In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Male Christmas Choral Recordings

This is how some of these songs were meant to be sung. Male ensembles, large and small, belting out or softly delivering centuries-old or modern holiday piecesâ€¦ These arenâ€™t just albums, theyâ€™re holidays-in-a-CD-case! Gregorian and Sarum chant, Canadian, American, Australian and European carols, Tchaikovsky, Biebl, Lauridsen and works by many others whose names you know, and whose music you love. This is some of the most fun you can have with Christmas music that doesnâ€™t actually involve singing it yourself â€“ sit back with your feet up, a snug afghan on your lap, a cozy fire in the fireplace (yes, even if itâ€™s June), and drink it all in!

Displaying 1-50 of 92 items.

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

Benedictine Monks of the Abbey of Einsiedeln, Switzerland : Gregorian Chorals

Review: The Shrine of Our Lady of Einsiedeln is an important Catholic shrine in the village of Einsiedeln, which is about 20 miles southeast of Zurich in Switzerland. The famous shrine incorporates the relics of a saint, a miraculous Black Madonna statue, and a Benedictine monastery. The village is also home to the world's largest nativity scene, the Diorama Bethlehem.

Songlist: Ringing of the Bells, Alma redemptoris, Kyrie, Servus tuus, Basse et des-sus de trompette, Regina coeli, Sanctus Benedictus, Plein jeu, Salve Regina, Grand jeu, Choir Concerto in the Dome of Aachen, Audi dulcis, O Maria vernans rosa, Ave Maria, Assumpta est Maria, Magnificat, Kyrie, Fugue, Cromorne, Trio, Dialogue sur les Grand Jeux

Cantabile - The London Quartet : Christmas with Cantabile

Review: Founded as an a cappella group at Cambridge and one of our favorite British male quartets, Cantabile's pure, bright, spirited harmonies have won them many fans over the years. With most arrangements done by the group, we could expect some of the group's trademark humor, which comes in spades on their a cappella "Twelve Days of Christmas," featuring silly and rude barnyard sound effects that underline the absurd problems associated with having an impossibly generous "true love." Other favorites are the spirited, a cappella "Gaudete!," a romantic "Winter Wonderland," a very Bing Crosby-like take on "White Christmas," the lovely a cappella "Wexford Carol" and "Coventry Carol," "The Jimmy Brown Song," which has added lyrics which may or may not be tongue-in-cheek; and a Doo-Wop "Lonely This Christmas," (ditto). Tom Lehrer's quintessentially sarcastic "A Christmas Carol" has no such ambiguity, nor does the silly "The Carol Singers." "Silent Night," also sung in German a la The Comedian Harmonists," one of Cantabile's favorite influences, attempts to make amends for the craziness, but the surprising musical collage "Carol" and the bonus track "Les Trois Cloches," which is, as far as we can tell, "Jimmy Brown" sung sweetly and dramatically in French, are certainly non-traditional and may be parodies. There is piano accompaniment on several cuts. "Christmas with Cantabile" is a beautifully sung and arranged, eclectic, often silly and unexpected collection that we totally enjoyed, and we bet that you will too!

Songlist: Winter Wonderland, The Little Road to Bethlehem, Gaudete!, Tua Bethlem Dref, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Wexford Carol, White Christmas, Susser die Glocken nie Klingen, Coventry Carol, The First Mercy, The Jimmy Brown Song, Lonely This Christmas, A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Song, The Carol Singers, Silent Night, Carol, Les Trois Cloches

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Ta Stara Bozicnz Pejsen

Cantus : Christmas with Cantus

Review: In their newest recording, the men of Cantus bring the sounds of the holidays to you and your family. Including audience favorites "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Carol of the Bells," "Noel Nouvelet," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and of course the Franz Biebl "Ave Maria," this collection of songs old and new is full of light and life.

Songlist: Nowell, Nowell! This is the Salutacion, Ta Stara Bozicnz Pejsen, 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, Coventry Carol, Noel Nouvelet, Priidite, Pokolonimsa, Carol of the Bells, Pat-a-Drummer, Folkefrelsar, Til Oss Kom, Awed by the Beauty, O Magnum Mysterium, Ave Maria, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Heleluyan, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Cantus : Comfort and Joy Vol 1

Review: Cantus does it again and delivers another top knotch recording and shows how this fine male ensemble is developing into a world class act. This well recorded release features Gregorian chant, folksong arrangements, and major Christmas works for male choir, such as Morten Lauridsen's glorious "O Magnum Mysterium" and Franz Biebl's moving "Ave Maria." Also featured are new arrangements by members of the ensemble of familiar holiday songs, as well as newly commissioned Christmas compositions. The song selection ranges from familiar carols such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "I Wonder as I Wander," "The Three Kings," "What Child Is This and "Silent Night," to a Welsh lullaby, "Suo Gan," and "Gabriel's Message," a Basque carol arranged by John Rutter. This CD is intended to go well with a cold night, a roaring fire, and some eggnog. Due to the loving work of John Atkinson and the singers of Cantus, the album is that and more. It illuminates the human side of the Nativity, focusing on the idea of new life in the dead of winter and the bond between parent and child. Beautiful holiday music, finely-crafted and effortlessly sung.

