boy, O Tannenbaum, Carol of the Bagpipers, Masters In This Hall, Ave Maria, Le Bonne Nouvelle, Fum! Fum! Fum!, Maoz Tsur, Christmas In Killamey, Silent Night, Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Traditional)

Northwest Boychoir : 'Tis the Season

Review: Released in November 1999, Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle's fourth Christmas album: 'Tis the Season! The repertoire for this album includes a mix of traditional sacred music and favorite popular tunes. The traditional, sacred pieces were recorded at Bastyr University's chapel (formerly St. Thomas Center) with musicians from Seattle's professional orchestra and chamber groups. The popular pieces were recorded at Triad Studios in Redmond.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Come Leave Your Sheep, Tomorrow Shall Be Your Dancing Day, Deck The Halls, Personent Hodie, How Far Is It To Bethlehem, When Christ Was Born, Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, Sleigh Ride, Christmas Time Is Here, Let It Snow, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Jingle Bells

Northwest Boychoir : Our Finest Gifts

Review: This splendid recording of 15 traditional Christmas songs and carols displays the impressive vocal talents of the members of the Northwest Boychoir and the young men and women of Vocalpoint! Seattle. Released in 1994, this is the third holiday album recorded and produced under the direction of Joseph Crnko with Nathaniel Papadakis. With this album, the choirs have worked to recreate the splendor and magic of their annual Festival of Lessons & Carols presentations. To capture the distinct quality of the boychoir sound, the choirs recorded on location at West Seattle's beautiful Holy Rosary Church. Every effort was taken to retain the breathtaking resonance of Holy Rosary. To add to the beauty of this recording, the choirs are accompanied by musicians from Seattle's leading orchestras and chamber groups. The result is a rich, vibrant recording that fully reveals the talents of these ensembles.

Songlist: Carol Of The Drum, Do You Hear What I Hear, Sussex Carol, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, The Birds, Carol Of The Bells, Past Three O'clock, Adam Lay Ybounden, We Three Kings, Silent Night, There Is No Rose, Christmas Lullaby, Joys Seven, O Holy Night, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Portland Symphonic Girlchoir : Just For The Joy Of It

Review: Roberta Q. Jackson directs the over 100 strong PSG, accompanied by the Portland Youth Philharmonic. This is a Christmas CD, and there are 21 songs in celebration of Christmas, from sacred (Galuppi's "Dixit Dominus (Psalm 110) Movements, I, II, II") to pop (Elliot's "Jingle Bell Swing"). There are actually 2 choirs here, the Premier Choir of over 100 voices, and the Debut Choir of about 90, and when they sing together on something like "Silver Bells," it's pretty impressive. An excellent Christmas CD, for yourself to enjoy every Christmas, or to give to a loved one.

Songlist: Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Cantique de Jean Racine, Dixit Dominus, Children Blessed of the Lord, This Little Babe, Chose Something Like a Star, Ding Dong Merrily on High, el Desembre Congelat, Il Est Ne, Angels We Have Heard on High, Hope for Resolution, Donkey Carol, Hine Ma Tov, Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bell Swing, I'll Be HOme For Christmas, Heavenly Aeroplane, Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, Silver Bells, O Holy Night

Ragazzi Boys Chorus : A Holiday Collection

Review: "A Holiday Collection" combines traditional favorites like "God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen," "Silent Night" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" and sacred music like Mozart's "Laudate Dominum," Brahms' "Ave Maria," Dietrich Buxtehude's "Cantate Domino," and Vivaldi's "Laudamus Te," with contemporary originals like Martin Shaw's "Fanfare for Christmas Day," David Urrows' "Verbum Patris Hodie," Henryk Gorecki's "Totus Tuus Opus 60" and Daniel Pinkham's "Evergreen." Piano or organ accompaniment on most cuts. This is a soaring, lovely Christmas CD by the pride of San Mateo, CA, the Peninsula Boy's Chorus!

