Mixed Voice Christmas Choral Recordings

Bob Chilcott and David Hill : Carols for Choirs 6

Review: To celebrate the centenary of the Oxford University Press Music Department, this volume of 50 new carols complements the five previous volumes, bringing new names and styles to the series while providing a complete resource for choirs from Advent to Epiphany.Featuring newly commissioned carols and arrangements of classic melodies, the collection showcases some of today's most exciting names in choral composition.

Judith Clurman : Christmas Joy

Review: Premiered in New York City by Essential Voices USA at St. Malachy's, Chrismas Joy is a montage of traditional and familiar Christmas Carols, expertly arranged by Judith Clurman and Josh Clayton. This through-composed medley is 13 minutes of pure choral holiday joy!

Walter Michalak : Sing We Now of Christmas - Tenor

Review: Imagine how much more productive and efficient your rehearsals will be when you or all of your choir members have had time to rehearse on their own with a CD targeted to their specific vocal part. When you all get together there will be more time to devote to nuances and performance skills, instead of the basic learning of notes Rehearsal CD has the featured vocal of your choice: Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass on the right side (or right speaker/headphone), and the rest of the chorus voices in the left speaker/headphone. That's right, you aren't alone, the rest of the chorus is there with you but your vocal part is highlighted and isolated for your convenience! The large-type, easy-to-read music book that accompanies each rehearsal CD, gives added reinforcement. For each carol you will hear the name of the carol, a set of tones, with the loudest tone being your starting tone, and a metronome click to start off the tempo and count you down to the beginning. The count will always be a full 2 measures before the start of the carol, and if the carol starts in mid-measure there will be 2 full measures plus the partial measure before the carol begins. It's as easy as that! If you listen on headphones and don't have a balance control, you can simply move the left or right headphone to isolate the left/right playback sound.

Songlist: Angels We Have Heard On High, Away In A Manger, Coventry Carol, Deck the Halls, The First Nowell, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Joy to the World!, O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, What Child Is This?, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Voicing: Tenor

A Cappella Singers : This Christmastide

Review: Following the inspiration of acappella arrangers Derric Johnson and Norman Luboff, Ronald Boender formed this 24 voice, mixed ensemble dedicated to performing the best of folk, sacred, Americana, and Christmas acappella. Since 1994, the Acappella Singers have built a solid repertoire of the finest acappella choral literature (in 8 parts) remaining steadfast to the foundation of the purest form of singing. Choosing Christmas songs arranged by aforementioned Derric Johnson, as well as Alfred Burt and Jay Rouse to name a few. Accentuated with sounds of a cathedral echo you can only love 'Carol Of The Bells', 'Joy To The World', 'Caroling, Caroling', 'Rejoice and Sing', and 'Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence'.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Be Born In Me, He Just Had To Come Down, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent, Carol Of The Bells, This Christmastide, Rejoice And Sing, Silent Night, I Believe This Is Jesus, Joy To The World, My Song In The Night, Winter Wonderland, Thee With Tender Care, Peace, Peace

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

Alfred Burt / Columbia Choir : The Christmas Mood

Review: Alfred S. Burt died in February of 1954 at the age of 33, already a legend. The slender minister's son, the young jazz trumpeter who composed Christmas carols, was carrying on a tradition started in 1922 by his father, the Reverend Bates G. Burt, who began sending his own composed carols as Christmas messages to friends and family. Rev. Bates proudly saw his son take over music in 1941, while he supplied the lyrics. These are the only carols created in modern times that have obtained international acceptance in the music community, from local choirs to stars like Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, Nat "King" Cole, Frank Sinatra, The Lennon Sisters and many others have recorded Burt carols. So listen to these "mini-masterpieces," beautifully performed by the Columbia Choir with occasional light accompaniment by the Ralph Carmichael Brass Ensemble and organ. "Caroling, Caroling," "The Star Carol," "Christ in the Stranger's Guise," "Come Dear Children," "Some Children See Him," "All on a Christmas Morning," "O Hearken Ye." "Jesu Parvule," "Nigh Bethlehem," "This is Christmas," "Ah, Bleak and Chill" and "We'll Dress the House." At the end of the CD is a very nice instrumental medley of the carols. We have enjoyed these carols as particularly wonderful ones for years, never knowing the story of their gifted composer, now we see them with a new appreciation. Recommended!

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, The Star Carol, Christ in the Stranger's Guise, Come, Dear Children, Some Children See Him, All on a Christmas Morning, O, Hearken Ye, Jesu Parvule, Nigh Bethlehem, This is Christmas, Ah, Bleak and Chill, We'll Dress the House, Instrumental medlies:, Caroling, Caroling, All on a Christmas Morning, We'll Dress the House, The Star Carol, Some Children See Him, Come, Dear Children, Ah, Bleak and Chill, Jesu Parvule, O, Hearken Ye

Alfred Burt and Jimmy Joyce Singers : This Is Christmas

Review: Considered by some to be the finest recording of Christmas carols ever, these original compositions were written by Alfred and primary lyricists Wihla Hutson and Bates G. Burt (Alfred's father). In fact, the carols were initially sent as Christmas messages to Burt family members and friends! Alfred died in 1954 at the age of thirty three, but his legacy has brought joy to untold myriads of listeners ever since. Artists from Nat "King" Cole to the Boston Pops Orchestra and Chorus have popularized what conductor John Williams described as "mini-masterpieces." The sixteen voice a cappella choir directed by arranger Jimmy Joyce (who had worked with Alfred in the Alvino Rey Orchestra) is sprightly and surefooted in their performance, which was recorded in 1963. A sentimental and popular favorite.