Songlist: Puer natus est, Gabriel's Message, Ave Maria, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hodi Christus natus est, O Magnum Mysterium, O Magnum Mysterium, Mary Had a Baby, Suo-Gan, A La Nanita Nana, I Wonder as I Wander, The Three Kings, What Child Is This?, Die Konige, Coventry Carol, Silent Night

Cantus : Comfort and Joy Vol 2

Review: Minneapolis/St. Paul's ten-strong, all-male Cantus has impressed us with their excellent earlier recordings and continue to do so with "Comfort and Joy: Volume Two," their second Christmas recording. Song selection and arrangements (and, for that matter, the elegant liner notes) are particularly fine here. Little-known pieces like "Puer natus in Bethlehem," Omnis mundus jucundetur," "Four Carols" by Halsey Stevens," Wm. Dawson's "Hail Mary," the Plainchant "Hodie Christus natus est," the Georgian wassailing song "Alilo," Ariel Ramirez' "Los Reyes Magos" and Babatunde Olatunji's "Betelehemu" with the more traditional carols like "Go Tell it On the Mountain," the French carol "Masters In This Hall," "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen," "Riiu Riu Chiu," and an almost unrecognizable arrangement of "Deck the Halls." Some percussion and accompaniment. Consistent throughout are the powerful harmonies of Cantus, one of our favorite male ensembles.

Songlist: Puer natus in Bethlehem, Omnis mundus jucundetur, Four Carols, All This Night Shrill Chanticleer, What Sweeter Music, As I Out Rode This Enderes Night, A Virgin Most Pure, Hail Mary, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Hodie Christmas naatus est, Masters in this Hall, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Alilo, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Los Reyes Magos, Bethlehemu, Deck The Halls

Cantus : Tidings

Review: "Cantus" is an eleven member all-male group hailing from St. Olaf's College in Minnesota. Their holiday disc includes many traditional favorites, such as "Coventry Carol," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," and "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" and an original version of "Deck the Halls" (done in 5/4, with jazzy harmonies??, a definite departure from the style on the rest of the recording). "Riu, Riu, Chiu," sung in Spanish, and accompanied by appropriate percussion, accented like a russian song (ask the group about this.) The recording, made in a church, adds atmosphere and presence to the group's own melliflous blend; the notes "float" effortlessly as if weightless. The classically-trained voices are well-suited to the sacred material, the sound of which conveys allegiance to its origin centuries ago. A calming shelter from the Christmas frenzy.

Songlist: Veni, Veni Emmanuel, O Magnum Mysterium, Riu, Riu Chiu, Gabriels' Message, Salvation Is Created, Alleluia, Hail Mary, Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming, O Holy Child, Coventry Carol, Suo-Gan, I Wonder As I Wander, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, I Saw Three Ships, Deck The Halls, Silent Night

CenturyMen : Beautiful Star

Review: Established in 1969, the CenturyMen is an auditioned men's chorus of professional musicians who are directors of music in Baptist churches across the country. The group has extensively toured the US, and has performed in churches, concert halls and on nationwide telecasts. Concert tours in foreign countries include Brazil, Russia, China, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Israel and Turkey. "Beautiful Star" is a Christmas album, heavily accompanied by piano, Hammond and pip organ, electric piano, mandolin, guitar and percussion, that features 21 songs. Many of the songs are beautifully-arranged standards such as "O Holy Night," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Wexford Carol," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Rise Up Shepherd/Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Silent Night," "Joy to the World" the spirited round "This Little Babe" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," are all wonderfully done by this veteran chorus. A few are new to us, the joyous "O Jerusalem in the Morning," the lovely, waltz-like "O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," the dramatic "What You Gonna Name Your Pretty Little Baby" and the rhythmic "Ain't That a-Rockin'," and these are the hits of the album. The CenturyMen have a powerful, rich harmonic sound (which we would love to hear unaccompanied) that rivals that of the best Barbershop Harmony Society choruses, and "Beautiful Star" is a joy from beginning to end!

Songlist: O Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard On High, Mosaic Noel 1 "Fear not: for, behold...", Wexford Carol, Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, Mosaic Noel 2 "...I bring you good tidings of great joy..., O Jerusalem in the Morning, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, Mosaic Noel 3 "...which shall be to all people..., What You Gonna Name Your Pretty Little Baby, This Little Babe, Mosaic Noel 4 "...For unto you is born this day..., Ain't That a-Rockin', O Come All Ye Faithful, Mosaic Noel 5 "in the city of David a Savior..., Rise Up, Shepherd/Go Tell It on the Mountain, Silent Night, Christmas Triptych, Mosaic Noel 6 "...which is Christ the Lord.", Joy to the World, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Digital Reflection

Chanticleer : Our Heart's Joy

Review: Comprising a mix of old and new, ecclesiastic and pastoral, familiar and undiscovered, this CD is a rich array. Biebl's "Ave Maria" is a contemporary setting, the final "Amen" resolved in a series of step-wise imitative phrases. Britten's "A Hymn To The Virgin" is a simple and consonant arrangement with a stark and melancholy beauty. The merry and lively ""Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant" is arranged by Rutter, while a medley of Christmas spirituals is a satisfying blend of Chanticleer's trained vocal style, with the non-diatonic contradiction of the blues. The final track: "Silent Night," capturing all the magic of the season, as simple and unique as a perfect snowflake. Newly remastered in 2004.