Songlist: Laudate Dominum, Pueri Concinite, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Ave maria, Opus 12, Verbum Patris Hodie, Cantate Domino, Laudamus Te, Fanfare for Christmas Day, Totus Tuus, opus 60, Silent Night, Evergreen, Angels We Have Heard On High

San Francisco Girls Chorus : A San Francisco Christmas

Review: The 11 to 16 years old, 41-strong San Francisco Girls Chorus, conducted by Sharon J. Paul, was founded in 1978 and has established an international reputation through appearances at concerts,festivals and competitions, and radio programs such as NPR. Dwight Okamura accompanies on piano and Sarah Voynow on harp. "A San Francisco Christmas" features Britten's "A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28," "Personent Hodie," arranged by John Rutter, "Joy To The World," "Away In A Manger," "Good King Wenceslas," "Dime el Camino," "Ave Maria," "More I Cannot Wish You," and "Silent Night." The angelic voices of these young women soar as if in a cathedral, singing difficult classical music effortlessly and perfectly. A triumph!

Songlist: 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, Personent Hodie, Joy To The World, Away In A Manager, Good King Wenceslas, Dime El Camino, Ave Maria, More I Cannot Wish You, Silent Night

Seattle Children's Chorus : A Candlelight Christmas

Review: Founder and artistic director of the SCC Kris Mason directs her talented charges in a lovely, sumptuous holiday collection, "A Candlelight Christmas." Approximately 200 choristers are enrolled in the Chorus, which offers choral training on several different levels. These 16 live songs are performed by the Training Chorus ("O Come Little Children," "Once in Royal David's City," "Dormi, Dormi"); the Intermediate Chorus ("Little Red Bird," "Riu, Riu Chiu," "The Little Drummer Boy"); the Chamber Singers ("Hodie, Christus natus est," Clean as the Wind," "Rocking" and "Sussex Carol"), and the Combined Choruses ("Candlelight Carol," "Hallelu!," "The Lord Bless You and Keep You"). The other 13 songs are performed by the Performing Chorus. Some favorites are "A Ceremony of Carols," "Procession," "There is no Rose," "That yonge Child," "Balulalow," "This little Babe," "In Freezing Winter Night" and "Deo Gracias." What could be better than listening to the sweet voices of finely-trained young singers to celebrate the birth of the Christ child?

Songlist: A Ceremony of Carols, O Come, Little Children, Once in Royal David's City, Dormi, Dormi, Hodie, Christus natus est, Clean as the Wind, Rocking, Sussex Carol, Little Red Bird, Riu, Riu Chiu, The Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Lullaby, Song of the Crib, Candlelight Carol, Hallelu, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Seattle Children's Chorus : Voices Of Christmas Past

Review: 200 young voices raised in harmony, committed to musical excellence in rehearsals, performances, at festivals and on tour all over the globe-this is what the SCC is all about. "Voices" is a best-of Christmas collection of 20 songs, recorded from 2001 to 2004, by the elite smaller groups within the Chorus, Arioso, Intermezza, Camerata, and the combined Choruses. Favorites, hard to pick, are the sweet "Petit Enfant" and the lilting "Noel Nouvelet" by Arioso, "Ho Ro Ho Ro," "Arise Now, You Shepherds" and "Christmas Time is Here" by Intermezzo, Camerata's "O Magnum Mysterium," "Betelehemu" and the nice medley "Christmas Pudding," and "The Lamb" and "Hodie Christus Natus Est" by the combined Choirs. There is something wonderfully right and appropriate about a talented children's choir singing classic Christmas music! All tracks are lightly accompanied.

Songlist: Arioso:, Magnificat, Petit Enfant, Noel Nouvelet, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Intermezzo:, He Shall Feed His Flock, How Far is it to Bethelem?, Ho Ro Ho Ro, Arise Now, You Shepherds, Christmas Time is Here, Combined Choruses:, The Lamb, Arioso:, Come, Dear Children, Ziemas svetki sabraukusi, Gloria from Mass No. 6, Camerata:, Gloria, O Magnum Mysterium, Betelehemu, Christmas Pudding, Gloria, Combined Choruses, Hodie Christus Natus Est, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Seattle Girls' Choir : Seattle Holiday

Review: Seattle's traditional "Christmas Ship" on the cover, the award-winning Seattle Girls' Choir, 25 songs, director Jerome Wright, and the beginning of the Choir's collaboration with Jackson Berkey; what more could we ask for Christmas? The CD is mostly accompanied, on piano by Elaine Koga, but Berkey's "God Be In My Head" is a cappella. The liner notes are lovely and extensive, the songs are marvelously done-great work, girls!