Songlist: This Is Christmas, Christmas Cometh Caroling, Ah, Bleak And Chill The Wintry Wind, Come, Dear Children, Some Children See Him, Sleep, Baby Mine, All On A Christmas Morning, Caroling, Caroling, The Star Carol, We'll Dress The House, Christ In The Stranger's Guise, Nigh Bethlehem, What Are The Signs, Jesu Parvule, O Hearken Ye

American Repertory Singers : Silent Night

Review: An extraordinary set of carol arrangements. As in the case with virtually all of Daron Hagen's music, he takes the listener on an unusual journey, frequently only alluding to tunes or portions of tunes already more than familiar to the listener. As one would expect of a composer who has devoted so much of his life to vocal music and the relationship between music and text, surprising things occur.

Songlist: Lullay, O Come, O Come, Emmauel, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/O Come, Emmanuel, Silent Night, Once in Royal David's City, Sussex Carol, What Child Is This?, At Bethlehem Proper, Hosanna

Archangel Voices : Christ is Born. Give Glory!

Review: Two venerable and ancient Christian musical traditions-the Byzantine and the Slavic-come together on this CD, along with traditional Orthodox carols from Ukraine, Lebanon, and... America. The musical richness of the Eastern Orthodox Christmas services has inspired a number of modern-day Orthodox composers to create new compositions and arrangements, 35 of which are recorded here for the first time, entirely in English.

Songlist: Troparion-Entrance Of The Theotokos, Kontakion-Entrance Of The Theotokos, Stichera Lord, I Call, Stichera Aposticha, Canon Odes 1, 3, 6, Hymn To Theotokos, Stichera At The Praises, Stichera At The Aposticha, Troparion-Prefeast Of The Nativity Christ, Kontakion, God Is With Us, Troparion, Kontakion, Glory Be To God On High, Praise The Name Of The Lord, From My Mouth, Stichera After The Matins Gospel, Canon Ode 1, Canon Ode 3, Kontakion / oikos, Canon Ode 8, 9, Exposteilarion, Third Antiphon, Troparion, Kontakion, Communion Hymn, Wondrous News Is Given, Joy Is All Around Us, Angel Choirs In Heaven, Sing Earth And Heaven, God's Son Is Born This Night, and more

Atlanta Singers : Chantez Noel

Review: Thanks to the legacy of Robert Shaw, Atlanta is rich in choral groups, including several which have gained national distinction. Some of these groups were founded by members of Shaw's Atlanta Symphony Chorus and have survived over the decades to make their own name. The Atlanta Singers, begun 24 years ago, is among the most notable. David Brensinger conducts the Singers, whose repertoire on "Chantez" includes sacred Renaissance masterworks (Praetorius' "Psallite," "Swete Was The Song the Virgine Soong," Victoria's "O Magnum Mysterium," and "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen"), traditional carols ("Il est ne," "Wassail Song," "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells" and "Deck The Hall"), traditional Spanish carols ("A la nanita nana" and "Esta noche nace un Nino"), and traditional French carols ("Dans les hombres de la nuit," the title tune, and "Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris"). Intricate, classical harmonies perfectly sung by this talented ensemble.

Songlist: Psallite/Singt Und Klingt, Swete Was the Song the Virgine Soong, O Magnum Mysterium, Verbum Caro Factum Est: Y la Virgen le Dezia, Es Ist ein Ros' entsprungen, Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, Wexford Carol, Quem Pastores, Three Christmas Motets:, -Quem Vidistis, Patores?, O Magnum Mysterium, -HodieChristus Natus Est, Lullay Lord Jesus, Rise, Up, Shepherd, and Follow, Il est ne, Wassail Song, Two Spanish Carols:, -Spanish Lullaby "A la nanita nana", -Spanish Carol "Esta Noche nace un Nino", Three French Carols:, -Dans les Ombres de la nuit, -Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris, -Chantex Noel, Silent Night, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Rockin' for the World, Jingle Bells, Deck the Hall

Bach Choir : Colors of Christmas - John Rutter

Review: John Rutter conducts the Bach Choir and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in what is surely the finest new recoding of Christmas carols this year. Rutter is a composer, conductor and arranger and he brings all of that to these high holiday gems. Most of the carols are very well known, though in the arrangements of Rutter they sound completely fresh. There are some new carols here - Rutter's own 'Riu Riu Chiu' (the sounds a nightingale makes) and 'The Colours of Christmas' - and some new approaches to old ones. The main factor that makes this such a perfect selection of holiday music is the free intermixing of religious carols with contemporary Christmas songs.

Songlist: Ding Dong! Merrily On High, The Colours Of Christmas, In Dulci Jubilo, What Is This Lovely Fragrance?, Away In A Manger, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Riu Riu Chiu, I Wonder As I Wander, Star Carol, Once In Royal David's City, Silent Night, In The Bleak Midwinter, Gabriel's Message, Fanfare - O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, A New Year Carol, Joy To The World, Sleigh Ride, Deck The Hall, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Fanfare - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

BBC Singers : One Star, At Last - Carols of our Times

Review: When an ensemble like the BBC Singers, renowned for its commitment to the music of our time, sets out to record a Christmas CD you can be sure that the repertoire will include material rather different from the usual run of popular standards and arrangements! One star, at last includes eight new carols (six of them specially-commissioned by BBC Radio 3), several premiere recordings, and a selection of music - serious and light-hearted, contemplative and joyful - by some of the leading British, European and North American choral composers of the day. Composers include Martland, Weir, Ades, MacMillan, Tavener, Kornowicz, Rodney Bennet and Harle.