Songlist: Ave Maria...Virgo serena, Quem vidistis pastores?, In dulci jubilio, Virgen sancta, E la don don, Riu, riu, chiu, Ave Maria, There Is No Rose, A Hymn to the Virgin, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day -, Il est ne le divin enfant, O Come, o Come, Emmanuel, I Wonder as I Wander, Medley of Christmas Spirituals, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, Behold That Star, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Poor Little Jesus, What Month Was Jesus Born in?, Children, Go Where I Send Thee, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Silent Night

Chanticleer : Sing We Christmas

Review: Recorded at the Paterskirche in Kempen, Germany, in 1994, the all-male Chanticleer ensemble (featuring five countertenors), brings the consummate musicality and professionalism to this recording that we associate with any Chanticleer production. "Sing We Christmas" emphasizes classical pieces, not the typical holiday carols; rather, Charles Ives, Gustav Holst and Herbert Howells represent the twentieth century, while Handl, Victoria, Praetorius and Bach offer "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "O Magnum Mysterium" and "In Dulci Iubilo," the latter a German dance song with four separate settings (it was common practice for composers to adapt a popular song, rather than write their own) from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Songlist: Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, O Magnum Mysterium, In Dulci Iubilo, O Virgo Virginum, O Jesulein SuB, O Jesulein Mild, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mirabile Mysterium, Verbum Caro Factum Est: Y La Virgen Le Dezia, A Un Nino Llorando, Here Is The Little Door, Noel Canon, Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable, El Noi de la Mare, A Christmas Carol, A Virgin Unspotted, In the Bleak Mid Winter, Glory to the Newborn King, Stille Nacht/Douce Nuit/Silent Night

Chanticleer : Sings Christmas

Review: The Christmas concerts of Chanticleer are an institution in the USA, and international tours and recordings have made the brilliant male-voice ensemble, based in San Francisco, familiar to audiences all over the world. As Gramophone has written, "Chanticleer, it seems, can sing just about anything," and Chanticleer sings Christmas bears that out, embracing traditional carols and gospel numbers, plainsong, European and Mexican music of the 16th and 17th centuries, and composers and arrangers of the present day.

Songlist: Plainsong Quem Terra, Pontus aethera, Canite Tuba in Sion, Ne Timeas Maria, Gaudens Gaudebo, Away in a Manger, Ecce Virgo Concipiet, Ave Regina Caelorum, O Little Town of Bethlehem, D'o Viens-Tu, Belen Va Un Burrico, la Virgen Lava Panales, Touro-Louro-Louro!, Quem Pastores, Reges Terrae, Susanni, Staffan Var en Stalledrang, Corpus Christi, Gaudete, Christmas Medley, Dulce Jesus

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Rejoice And Be Merry

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : A King's College Christmas

Review: Stephen Cleobury directed the choir with this fine collection of the many of the choir's classic Christmas repertoire.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, Rejoice And Be Merry, What Sweeter Music, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, A Spotless Rose, Heer Jezus Heeft Een Hofken, King Jesus Hath A Garden, The Lamb, Bogoroditze Dyevo, Infant Holy Infant Lowly, Illuminare Jerusalem, While Shepards Watched, Quittez Pasteurs, In Dulci Jubilo, The First Nowell, Coventry Carol, Personet Hodie, O Come All Ye Faithful

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : Christmas-time Carols

Review: The earliest 15th century carols were based on simple folk melodies, with texts added representing Christmas ideas, but it was a long gap then until the Victorians, followed shortly by great 20th Century composers (Vaughan Williams, Holst etc), developed the wonderful catalogue of choral enjoyment that we enjoy here today.

Songlist: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Invitatory, While Shepherds Watched, Adam Lay Ybounden, Once in Royal David's City, I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing By, Gabriel's Message, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Sussex Carol, In Dulci Jubilo, Away in a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste fideles), Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen, Come Thou Redeemer, Twas in the Year that King Uzziah Died, Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding, A Spotless Rose, I Sing of a Maiden, Remember O Thou Man, On Jordan's Bank, Up! Awake!, King Jesus Hath a Garden, The Blessed Son of God, O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Chor Leoni : Carols & Lullabies

Review: This renamed and repackaged version of Chor Leoni's first Christmas recording (Magnificat) presents three substantial and endearing seasonal works. The sunny Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa derives from the folk music of Hispanic America, and sets the Holy birth in the context of a Southwestern pinata party. Italian composer Ottorino Respighi was an early twentieth-century composer who looked to the past for inspiration and musical materials, e.g., in his well-known Ancient Airs and Dances. This tendency can also be heard in the Laud to the Nativity of Our Lord, Respighi's self-described "personal Christmas card to the world." The disc also includes the premiere recording of a Chor Leoni commission, Magnificat by Vancouver composer Rupert Lang. Using the unusual combination of mezzo-soprano soloist and male chorus, Lang seeks to express Mary's personal, human response to the formal biblical text, with wonderful results. Special guests for this recording include mezzo-soprano Mariateresa Magisano (winner of the 1998 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), soprano Lambroula Maria Pappas (winner of the 1999 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), and Elektra Women's Choir (four-time consecutive First Place winners in the CBC Competition).

