Francis Stockwell

Review: Pride of Elk River, MN, the Choirboys are nationally and internationally known as one of the best boys' choirs in the world. Ably led by Director and pianist Francis Stockwell, The 20 cuts begin with the title tune by Donato, and include some fine classical works, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," "Laudemus Te," Bach's "Gloria sei Dir gesungen," Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "Die Nacht," and many others. The spiritual "Little David, Play on Your Harp," "An Irish Blessing," "Auld Lang Syne," "The Last Rose of Summer" and "Danny Boy" are other favorites. Some piano accompaniment. A beautifully-sung collection from beginning to end!

Songlist: All Ye Who Music Love, Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Laudamus Te, Gratias Agimus Tibi, Propter Magnam Gloriam, Gloria sei Dir gesungen, Little David, Play On Your Harp, Agnus Dei, Ave Maria, Alta Trinita Beata, An Irish Blessing, Horch was kommt von drauben rein, Beim Kronenwirt, Die Nacht, Caro mio ben, Auld Lang Syne, The Last Rose of Summer, Eriskay Lovelilt, The Wild Colonial Boy, Danny Boy

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)

Review: "Let Us All Be Grateful" is another stellar collection from Elk River, MN's famous Land of Lakes Choirboys Viking Choir. One of the best boys' choirs in the world, the Choirboys are known nationally and internationally for their perfect intonation and pure, clear sound. "Let Us" is a mix of patriotic tunes, "The Star Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America;" traditional folk songs like "Der Almsee is trueab," "Der Dui-Dui," Australia's "The Wild Colonial Boy" and the Serbian Gypsy Dance "Niska Banja;" spiritual tunes (Purcell's "Rejoice in the Lord Always," Maierhofer's "Mater Dei" and Bestor's "The Prayer of the Children); and other favorites such as Rossini's "The Carnovale" and the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun." There is some piano accompaniment. Beautiful!

Songlist: The Star Spangled Banner, Rejoice in the Lord Alway, Mater Dei, Willow, Show me the Wind, Prayer of the Children, Caro mio ben, Der "Dui-Dui", Der Almsee is trueab, Tally-Ho, The Carnovale, The Mighty Monarch, Niska Banja, The Wild Colonial Boy, Here Comes The Sun, America, The Beautiful, God Bless America

Review: "Steal Away" is wonderful collection of sacred and spiritual tunes, from the Viking Choir, the national and international touring choir and one of 6 choirs of different levels that form the renowned Land of Lakes Choirboys. Favorites are a cappella tunes "Phos Hilaron," the haunting spiritual and title tune, "Steal Away," "Dixit Dominus," "O Hear the Joyful Music," "Der Dui-Dui," Brahms' "In stiller Nacht," the traditional Austrian song "Fein sein" and Haydn's "Die Landlust." But all the other tunes, piano and organ accompanied, are equally lovely. A beautiful collection!

Songlist: Phos Hilaron, Wir eilen mit schwachen doch emsigen Schritten, Kyrie, Sanctus, Steal Away, Dixit Dominus, How Can I keep from Singing?, The Holy City, O Hear the Joyful Music, Far from My Love, Der Dui-Dui, Standchen, In Stiller Nacht, Fein sein, Die Landlust, Au clair de la lune, Minnesota Morning, Pal sine Honer