Songlist: Nowell Sing We Now, From Lands that see the Sun Arise, Make we Joy, There is no Rose of Such Virtue, I Wonder as I Wander, Illuminare, Jerusalem, The Shepherd's Gift, Corpus Christi Carol, The Fayrfax Carol, The Shepherds Sing, Today the Virgin, Oczekiwanie (Waiting), O Magnum Mysterium, Sleep, little Jesus, sleep, Romance of the Angels, Mrs. Beeton's Christmas Plum Pudding, Nativitas, Seinte Mari Moder Milde, Carol, One Star, at Last

BYU Singers : A Celebration of Christmas

Review: Seen nationally on PBS since it was first broadcast in 1993, A Celebration of Christmas embraces the spiritual, traditional, and international spirit of Christmas. You and your family will enjoy this program for many years to come. Available on CD, video, or on a newly remastered DVD.

Songlist: I Saw Three Ships, Away In A Manger, Make We Merry on This Fest, Make We Merry on This Fest, Sing We Now of Christmas, Deck the Hall, Wondrous Night, Carol of the Drum, Betelehemu, Puer Nobis, Nowel, Austrian Yodel Carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, We Need A Little Christmas, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Troika, from Lieutenant Kije Suite, op. 60, The Sycamore Tree, He Is the Root and the Offspring of David, from The Redeemer, Angels We Have Heard on High

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

Cambridge Singers : The John Rutter Christmas Album

Review: The Renowned, 31-strong Cambridge Singers have a present for us: 23 songs of Christmas, many of them written, composed and/or arranged by contemporary composer John Rutter, a giant in the Choral world. "Jesus Child," "There Is A Flower," "Donkey Carol," "Wildwood Carol," "Angels' Carol," "Mary's Lullaby" - Rutter's original music is lovely, and the CS are the group to do it justice. Also fine are all the traditional carols like "I Saw Three Ships" and "Joy to the World." The songs are divided into six sections: Prologue, The Christmas Story, Christmas Night, Christmas Reflections, Christmas Joy and Epilog. Most of the songs are accompanied by the London Sinfonia. The liner notes are extensive and beautiful. A monumental achievement for the Cambridge Singers, a generous, spirited and brilliant Christmas CD!

Songlist: Wexford Carol, The Christmas story - Jesus child, There Is a Flower, Donkey Carol, Wild Wood Carol, Angels' Carol, Nativity Carol, Mary's lullaby, Star Carol, Candlelight Carol, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Christmas lullaby, Dormi, Jesu, Love Came Down at Christmas, Sans Day Carol, I Wonder as I Wander, What Sweeter Music, Joy to the World, I Saw Three Ships, Deck the Hall, The Very Best Time of Year, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Silent Night

Cardiff Festival Choir : Carols of Vaughn Williams

Review: Listeners who love the sound and mood of the most traditional Christmas carols and hymns should be delighted with this collection of choral arrangements made by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The majority of the pieces are traditional English carols, many of which the composer collected himself as part of his research on folk song. For several of the carols where only a text survives, he wrote the melody. A few of the selections may be familiar to American audiences and a few more to fans of English choral music, but by and large these carols will be obscure to general audiences. Their tone tends to be gently contemplative rather than exuberantly celebratory; they're more similar to "Away in a Manger" than "Joy to the World." Vaughan Williams' intent was to create music that could be sung by the average church congregation or church choir, so the arrangements are simple and traditional. Some are arranged for unison singing, but most are in four parts.

Songlist: Hereford Carol, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night (unspecified tune), Snow in the Street ("From far away we come to you"), carol for chorus, Song of the Crib, The Holy Well, carol for chorus or voice & piano (Traditional Carols from Herefordshire No. 1 & No. 2; 2 versions), The Salutation Carol, Blake's Cradle Song ("Sweet dreams, form a shade o'er my lovely infant's head"), carol for chorus, O Little Town of Bethlehem, carol (arr. from English traditional, "Forest Green"), Wassail Song ("Wassail, wassail, all over the town"), carol for chorus ("Gloucestershire Wassail"), The Miraculous Harvest, carol for chorus or voice & piano (Traditional Carols from Herefordshire No. 10), How Far Is It to Bethlehem? (Children's Song of the Nativity) (Tune: Stowey) (English), The Golden Carol ("Now is ChristÃmas y-come"), carol for chorus, Wither's Rocking Hymn ("Sweet baby, sleep! What ails my dear?"), carol for chorus, Behold the great Creator makes, hymn ("This Endris Nyght"), Christmas Hymn ("Now Blessed by Thou, Christ Jesu"), for baritone or tenor, chorus & orchestra in F major (Choral Hymns No. 2), The truth sent from above, carol for chorus or voice & piano (Traditional English Carols No. 6), And All in the Morning ("On Christmas Day"), carol for chorus or voice & piano (Traditional English Carols No. 1), On Christmas Night, carol for chorus or voice & piano ("Sussex Carol"; Traditional English Carols No. 2)

Caroling Company : The Carols of Alfred S Burt

Review: Founded by Alfred Burt's daughter Diane, The Caroling Company makes everyday Christmas! This highly in-demand eight-voice a cappella ensemble has had numerous television appearances including ABC's "Good Morning America and "The Home Show" and will appear later this year in the Brian Setzer Big Band Christmas CD. With a reputation for excellence and creative arrangements of traditional favorites and jazz standards, they have an enthusiastic following and possess that indescribable quality that identifies them as The Carolling Company.