Songlist: Oh, mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A la Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana Sobre Campana, En Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirriquitin, El Rorro, Lauda per la Nativita del Signore, Magnificat, Recitative, Mary's Song, Magnificat, Quia Fecit, Fecit Potentiam, Suscepit Israel, Gloria

Chor Leoni : Yuletide Fires

Review: Vancouver BC's finest, Chor Leoni Men's Choir has delighted us in previous CDs, particularly with Folk tunes and sea shanties. Here we have a sumptuous, rich collection of 22 Christmas songs that show off CL's range, talent and feeling. From the Gregorian chants "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "Veni, Veni Emanuel," "Lux Aeterna," and "Alma Redemptoris Mater," the English carol "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen," and the Canadian "Huron Carol," to Diane Loomer's title tune, the Sarum chant "Veni Redemtor Gencium: and the Austrian carol "Still, Still, Still," this is great stuff. There is some light accompaniment such as organ on a few cuts, but basically this is just a great male chorus showing off its chops on Christmas music ranging from the traditional and well-known to unknown and eclectic. Highly recommended.

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, God Rest You Merry, Huron Carol, Letabundus, As Joseph Was A-Walking, Es ist ein Ros' entspungen, Le sommeil de l'enfant Jesus, Veni, Veni Emanuel, Yuletide Fires, Nouvelle agreable!, The Lord at First, Lux Aeterna, Quelle est cetter odeur agreable, Veni Redemptor Gencium, Dostoyno Yest, Svete Tihiy, Alma Redemptoris Mater, Stille Nacht, Drei Konige, Rise Up Shepherd, Christmas Angel, Still, Still, Still

Chor Leoni : Yuletide Fires 2

Review: With our world changing so rapidly, with our means of communication accelerating at dizzying speeds, with our cultures and beliefs intermingling and becoming less well-defined, what does Christmastime mean to people in our world and how do we choose the music for a CD that will be appealing to listeners? In many ways the music on this CD, Yuletide Fires II, is a reflection of that current world. You'll find ancient Latin chant expressing the wonder of the virgin and child; familiar words and carols that connect us to a Christmas of our childhood; songs written in the 21st century that explore new ways to celebrate the joys of Christmas and hopes and possibilities of a new year. There are also tunes and tales that tell of traditions and transport us back in memory to that time of heightened anticipation. We are thrilled to have renowned mezzo-soprano Judith Forst join us on this CD - what a wonderful Christmas present!

Songlist: What Child Is This?, Alma Redemptoris Mater, A La Nanita Nana, Ubi Caritas, Ave Regina Caelorum, The Gate of the Year, Ave Maria, The Three Kings, Sweet Was the Song, In the Bleak Midwinter, Peace I Leave with You, Salve Regina, Koppangen, Cantique de Noel, Regina Caeli, A New Year Carol, O Tannenbaum, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, To Drive the Cold Winter Away, The Mummer Song, Christmas Time Is Here

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

Collegium Regale : Christmas with

Review: The incomparable sound of the men of King's College is unleashed on everything from chant to Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer. Close harmonies, impeccable tuning, and perfect programming make this a "must-have" CD for connoisseurs of the very best in choral singing. 22 songs: Handl's "Ante luciferum gentus," Byrd's "O magnum mysterium," "Puer natus est," "Ecce advenit," "The Coventry Carol," "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen," "There is no rose of such virtue," "Beata es, Virgo Maria," "Quem vidistis, pastores?," "Hodie Christus natus est"... the Scholars make each song a lovely gem.

Songlist: Ante lucifeum genitus, O Magnum Mysterium, Puer natus est, Ecce advenit, Coventry Carol, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, There is no rose of such virtue, Beata es, Virgo Maria, Quem vidistis pastores, Hodie Christus natus est, Once In Royal David's Coty, Deck The Hall, Silent Night, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Hark! the hearld angel sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Rudelph the red-nosed reindeer, White Christmas, Wonderful Christmastide, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

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Neude Freude Ist Uber Uns Gekommen

Don Cossack Choir : In Dulci Jubilo

Review: The Christmas concert, with Russian and German Christmas carols, was recorded in one of Germany's most beautiful Baroque churches. In addition to the well known sacred songs such as "In dulci jubilo" and Russian pieces like "Gospodie Pomuli", Wanja Hlibka delved deeply into the ways of both cultures. The a cappella version of "Es ist ein Ros entspungen", for example, enchanted the 1700 concert goers with the Kosaken's Russian melancholy..... a moving and grandiose experience. The church's interior, when one considers the basilica's dimensions, presents a challenge to a vocal ensemble. With a depth of over eighty meters, it requires the vocal power of the Russian operatic soloists comprising Wanja Hlibka's choir to elicit the necessary charisma from the vocally sophisticated arrangements and to captivate the audience in the way that they did. The atmosphere of the concert, dependent on the desired expression and dynamic, ranges from a peaceful, quiet, almost gentle honoring of the child in the manger to an enormous room-filling song of praise proclaiming the joy at the birth of the Redeemer.