Songlist: The Angels and the Shepherds, Sir Christmas, Personent Hodie, Ceremony of Carols, Opus 28, Light the Legend, A Feast of Lights, Carol of the Bells, Ukrainian Carol, Il est ne le divin enfant, Shchedryk, Ukrainian Carol, Wassail Song, Regina Coeli, Opues 37, No. 3, Mary Speaks, God Be In My Head, A Merry Christmas

Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir : It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Review: Founder and Artistic Director Julia J. White leads her 200-strong, 3-choir SVCC, pride of Harrisonburg, PA, in this feel-good, generous Holiday album. The 19 well-chosen tunes are lightly accompanied by guest instrumentalists, playing flute, piano, organ, percussion and bass. Seven songs are by the Concert Choir of 2007-08, four songs by the Preparatory and Treble Choirs, and eight songs are by the Concert Choir of 2008-09. Our favorites are Eleanor Daly's "What Sweeter Music," the West Indian Spiritual "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy," Baruch J. Cohon's "Hanerot Halalu" (Song for Hanukah), Bob Chilcott's "The Child," Rogers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things," Domenico Scarlatti's "We Will Sing for Joy," Purcell's "Celebrate this Happy, Holy Day," the traditional song "Jingle Bell Swing," John Rutter's "Carol of the Children," the South African Christmas anthem "Come Colors Rise," the traditional "Sunny Bank" and the final cut, the title tune. The spirited, angelic young voices of the SVCC in harmony and the lovely selection of Christmas songs from all over the world-it's a combination that will make a great holiday gift for you and your loved ones!

Songlist: Hope for Resolution, A Song for Mandela and de Klerk, What Sweeter Music, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, Hanerot Halalu, The Child, My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music, We Will Sing for Joy, Celebrate This Happy, Holy Day, Christmas Comin', Jingle Bell Swing, Cuncti Simus, On This Day, Earth Shall Ring, Carol of the Children, Come Colours Rise, Sunny Bank, Here We Come A-Wassailing, Go Where I Send Thee!, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Southern California Children's Chorus : Simple Gifts (Holiday Concert)

Review: The SCCC, founded by artistic director Lori Loftus, involves 200 choristers in a sequential choral program consisting of 6 choirs. The 65 mixed-voice Concert Chorus, under Lori's leadership, is rapidly becoming the leading children's chorus in Southern California. 21 songs, the first 11, all arranged by Lori, are religious and sacred music, with the exception of the traditional title tune, arranged by Aaron Copeland. Banchieri's "Jubilate Deo," Praetorius' "Sing dem Herrn," Handel's "Art Thou Troubled," Zoltan Kodaly's "Psalm 150," James McCray's "Kyrie," and Rene Clausen's joyous "Psalm 100" are favorites in this group. The traditional Hebrew song "S'Vivon," the upbeat folk tune "Niska Banja," Leonard Bernstein's "One Hand, One Heart," Walter Hawkins' "I'm Goin' Up a Yonder," the spiritual "Go Where I Send Thee!," and the traditional "May the Road Rise Up to Meet You" are other favorites. Piano accompaniment on some songs. Excellent song selection and the spirited harmonies of talented youthful choristers-"Simple" is truly a gift!

Songlist: The Joy of Bells: Din Don! Merrily on High, All Ye Who Music Love, Petite Mass: Gloria, Carol of the Bells, Cum Sancto Spiritu, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hiney Mah Tov, Dravidian Dithyramb, My Shepherd Will Supply My Needs, Patapan, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Must Be Santa, Kindle the Hanukkah Lights, Parents, White Christmas

Spivey Hall Children's Choir : Christmas with the Spivey Hall Children's Choir

Review: Some great arrangements of holiday classics by this top notch children's choir. Britten's "Ceremony Of Carols" is a stand out as is Rutter's "Angels' Carol" with the beautiful Bob Chilcott's "Mid-Winter".

Songlist: Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Stars Are for Those Who Lift Their Eyes, Water Under Snow is Weary, Donkey Carol, The Birds, Mid-winter, Angels' Carol, Noel des Enfants qui n'ont plus de maison, Go Where I Send Thee!, 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

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