Songlist: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / I'll Be HOme for Christmas (Medley), Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, The Holly and the Ivy, What Child Is This?, I Saw Three, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, O Holy Night, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Silver Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Merry Christmas, Darling, Caroling, Caroling, We'll Dress the House, Some Children See Him, This Is Christmas, The Star Carol, Come, Dear Children, Jesu Parvule, O Hearken Ye, Silent Night

Cathedral Singers : Catholic Christmas Classics

Review: The Cathedral Singers, an independent ensemble of professional Chicago-area singers, who participate in a wide range of musical activity, from early music performance to jazz and musical theater. They bring this collective experience and superb musicianship to enrich the sound of the Singers. Widely experienced founder and director Richard Proulx leads them in this lovely 22-song Christmas collection. Beautifully-sung familiar carols like "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Away in a Manger," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "O Holy Night," "Fum, Fum, Fum," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "What Child is This" and "The First Nowell" segue into the lesser-known German carol "O Dear Little Children," "Puer natus in Bethlehem," Lorelei McDermott's "Resonet in laudibus and The Virgin's Slumber Song," and Handel's "For Unto Us a Child is Born," from the Messiah. All accompanied, all wonderfully and joyously performed! Many treasures of church music celebrating the birth of Christ are sung with great beauty and eloquence. Director Richard Proulz does a masterful job and this recording is a great addition to your Christmas choral music collection.

Songlist: Angels We Have Heard on High, Away in a Manger, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, What Child Is This?, Gesu Bambino, O Holy Night, Puer Natus Est, Fum, Fum, Fum, Sleep, Holy Babe, O Come Little Children, Night of Silence/Silent Night, Low, How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, For unto Us, 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, O Come, Divine Messiah, Alla Rue, The Virgin Slumber Song, Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

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 A Cappella : Bound For Glory

Review: New settings of African-American Spirituals!

Songlist: I Want to be Ready, Hear de Lambs a-cryin, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, I Want Jesus to Walk with Me, Sistah Mary, Save Me, Lord!, Great Day, Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Go Down 'n the Valley and Pray!, Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen, Wade in the Water, This Train, Little David (Old Testament Spirituals), Daniel, Moses, Joshua (Old Testament Spirituals), Go Down Moses, Roll, Jordan, Roll!, Give me Jesus, Way over in Beulah-lan'

Chicago A Cappella : Christmas A Cappella

Review: Chicago a cappella returns with a sparkling selection of seasonal songs by contemporary composers and arrangers, including seven world premieres. Works include two lively African settings (in African languages) of the biblical passage "For unto us a child is born," delightful treatments of traditional French and French-Canadian carols, a unique Danish take on the Christmas story, distinctive works by leading American composers including Stephen Paulus (Splendid Jewel) and Gwyneth Walker (The Christ-child's Lullaby), and James Clemens's brilliant, jazz-inflected arrangement, Jingle a cappella, centered around a wild fugue in 7/8 time! The disc also presents two pieces based on Hebrew texts: Aleih Neiri, a Hanukkah song by Yemen-born Jewish composer Chaim Parchi, and multiple award-winning young composer Stacy Garrop's poignant prayer for peace, Lo Yisa Goy. In a season brimming with holiday music, Chicago a cappella's new CD stands apart as a jewel of imaginative programming and passionate performances that please the ear and penetrate the heart.

Songlist: Amuworo ayi otu nwa, What Sweet Music, II est Ne, le Divin Enfant, The Huron Carol, I Wonder As I Wonder, Splendid Jewel, Lo Yisa Goy, Who Is The Baby?, The Christ-child's Lullaby, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Noel nouvelet, Prayer of the Venerable Bede, En stjerne er sat, Hodie, Nyathi onyuol, Aleih Neiri, Jingle a cappella, O Lux Beatissima

Choir of Jesus College Cambridge : Journey Into Light

Review: A new festive release from the Choir of Jesus College Cambridge under their director Mark Williams - with additional performances from organists Robert Dixon and Timothy Lambourn, and trumpeter Rebecca Crawshaw. The programme is drawn from pieces for the festivals of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas: Of the annual Christian seasons, it is surely that from Advent to Epiphany which inspires believer and non-believer alike the most: the believer celebrates Christ's birth whilst the non-believer considers hopes for rebirth and renewal as a New Year approaches ... If aspirations surrounding the arrival of a new born child are universal, the Christmas music chosen here reflects the season's inspiration through quite recent compositions, alongside music from the early part of the 20th century. -Mark Williams

Songlist: Jesus Christ the apple tree, We wait for thy loving kindness, I sing of a maiden, Advent Prose, There is no rose, Hymn to the virgin, Bright star carol, In the bleak midwinter, Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day, The shepherds carol, I Saw Three Ships, The little road to Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Sir Christemas, The Lamb, Paean on Divinum Mysterium, Epiphany, Here is the little door, Bethlehem Down, Nunc dimittis, Hymn to the Creator of Light

Choir Of Westminster Abbey : Christmas Carols

Review: The choir at Westminister Abbey performs three Carol Services annually, in conjunction with Advent Sunday, The Feast of St. Stephen and The Feast of the Holy Innocents. These 20 carols and hymns are derived from these performances by this 34 member male choir, and many are familiar, such as "Good King Wenceslas" and "Ding Dong Merrily On High"; however, director Simon Preston has a penchant for modern compositions as well. "Alleluya," (1921), written by Peter Wishart, replicates the celebratory chiming of bells, while alternating between major and minor tonalities; "Nowell," (1934) by Peter Maxwell Davies, never declares its tonic, but remains suspended without resolution. Mostly a cappella.