Songlist: Credo, Neude Freude Ist Uber Uns Gekommen, Christus Ist Geboren, Gott Sei Mit Uns, In Dulci Jubilo, Oh Kommet Ihr Glaubigen, Tedeum Laudamus, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, Gospodie Pomilui, Sisser Die Glocken Nie Klingen, Russischer Weihnachtsgesang, Die Glocken Von Jerusalem, In Der Kirche, Leise Rieselt Der Schnee, Ich Bete An Die Macht Der Liebe

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

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Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant

Ensemble Amarcord : Coming Home For Christmas

Review: Ensemble Amarcord is one of the most acclaimed male vocal ensembles performing today and this Christmas release shows why. Impeccable blend and enticing arrangements makes this a recording that will be a favorite every holiday season. It combines 15 Amarcord classics, taking you from Finland to Nigeria, from Trinidad & Tobago to Poland - sometimes jazzy, sometimes reflective and moving, but always guided by the longing for coming home for Christmas.

Songlist: Juokse, Porosein!, So Viel Heimlichkeit, Winter Wonderland, Nu Taendas Tusen Juleljus, Noel Nouvelet, Betelehemu, Jezus Malusienki, Stille Nacht, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Fum, Fum, Fum, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, White Christmas, Summer Sleeps (Greta's Song), I Wonder As I Wander, Parang Christmas Chutney, So Viel Heimlichkeit (Zuckerbaecker-remix)

Ensemble Amarcord : In Adventu Domini

Review: Christmas has been celebrated for many centuries in all corners of the world, and this tradition has brought forth what are probably some of the most beautiful and enduring folk songs. The present CD is as diverse as the cultures. It goes from the well-known 'Es ist ein Ros entspungen' by way of Sicily ('O sanctissima') to Trinidad, and from Gregorian chant through the Renaissance to a Christmas motet by Thomaskantor Erhard Mauersberger (1903-1982). 'In adventu Domini' contains Advent and Christmas pieces from a period of over a half a millennium, including real gems that are gems not just because they are not to be found on any other Christmas CD. And of course the Leipzig vocal ensemble Amarcord once again arouses enthusiasm with its incomparable sound.

Songlist: Hosianna Dem Sohne Davids, Hymnus - In Adventu Domini, Ante Luciferum Genitus, O Heiland Reiss Die Himmel Auf, Angelus ad Virginem, Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging, Ther Is No Rose Of Swych Vertu, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, O Sanctissma, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, In Dulci Jubilo, O Regem Coeli, Weinacht, Schlaf, Mein Kindlein, Riu Riu Chiu, Rise Up Shepard And Follow, La Baylere, O Jesulein Suss, Ich Steh An Deiner Krippen Hier, Ding Dong Ding, Stille Nacht

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Behold That Star

Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Review: For many years Waring and his Pennsylvanians entertained America with radio and tv broadcasts, as well as stage shows and a multitude of recordings. Culled from the Waring archives, the spontaneity and energy of these live recordings comes through from the first cut. Featured are famous Pennsylvanian soloists and the incomparable Waring Glee Club on these 21 wonderful (all big band accompanied) songs of Christmas. We can't really pick favorites here. The jazzy "Jingle Bells" perhaps, or the Teen Trio's solo on "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer" that segues into manic sound-effect silliness." Certainly the "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow Medley," Frank Davis' soulful solo on "One for the Little Bitty Baby," and Jack Best and Gordon Goodman on "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Oh, and we have to include Jane Wilson's solos on "Away In A Manger" and "Cantique De Noel" (Oh Holy Night). The bottom line is, this is great, classic entertainment by, in our opinion, the premier choral organization of all time. Christmas music just doesn't get any better than this!

Songlist: Opening: I Hear Music, Jingle Bells, Christmas Was Meant For Children, Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, One For The Little Bitty Baby, Medley (Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, The Sleigh, Winter Wonderland), White Christmas, The Christmas Song, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, Medley (Adeste Fidelis, The First Noel, Carol Of The Bells), Beautiful Savior, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Rise Up Shepard And Foller, Oh Gathering Clouds, Behold That Star, Medley Of English Carols (Suzzani, Coventry Carol, Gloucestershire Wassail), Away In A Manger, Cantique De Noel (Oh Holy Night), Silent Night/Come Unto Him, Closing Sleep

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It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Harvard Glee Club : Christmas With

Review: The oldest college chorus in America, the 60-voice, all-male Harvard Glee Club was essentially a social club on campus after its founding in 1858, performing college songs and glees to the accompaniment of banjos and mandolins. It was not until 1912, under the dynamic leadership of its new conductor, Dr. Archibald Davison, that it began to develop a repertoire of distinction and earn a national reputation. Under conductor Jameson Marvin since 1978, the HGC has been invited to perform at 5 national conventions of the ACDA, and recently they have appeared at Boston's Symphony Hall and Kennedy Center, and at the Lincoln Center in New York. "Christmas With" is a finely-crafted, mostly a cappella Christmas collection of 13 songs. Favorites are the 13th Century Georgian wedding song "Shen khar venakhi," the Gregorian chant "Salve Regina," Josquin des Prez' "Gloria," Michael Pretorius' lovely "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming," the traditional carol "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," the organ-accompanied "Three Kings of Orient," Leonard Bernstein's "Almighty Father," Hildegard von Bingen's haunting "Caritas abundat," Thomas Tallis' "Sanctus," Randall Thompson's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," based on the Robert Frost poem, Hans Leo von Hassler's exquisite "Cantate Domino" and Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria." "Christmas With the Harvard Glee Club" is a richly harmonic gift to yourself or your loved ones that will add to your celebration and joy of Christmas!

