Review: A collection of Sacred Choral Classics, Songs of Christmas, Ethnic Songs and African American Spirituals conducted by Robert Scholz fills this wonderful recording by the Viking Chorus of St. Olaf College. These pieces have been taken from many of their concerts, including their participation in the Christmas festivals. The recording begins with the first and final sections of William Byrd's Mass for Three voices. Other selections include compositions by director Scholz, such as "Set Me as a Seal" with piano and oboe accompaniment and the a cappella "All this Night." They also sing two selections is Swedish. This recording is a well sung variety of repertoire for men's voices.

Songlist: Mass for 3 Voices, Qui tollis, Haec est dies, The Cherubic Hymn, Cantique de Jean Racine, Nunc dimittis in Bb, Set Me as a Seal, The Shepherd's Psalm, All This Night, O Holy Child, Midnight Clear, Carols and Lullabies, Pa fjallet i sol, Domaredansen, What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor, Down By The Sally Gardens, Savory, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, Somebody's Calling My Name, Were You There?, In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin'

Review: Dr. Christopher Aspaas, assistant professor of choral/vocal music at Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College directs the Viking Chorus, a group of more than 80 first-year student men who have been organized to sing the highest quality literature. Their repertoire includes motets, cantata movements and anthems, contemporary choral pieces, spirituals, folksongs, and music traditionally associated with men's singing groups. There are 17 songs here, some favorites are the Moses Hogan spiritual "Plenty Good Room," the African song "One by One," from "Rhythm of the Pridelands," "The Water is Wide/Blow Ye Winds" medley, the profound "This is My Song" by Jean Sibelius, the rhythmic gem (with non-vocal percussion) "Betelehemu," the powerful spiritual "Rainbow Round My Shoulder," Ludovico Viadana's "Exsultate Justi," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria," Eric Sayre's "Agnus Dei," and the traditional songs "Danny Boy," "Byker Hill," "Loch Lomond" and "Shine on Me." There is some light accompaniment (such as organ, piano and percussion). "Repertoire" is a strong collection, sung with a masculine, soulful spirit that touches and moves us!

Songlist: One By One, Exsultate Justi, Barechu, The Word Was God, Ave Maria, Agnus Dei, Lost In The Night, Betelehemu, O God, Our Help In Ages Past, This Is My Song, Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder, The Water Is Wide/Blow Ye Winds, Danny Boy, Byker Hill, Loch Lomond, Plenty Good Room, Shine On Me

Review: The St. Olaf College Viking Chorus is a group of 60 first-year college men who have been organized to sing high quality music written for men's voices. They perform a program that includes motets, cantata movements, as well as contemporary choral pieces, spirituals, folk songs and the like. Included are 24 songs, from the title tune, Richard Farrant's "Hide Not Thou Thy Face," and Vivaldi's "Crucifixus," to Michael Cox' beautiful "O Holy Child," the folk songs "Down By The Sally Gardens" and " The Miller of Dee," closing with the lovely spirituals "Steal Away" and "Somebody's Calling My Name." Smooth, strong harmonies--this is powerful, inspirational spiritual music, sung with youthful energy by this wonderfully directed Christian male chorus. Great stuff!

Songlist: Rise Up, O Men of God, Hide Not Thou Thy Face, Crucifixus, If Ye Love Me, Haec est dies, O Blessed Are the Dead, Come, Let Us Worship, A Song of Joy, When Christmas Morn is Dawning, O Holy Child, Litany to the Holy Spirit, How Can I Keep from Singing?, Missa Salve Regina:, -Sanctus, -Benedictus, - Agnus Dei, Loch Lomond, Two Folk Songs for Male Voices:, -Down By the Sally Gardens, -The Miller of Dee, A Lovesong Trilogy, -Set Me as a Seal, -My Heart Is Like a Singing Bird, - A Red, Red, Rose, Were You There?, Steal Away, Somebody's Calling Me Name