Choir of York Minster : Christmas Carols From York Minster

Review: At the Cathedral Church of York, England, there has been music celebrating the Birth of Christ since the earliest times, as the present building was consecrated in 1472. The procession of the 30-voice Choir, bright against the ancient stones of the building, the glow of the candles the glistening lights on the tree, and the singing of best-loved Christmas carols-this is what "Carols" is about. 21 magnificent organ accompanied carols, sung in the Minster's superb acoustic, from "The First Nowell," "Coventry Carol," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "In Dulci Jubilo" to "Silent Night," "O Leave Your Sheep," "Behold the Great Creator" and "Good Christian Men, Rejoice." Superb!

Songlist: The First Nowell, While Shepherd Watched Their Flocks, Coventry Carol, Good King Weneslas, The Holly and the Ivy, Christians Awake!, Once in Royal David's City, O Come, All Ye Faithful, In Dulci Jubilo, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, On Christmas Night, "Sussex Carol", Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Brightest and Best, O Leave Your Sheep, Bethlehem, of Noblest Cities, Behold, the Great Creator, It Came upon the Midnight Clear, Good Christian Men, Rejoice

Choral Arts of Chattanooga : A Christmas Portrait

Review: Under the direction of Philip Rice this top-notch choir has accrued critical acclaim and as the only professional chorus in Tennessee has developed a series of highly successful performance seasons. This collection of Christmas music has a very special bonus as it features the world premiere of Dave Brubeck's arrangement of "We Three Kings" which is the icing on the cake of the fine recording. The recording was well produced and engineered and along with extensive color liner notes makes for a great holiday package.

Songlist: O Magnum Mysterium, E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Ave Maria, Deck The Halls, There Shall A Star Come Out Of Jacob, Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella, Ave Maria, The Angels And Shepherds, Coventry Carol, My Dancing Day, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Lirum Lirum, Fum Fum Fum, Infant Holy Infant Lowly, We Three Kings

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

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

Collegium Vocale Gent : J.S. Bach - Magnificat

Review:

Songlist: Kantate "Christen, Atzet Diesen Taq", Magnificat

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

Concordia Choir : All Are Welcome

Review: The 2012 Christmas Concert, All Are Welcome, is performed by 450 student musicians in the The Concordia Orchestra, The Concordia Choir, Concordia Chapel Choir, Bel Canto, Cantabile and Mannerchor. Rene Clausen, Foster Beyers, Michael Culloton and Julie Hagen conduct.

Songlist: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, I Come With Joy, All Are Welcome, How Great Our Joy, The Friendly Beasts, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Silent Night, The Cherry Tree Carol, Noel, The Godly Stranger, The Angel To The Shepherds, Praise To The Lord, Et In Terra Pax, Hacia Belen Va Un Borrico, O Light Of Life, A Divine Voice Sings Through All Creation, On Our Way Rejoicing, Compline

Concordia Choir : Journey to Bethlehem

Review: The re-imagined Christmas story takes viewers and audience members on a musical "Journey to Bethlehem," combining the pageantry of opera and the grandeur of choral orchestral masterworks. Composer Dr. Rene Clausen weaves sonorous and celebratory Christmas music throughout the concert.

Songlist: Fantasia O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, O Holy Night, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, E'n So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, What Child, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, Silent Night, Sanctus, Betelehemu, Estampie Natalis, Dansaron: E La Don Don, Gloria, O Little Town of Bethlehem, We Three Kings of Orient Are, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Praise To the Lord, Stay With Us, Compline

Concordia Choir : O Come All Ye Faithful

Review: With almost 20,000 attendees at their annual Christmas series of concerts and the airing on PBS television and radio stations across the nation has certainly made the Concordia Choir a great Christmas tradition for many. The 400 voices celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with some spectacular arrangements including "Gesu Bambino" and the title track "O Come All Ye Faithful". Two new compositions by director Rene Clausen, who has over the 26 years he has been directing the choir become world-renown, are superb. Always top-notch this choir continues to build upon it's already excellent reputation.

Songlist: Fantasia On O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Gesu Bambino, Advent Motet, People Look East, There Is No Rose, Lo, How A Rose E'Er Blooming, Mary's Wonder, Lux Aurumque, He IS Born, Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head, Sanctus (From Mass), Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mary Had A Baby, O Day Full Of Grace, Carol Of The Drum, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth, Ring Out Ye Crystal Spheres From Hodie, Compline

Concordia Choir : O Holy Night

Review: On the cover of "O Holy Night" we see an awesome giant Christmas mural, with the huge Concordia Choir in front of it, and The Concordia Orchestra in the foreground. This massive Christmas celebration has been an annual event for many years, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. 24 songs, with spoken parts, all accompanied, some familiar ("Angels We Have Heard On High," "O Holy Night," "Joy to the World"), some unfamiliar ( "Of the Father's Love Begotten," "Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah," "Calm on the Listening Ear of Night"), but together in sequence they magnificently tell the Christmas story. "O Holy Night" is a triumph, one of the best of the year!