Songlist: Shen Khar Venakhi, Salve Regina, Kyrie, Gloria, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Three Kings Of Orient, Almighty Father, Caritas Abundat, Sanctus, Stopping by Woods On A Snowy Evening, Cantate Domino, Ave Maria

Heartland Men's Chorus : A Song For Christmas

Review: HMC's first holiday recording, this wonderful CD is being re-released in 2005 in celebration of the Chorus' 20th anniversary after having been out-of-print for several years. Conducted by Reuben M. Reynolds, III.

Songlist: A Winter Triptych, Din Don Merrily On High, O Holy Night, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Gloria, The Christmas Song, Silent Night, Holy Night, The Holly and the Ivy, A New Year's Song, Water Under Snow is Weary, Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, White Christmas, A Song For Christmas

Heartland Men's Chorus : New December

Review: HMC's third holiday disc, this recording includes an exceptionally wide and diverse range of music--yet reflects on the quiet of winter as we await the emergence of new life in the spring. A timely thought as we hurry through the holidays and deal with a sometimes chaotic world.

Songlist: Sing We Now of Christmas, Lux Aurumque, A New Decamber, A La Nanita Nana, Bogoroditse Devo, An Angel Gets Its Wings, Deck The Halls in 7/8, The Sleigh (a la Russe), Hodie, Ose Shalom, The Bells, Nativity Carol, Angel's Blessing, Ding Dong Merrily on High

King's Singers : Christmas Songbook

Review: World-renowned a cappella group The King's Singers follow their recent Great American Songbook album with the Christmas equivalent, on a disc that pays homage to the group's roots whilst acknowledging their current passion for swing. Traditional favourites such as ", "In the bleak midwinter," and the beautiful Austrian carol "Still, Still, Still," jockey for position amongst modern-day classics like "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Sleigh Ride." All are presented in new arrangements by some of the group's favourite arrangers: Berty Rice, Keith Roberts and Alexander L'Estrange.

Songlist: Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Arr. Alexander L'Estrange), In the Bleak Midwinter (Arr. Alexander L'Estrange), It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Still, Still, Still, Carol of the Bells, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Frosty vs Rudolph, the Re-Boot, White Christmas, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, The First Nowell, Sleigh Ride, The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot, Silent Night, Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

King's Singers : Christmas With

Review: Christmas with The King's Singers New music, old music, music from the Renaissance and Baroque, spirituals, folksongs, jazz and pop... The Beatles, David Bowie, swing, classical avantgarde, waltzes by Strauss, and musical theatre songs. Which genre of music are the King's Singers actually yet to interpret? Which style have they not yet captured within their unique global reach and within their transparent and intimate six-voiced sound world? One thing is for sure - when the King's Singers came together at the end of the 1960s in Cambridge, no one would have believed the success story that lay ahead of them. Some musical experts were scathing: a male-only vocal sextet was most likely to be found in the pop sector. But trained voices are surely better suited to a professional career either in the opera world or in mixed professional choirs. After all, the founding members came from the famous King's College Choir - one of the oldest surviving vocal institutions with nearly 500 years of history to it's name. It is with this tradition behind them that the King's Singers display the typical British musical virtues in which seriousness and humour, self-discipline, and a dash of satire all mix together so wonderfully. This is especially evident in their Christmas repertoire. Christmas carols are a special national treasure for Brits and are therefore the focus of festivities. The six voices' festive destinations also include the continent, such as Spain and Germany. "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" by the German early Baroque master composer Michael Praetorius has become a Christmas standard. The world famous carol "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" ("Silent Night") comes from the German-speaking world too, written for Christmas Eve in a village near Salzburg in 1818. The simple, classical melody radiates a little of the spirit of Mozart, who was born in Salzburg. What a pity there is no musical contribution to these Christmas festivities from Mozart, the King's Singers may have thought! Perhaps that's how they came up with the idea for an amusing and cheeky Christmas medley of melodies from the great classical composer, reinforced by the harpsichord playing of English conductor Richard Hickox and the singing of guest star Kiri Te Kanawa. © Oliver Buslau, 2017 Translation: texthouse

Songlist: Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, Here We Come a Wassailing, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The Little Drummer Boy, I Wonder As I Wander, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht, O Little Town of Bethlehem, A Little Christmas Music (Medley Ë la Mozart), Coventry Carol, The Boar's Head Carol, Gaudete, Joy to the World, Riu Riu Chiu, El Nino Querido, Nit de Vetlla, Deck the Hall, He Wexford Carol, The Gift, Patapan and Farandole

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O little one sweet

King's Singers : Joy to the World

Review: The first new Christmas CD from the King's Singers since their popular 2004 release "Christmas", this new disc sets an eclectic assortment of modern Christmas classics with special arrangements of some much loved favourites. "Precise intonation, instinctive articulation, a downy, luxuriant tone, all captured in an excitingly lifelike recording" - International Record Review. "The King's Singers' style is beautifully detailed, and even the most familiar carols sound fresh." - Classic FM Magazine

Songlist: Rise up, shepherd, and follow, Gabriel's message, Noel nouvelet, What child is this?, The crown of roses, O little one sweet, Lullay my liking, Stille Nacht, The quiet heart, There is a flower, Joy to the world, Serenade d'hiver, The twelve days of Christmas, Gaudete, God rest you merry gentlemen, The little drummer boy, Jingle bells, Deck the hall with boughs of holly