Songlist: Prelude On How Brightly Shines the Morning Star, Of the Father's Love Begotten, Angels We Have Heard On High, O Holy Night, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, Light Everlasting, Lost In the Night, Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, Vene Sanctus Spiritus, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, He Is Born, Before the Marvel of this Night, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!, Calm On the Listening Ear of Night, Twelfth Night, How Great Our Joy, Nowell Sing We, Both All and Some, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Sussex Carol, Jeg er saa glad, Go, Tell It On the Mountain, Psalm 150, Joy To the World, Compline

Concordia Choir : On Our Way Rejoicing

Review: Director Rene Clausen continues to raise the bar of excellence of this world-class choir and the 2006 Christmas Concert was a special series of concerts indeed. This year's honored concert honored longtime mural designer and liturgical artist David Hetland '69 who designed the hand-painted Christmas Concert murals for the past 28 years. David passed away April 16, 2006. Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" has become a standard for many choirs and the choir here gives this magnificent piece true justice. A true delight this recording will brighten everyone's holiday spirits.

Songlist: The Adoration of the Magi, Agnus Dei, O How Shall I Receive You, Christmas Cantata, E'en So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Lost In the Night, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Magnum Mysterium, Fum, Fum, Fum, Silent Night, 'Twas in the Moon of Winter Time, Cold December Flies Away, The Angel Gabriel From heaven Came, O little Town of Bethlehem, Twelfth Night, Sanctus, Past Three O'Clock, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, The Three Kings, Psalm 150, Lux Aeterna, Compline

Concordia Choir : Out of Darkness

Review: Enjoy 450 student musicians for the 84th annual Concordia Christmas Concert, one of the region's most dramatic Christmas celebrations. The 2010 Concordia Christmas Concert, "Out of Darkness + Let Your Light Shine," begins with the recognition that darkness, grief and sorrow touch all of our lives but through the darkness is the promise of light, healing light, radiant light that moves us forward out of darkness into God's marvelous light.

Songlist: Tree of Life, Watchman Tell Us of the Night, Be Thou My Vision, Wake, Awake, People, Look East, There Is No Rose of Such Virtue, When Christmas Morn Is Dawning, A Spotless Rose, The Darkest Midnight in December, Fum, Fum, Fum, Sir Christemas, Sing We Now of Christmas, On Christmas Night All Christians Sing, The Three Kings, I Want To Walk As A Child of the Light, How Brightly Shines The Morning Star, Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, All Is Well, Compline

Concordia Choir : Prince of Peace, Hope To The World

Review: Since 1920 The Concordia Choir of Moorhead, Minnesota, has continued to affirm its reputation as one of the nation's finest a cappella choirs. Touring nationally and internationally the choir has performed in nearly every major hall in the United States including Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center. "Prince of Peace" is their seventh CD release, and it features the 2002 Concordia College Christmas Concert, conducted by the renowned Rene Clausen. Begun on a small scale in 1927, the event as we know it today began in 1937 under Paul Christiansen, son of St. Olaf College choir director F. Melius Christiansen, when the first giant Christmas mural was added. The recording has 25 parts, some simply orchestra, some a cappella singing, some singing with orchestra, some narrative. For a hint of how wonderful this concert is, listen to "For Unto Us A Child Is Born," from Handel's "Messiah," featuring the orchestra and Choir-outstanding. John Gardner's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," Stroope's "There Is No Rose of Such Virtue," Pierce's "How Still He Rests," or sinple carols like "Silent Night," a lilting "Pat-A-Pan," "O Hearken Ye," "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head," or the powerful Haitian carol "Noel Ayisen"-it's all amazing.

Songlist: Church Windows, Domine Deus from "Gloria", He, Watching Over Israel, O Lovely Christmas Rose, O Magnum Mysterium, There Is No Rose, Silent Night, How Still He Rests, O Chritmas Babe, the Best of All I Know (Leland B. Sateren), For Unto Us A Child Is Born from "Messiah", Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Pat-A-Pan, Noel Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel), O Hearken Ye, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Go, Tell It On the Mountain, My Lord, What a Mornin', Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head (, People, Look East, Alleluia from "Brazillian Psalm", Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, Dona Nobis Pacem, Psalm 50, Praise To the Lord, Copline

Concordia Choir : Star Of Wonder

Review: Since 1927, the Concordia College Christmas Concert has grown from an activity of the college's music club into the famed concerts that have become a tradition in the Upper Midwest. Since 1937 the spectacle has featured a giant mural, the huge Concordia Choir and three other choirs, and the Concordia orchestra. There are beautiful photographs of the event in the extensive liner notes. 23 songs, "Venus, the Bringer of Peace," "Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night," "O How Shall I Receive Thee," "Behold A Star From Jacob Shining," "Arise, Shine, for Thy Light Has Come," "Our Father"... the list goes on and on of beautiful, soaring music, praising Christ and filling the huge hall with love and light. "Star Of Wonder" is a very special CD of a huge, amazing Christmas event.

Songlist: Venus, the Bringer of Peace, Watchman, Tell Us of the Night, O How Shall I Receive Thee?, Behold A Star from Jacob Shining, Arise, Shine, for Thy Light Has Come, Our Father, The Word Became Flesh, Mary's Song of Praise, People, Look East, We Three Kings, Rise Up, Sheperd, and Follow, I Wonder as I Wander, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, Silent Night, I Saw Three Ships, The Godly Stranger, Laudamus Te, Wolcum Yole, The Three Kings, Ye Were Sometimes in Darkness / Walk as Children of Light, Psalm 103, Lord of All Being, Compline

Concordia Choir : Today Heaven Sings

Review: Directed by the contemporary composer Rene Clausen, the Concordia Choir performs frequently, but not exclusively, modern works. This 1999 seasonal recording features several familiar holiday carols, such as Praetorius' "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming," but its appeal is also in the opportunity to enjoy newer, refreshing pieces, such as "How Still He Rests," with it's solemn oboe accompaniment. The eerie, yet beautiful tonalities of "Go Pretty Child," with its sibilant countermelody, are an example of how the Choir's approach is both delicate and unsettling at once. "Noel Aylsyen (A Haitian Noel)" bounces between the root and fifth, urged along in a springing rhythm, punctuated by handclaps. This refined and energetic modernism is exciting and supremely musical.

Songlist: Today, Heaven Sings, The Godly Stranger, O Magnum Mysterium, Noel Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel), Shout The Glad Tidings, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Carol Of The Drum, A Spotless Rose, Go, Pretty Child, How Still He Rests, The Three Kings, Sweet Was The Song, The Exaltation of Christ, Advent Motet, Lost in the Night

Concordia Choir : Today Heaven Sings 2011

Review: The 2011 Christmas Concert was the 85th annual and is one of the nation's most dramatic choral Christmas celebrations.

Songlist: Nimrod from Enigma Variations, In the Beginning, God, Thou Who Wast God, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, O Magnum Mysterium, A Child Is Born, Coventry Carol, The First Noel, Today Heaven Sings!, Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Let Our Gladness Have No End, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Once In Royal David's City, Past Three A Clock, Away In A Manger, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Shout The Glad Tidings, Patapan, Our Father, It Is Well With My Soul, Compline

Cor Madrigal Vocal Ensemble : Catalan Christmas Carols

Review: Since 1967 the Cor Madrigal commissions from a different composer each year the harmonization of a traditional Catalan Christmas carol. After many years this initiative has allowed the choir to compile an important archive of scores and has contributed to the updating and regeneration of these beautiful songs. The carols that make up this recording are all traditional Catalan melodies and presents a varied range from well-known carols and popular melodies to more elaborated compositions which, without losing the traditional essence, treat the works in a more modern setting. A very interesting and enjoyable recording!

Songlist: El Dimoni Escuat - Casanas, El Rabada - Oltra, El Petit Vailet - Pastrana, Les Besties Al Naixement - Sans, El Desembre Congelat - Vivancos, Sant Josep I La Mare De Deu - Jorda, Vos Sou La Meva Prendeta - Casanas, Fum Fum Fum - Cervera, Nit De Vitlla, Nadal - Bibiloni, Bressol De Nadal - Bibiloni, La Pastora Caterina - Marti, Del Cel Baixen - Oltra, Les Dotze Van Tocant - Just, Cap A Betlem Van Dos Minyons - Pastrana, Canco De Bressol - Pons, Ball Rodo - Mompou, El Pobre Alegre - Bonet, El Noi De La Mare - Cervera, Cap A Betlem Caminem - Marti, Deu Vos Guard Josep - Marti, Canco De L'infant - Oltra, El Cant Dels Ocells - Ribo, Pastors - Ben Alegres - Boliart, Cantem Al Xiquet - Gil-Tarrega

Dale Warland Singers : Dale Warland Singers Christmas

Review: The Dale Warland Singers make their debut on Gothic with a beautiful new Christmas CD, featuring imaginative>arrangements of carols from around the world. The sound is incomparable. 21 songs, from "Il est ne, le divin enfant," "The Virgin's Cradle Hymn," "Susanni" and the Swedish carol "Prepare the Way," to the Latvian carol "Ai, nama mamina," the Medieval carol "The Friendly Beasts," the Canadian "Huron Carol" and the Basque "Gabriel's Message." A special, rare Christmas gift of beautiful music from around the world.

Songlist: Il est ne, le divin enfant (he is born) (French (Schultz)), The Virgin's Cradle Hymn (Dormi, Jesu!) (Edmund Rubbra), Susanni (German (Parker/Shaw)), Prepare the Way (Swedish (Jalkeus), Fum, fum, fum! (Spanish (Mechem), Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang (Alf Houkom), Hark! The Herald Angel Sing (Mendelssohn (Barnett), Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine (German (Luboff), Three Nativity Carols: (Stephen Paulus), O Little Town of Bethlehem (English (Warland)), Al, nama mamina from Three Latvian Carols (Latvian (Jansons)), The Friendly Beasts (Medieval Carol (Van), Carol of the Bells (Leontovich (Wilhousky), Est ist ein Ros estsprungen (Lo, How a Rose) (Praetorious (Sandstrom)), Huron Carol ('Twas In the Moon of Wintertime) (Canadian (Warland)), Patapan from Seven Joys of Christmas (Bergundian (Mechem)), Tomorrow shall be my dancing day (John Gardner), Gabriel's Message (Basque (Paulus)), Silent Night (Gruber (Sargent))

Dale Warland Singers : December Stillness

Review: A forty-voice chorus devoted to the performance of works by twentieth-century composers, this 1995 recording by the Dale Warland Singers is modern classical choral music at its most inspiring and proficient. Sometimes oblique, emphasizing texture over adherence to an immediately recognizable form, works such as the second track, "Izhe Xeruvimy," seem to unfold in a series of layers. The charming and delicate "The Rune Of Hospitality," with the voices gently and broadly undulating against a repetitive acoustic guitar, suggests the enigma of the universe, the expanse of the night sky.