King's Singers : King's Singers Christmas

Review: Started in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from King's College in Cambridge, the group quickly became a musical force in the UK, and the rest of the world soon followed. Since then they have been delighting audiences with incomparable musicianship, from mediaeval to renaissance, romantic to contemporary, folk and pop. The Singers looked into the music that most touched them to hear and sing in their own childhoods, and "Christmas" is the result-the quintessential classical Christmas CD. 25 perfectly performed songs, some favorites: the traditional Veni, veni Emmanuel" and "This is the truth sent from above," Praetorius' "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen," Bo Holten's "Nowell sing we now," Phillip Lawson's "Lullay my liking," Tchaikovsky' "The Crown of Roses," John Rutter's "There is a flower," Ramirez' "La Peregrinacion," and Gruber's "Stille Nacht." Extensive, multilingual liner notes with all lyrics. Incomparable, trademark King's Singers and soaring vocals throughout.

Songlist: Veni, veni Emmanuel, Angelus ad Virginem, This is the truth sent from above, Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern, Es ist ein Ros' ensprungen, There is no rose, Coventry Carol, Nowell sing we now, Remember, O thou man, In dulci jubilo, Lullay my liking, Bogoroditsye Dyevo, The Lamb, Maria durch ein Dornwald ging, O little one sweet, Bethlehem Down, The Crown of Roses, To us in Bethlem City, Szezo to za prediwo, There Is a Flower, La Peregrinacion, Away in a manger, Noel nouvelet, Stille Nacht, Born on a New Day

King's Singers : Let It Snow

Review: One of Germanys best-loved classical performers joins forces with a legendary close-harmony group for a winter-themed album to bring warmth to the dark months of the year: Albrecht Mayer & The Kings Singers. The pairing of probably the worlds most famous and accomplished oboist, with the UKs celebrated vocal ensemble The Kings Singers is a heavenly musical partnership. The interplay of colors, melodies and harmonies between these performers enchant and delight in Baroque, classical and seasonal favorites. Mayer, the oboist with the magical tone, is renowned for the sublime singing quality of his playing. On Let It Snow the tone of his oboe blends magnificently with the silky sounds of a group that has been entertaining audiences across the globe since 1968. This specially chosen mixed-genre program is woven around the theme of winter: snow, ice, fireplaces, sleigh rides, Christmas, New Years, Chanukah.

Songlist: Let It Snow, Adagio, Baby, It's Cold Outside, She Moved Through The County Fair, Aleih Neiri, Winter, Es Ist ein Ros' entsprungen, Jingle Bells, What Child Is This?, Sinfonia, The Wild Wood Carol, Frhlingstraum, Srnade d'hiver

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)

Libera : Christmas Carols With Libera

Review: Boys from South London with 65 million views on YouTube make up the choral group Libera and are normal kids aged 7 to 16 years. The music they produce is truly extraordinary. In addition to their annual tour to America, Libera appearances include The Today Show, Tonight Show, PBS, NBC, Kennedy Center Honors, Yankee Stadium Papal Mass and many more. Their new album 'Christmas Carols With Libera' is available on CD plus digital formats. Taking on the mellow and the more upbeat songs in this collection, the boys of Libera had great fun. The likes of 'Ding Dong Merrily On High' require real precision, as well as purity. Many of the tracks were recorded during a group 'retreat' to a rehearsal space in an old school, this allowed a true live feel to the process. The boy who took the lead vocal on 'The Snowman' had just turned 9 years old, whilst the introductions to the French 'Noel Nouvelet' and the Irish 'Wexford Carol' are both handled by native French and Gaelic speakers, Libera is as polyglot as ever. The distinctive sound of Libera has travelled the world in the last few years. The group's albums have topped both mainstream and classical charts in many countries, and their recordings hold their place in top 10s alongside major artists. Libera's unique sound has endeared the group to fans all over the world, particularly in the USA, the UK, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan, where their CDs top the mainstream and classical charts and where they pack concert halls appearing in their trademark flowing white robes on imaginatively lit stages. "When I heard them sing... It does remind me a lot of The Beach Boys, but actual boys" - Brian Wilson

Songlist: In Dulci Jubilo, Walking in the Air, Ding Dong Merrily on High, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Noel Nouvelet, Once in Royal David's City, I Saw Three Ships, What Child Is This (Greensleeves), Sing Lullaby (The Infant King, Carol of the Bells, Wexford Carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The Angel Gabriel, Poor Little Jesus, Gaudete, Silent Night, Do You Hear What I Hear?

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)

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

Men of the Musicians of Melodious Accord : And Glory Shone

Review: Hymns and Carols for the Christmas season all composed or arranged by Alice Parker. Includes favorites such as Touro-louro-louro, In the Bleak Midwinter, The Friendly Beasts, Silent Night, and more. Introduces While Shepherds Watched, The Little Cradle, Sweet Coming, In Bethlehem, Magnificat, We Sing, and others. Performed by The Musicians of Melodious Accord conducted by Alice Parker.

Songlist: While Shepherds Watched, Sweet Coming, Let Our Gladness Banish Sadness, The Little Cradle, Touro-Iouro-Iouro, Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes, In the Bleak Midwinter, Il Est N, Magnificat, We Sing, Ya Viene la Vieja, La Virgen Lava Pa Ales, Hacia Bel N Va Un Borrico, In Bethlehem, I Saw a Stable, Shrill Chanticleer, My Dancing Day, Silent Night, The Friendly Beasts, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

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

Notre Dame Glee Club : In Dulci Jubilo

Review: The 71-strong male voices of the NDGC presents this fine collection of Christmas musical landmarks in "the hope of reawakening that mystery and wonder" of the Christmas seasons of their childhood. A noble purpose, and beautifully realized, from the opening cut, the lovely title song, and a marvelous "Gloucestershire Wassail," Steven Sametz' "Noel," and "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming to Handl's "O Magnum Mysterium," Monteverdi's "Hodie Christus natus est," a ringing "Riu, riu, chiu" and "Here We Come A Wassailing," this is as rich, smooth, melodic and harmonious as any Christmas collection we've heard. We particularly enjoyed the spiritual "Mary Had A Baby" and the joyous West Indian song "De Mornin' Come." One of the best of the year!

Songlist: In Dulci Jubilo - traditional, arr. R. L. Pearsall, adapted Patrick D. Quigley, Glouscestershire Wassail - traditional, arr. Patrick D. Quigley, Noel! (Canon) - Steven Sametz, There Is No Rose - anonymous 15th-century English, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming - Michael Praetorius, Ave Maria - Franz Biebl, O Magnum Mysterium, Hodie Christus natus est - Claudio Monteverdi, Riu, riu, chiu - anonymous 16th-century Spanish, Here We Come A-Wassailing - traditional, arr. Daniel Pedtke, O Tannenbaum - traditional, arr. Shaw/Parker, Carol of the Bells - Leontovich, arr. Wihousky, Mary Had a Baby - Spiritual, arr. Dawson, Betelehemu - arr. Wendell Whalum, De Mornin' Come - West Indian Christmas Song, arr. Whalum, Jingle Bells - James Pierpont, arr. David Clark Isele, Winter Wonderland - Smith/Bernard, arr. Ed Waesche, White Christmas, The Christmas Song - Mel Torme/Robert Wells, arr. Gene Puerling, We Wish You a Merry Christmas - traditional, arr. Daniel Pedtke

Orphei Drangar : Christmas Music

Review: The world renowned Orphei Drangar, treats us to a variety of Christmas songs from around the world, including Scandinavia, Germany, England and France. Selections include Gustaf Nordqvist's sweet lullaby "Jul, jul stralande jul," "Ave Maria" by Franz Biebl and "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen." Conducted by Robert Sund, this wonderful choir is joined by soprano Christina Hogman and baritone Peter Mattei with Bengt Forsberg on organ. This is a simply beautiful recording.

Songlist: Hosiana, Nar det lider mot jul, Jul, jul, stralande jul, Bereden vag for herran, Psalm 24, Betlehems stjarna, Forunderligt at sige, Giv mig ej glans, Op. 1 No. 4, Hodie Christus natus est, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Die Konige, Stille Nacht, Est ist ein Ros' entsprungen, Joy to the World, O Come, all ye Faithful, How far is it to Bethlehem?, Anonymous: Ding dong! Merrily on High, Anonymous: Coventry Carol, Anonymous: A la nanita nana, Cantique de Noel, Anonymous: La Marche des rois, Anonymous: Quelle est cette odeur agrable?

Orphei Drangar : Christmas Songs

Review: Formed in 1853, the choir Orphei Drangar (OD) has constantly striven to discover and develop new directions for the male-voice choir, while not neglecting its splendid traditions. The first OD disc recorded together with the choir's new artistic director, the celebrated choral conductor Cecilia Rydinger Alin, is no exception. Described by Choir & Organ (UK) as 'a tremendous choir, with superb technique and an immense, expressive range', OD gives proof of its versatility in a highly varied program which still manages to stay within the theme of Christmas: original settings and new arrangements of Swedish folk songs and Christmas classics, English carols and Broadway songs - with Stille Nacht, a Russian hymn in praise of the Holy Virgin, and Eric Whitacre's widely admired Lux aurumque added for good measure. Supplying even more nuances to the palette is the choir's guest artist, the young Swedish soprano Ida Falk Winland, as well as a brass ensemble, supporting choir and soloist in parts of the program.

Songlist: Koppangen, Forunderligt at sige, Jul, jul, stralande jul, Hosiannah!, Madonnans vaggvisa, Vittskovlevisan, Staffansvisa fran Orust, Hodie Christus natus est, He Shall Feed His Flock, Lux aurumque, Stille Nacht, Dostoyno yest, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Joy to the World, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Oxford New College Choir : Carols from New College

Review: The University of Oxford's world famous choir performs a selection of famous and lesser-known carols.

Songlist: O come all ye faithful, Adam Lay Y Bounden, Out of your sleep, The angel Gabriel, A Spotless Rose, Ding dong merrily on high, In the bleak midwinter, The holly and the ivy, I wonder as I wander, A babe is born, Sussex carol, This is the truth, A Virgin most pure, Here is the little door, Alleluya a new work is come on hand, Lully lulla thou tiny little child, In dulci jubilo, There is no rose, Rocking carol, Wassail Carol, Once in royal David's city

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