Songlist: Long, Long Ago, Izhe xeruvimy, The Rune of Hospitality, Corpus Christi Carol, Magnificat, Khvalitye imya Gospoknye, The Oxen, Ave Maria (I. Stravinsky), Ave Maria (F. Busto), Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite, Evensong, Little Tree

Ditchfield Family Singers : A Cappella Christmas

Review: Sarasota, Florida's Ditchfields, inspired by Austria's famous Von Trapps, are actually all members of one family, led by parents Stephen and Bernice, son Nathaneal and his wife Regina, daughter Stephanie, teenage sons Michael and David, and 3 little grandsons, Andrew, Christopher and Joshua. Over the past 14 years the Family has performed the popular music of the '30s, '40s and '50s, show stoppers from Broadway, and the best loved traditional standards. "A Cappella Christmas" comes from their very popular annual Christmas concerts. Thirteen of our favorite carols and hymns: "Carol of the Bells," "Good King Wenceslas," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "In the Bleak Midwinter," "The Little Drummer Boy," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "What Child Is This," "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "Silent Night." The arrangements are dramatic and powerful, yet simple and sincere. "A Cappella Christmas" will be a welcome, uplifting addition to your family's holiday celebrations.

Songlist: Carol of the Bells, Good King Wenceslas, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Come All Ye Faithful, In the Bleak Midwinter, I Wonder as I Wander, The Little Drummer Boy, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, We Three Kings, What Child is This (Greensleeves), Caroling, Caroling, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Silent Night

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 : 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

Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : Nutcracker Suite

Review: Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker Suite is given a twist as performed by Fred Waring and the Pennslyvanians. Conceived by arranger Harry Simeone he combines the charming lyrics written by Jay Johnson, Frank Cunkle, Daisy Bernier and Fred Waring. The arrangement was debuted on October 27, 1947 on Waring's radio program for General Electric and recorded for Decca Records later that year. It has been delighting audiences ever since. The performance heard here was originally broadcast August 19, 1948.

Songlist: The Overture, Dance of the Sugar Plums, Trepak, Dance of the Toy Flutes, Waltz of the Flowers

Glasgow Phoenix Choir : Caledonian Christmas

Review: The Glasgow Phoenix Choir was founded in 1951 and since then has been at the forefront of popular choral music in Scotland and Beyond. "Caledonian Christmas" is the choir's second recording on the Scotdisc label and follows on from the highly successful "Highland Cathedral". The content is a mixture of seasonal Music old and new, Scottish favorites and other items in a diverse collection of songs which should evoke romantic, and wistful thoughts of Scotland at Christmas wherever you are.

Songlist: Jingle Bells, The Very Best Time of Year, Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Song, Silent Night, Iona, Highland Cathedral, Caledonia, The Way Old Friends Do, Scotland, My Song, Medley: A Merry Little Christmas, Deck the Halls, Child in a Manger, Good King Wenceslas, Merry Christmas Jazz, The Little Drummer Boy, Farewell my Love, My Ain Folk, Auld Lang Syne

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

Handel and Haydn Society : All Is Bright

Review: Boston's Handel and Haydn Society is one of America's leading choral ensembles. Under the direction of recently appointed music director Grant Llewellyn, the Society has expanded its repertoire to encompass a broader range of music, including contemporary works. Their first recording for Avie, "Peace," was one of 2004's best-selling choral CD's appearing for a number of weeks on the Billboard Classical Chart. The Society's newest recording, "All is Bright," celebrates the music of the festive season, combining repertoire from the Baroque era and traditional carols with Christmas works by twentieth century composers including beautiful works by prominent American composers including Ned Rorem, Virgil Thompson, Charles Ives, Jennifer Higdon and Daniel Pinkham. The Beauty of the Society's singing, the uniqueness of the program and the audiophile quality sound give "All is Bright" the same elements that made "Peace" a best-seller with widespread appeal in 2004

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, There Is No Rose, In Dulci Jubilo, Lo How A Rose E' Er Blooming, The Three Kings, King Herod And The Cock, Make We Joy Now In This Fest, A Spotless Rose, Lux Aurumque, A Babe Is Born, Sir Christmas, Stille Nacht, O Magnum Mysterium, A Christmas Carol, Sweet Music, While All Things Were In Quiet Silence, Coventry Carol, O My Deir Hert, Deck The Hall, Hodie Christus Natus Est, What Cheer?, All this Time

Harvard University Choir : Carols From The Yards

Review: The echoes of carols have been heard through Harvard Yard since 1910, when Archibald Davison, newly-appointed University Organist and Choirmaster, and Edward Moore, Prof. of Christian Morals, designed the order of service still used every year. Directed by Murray F. Somerville, and accompanied by The Bach Society Orchestra and an organist, there are 25 songs on "Carols," telling the story of Jesus' birth in song. Some favorites-"Adeste Fideles," Charles Calahan's "Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing,," the spiritual "Mary Had A Baby," "In The Bleak Mid-Winter," "Sing Lullaby," "Jesus, Jesus, rest your head" and "Joy to the World." A beautifully sung and spoken Christmas story. Accompaniment on some songs.

Songlist: PreludeL In dulci jubilo, Introit: In dulci jubilo, Processional Hymn: Adeste Fideles, Sentences from Scripture and Invocation, The First lesson- Isaiah 35:1-10, Canite Tuba, Come rejoicing, praises voicing, Ein Kind is uns geboren, Hymn: Personent Hodie, The Second lesson- Luke 1:26-38, Ave Maria, Mary Had a Baby, Riu, Riu, Chiu, In the ending of the Year, The Third Lesson- Luke 2:1-20, In the bleak mid-winter, And all in the morning, Sing Lullaby, To us is born Immanuel, Jesus, Jesus, rest your head, Hymn: Silent Night, Prayers and the Lord's Prayer, Hymn: Joy to the world, Benediction and Choral Amen, Postlude: Paean on "Divinum Mysterium"