The ancient art of men's choral singing began early in the history of western music. From its roots in Jewish liturgical chant and the monastic chants of the early Christian church, through groups of troubadours in Medieval France and the male singing societies of nineteenth-century England and Germany, the male chorus has a rich and varied history, influenced by many of the world's most important cultures and religions. In modern times, male chorus traditions are carried on by collegiate and community choruses in dozens of countries around the world. With this program, the Washington Men's Camerata begins a series of recordings of some of the timeless gems of our repertoire, with the hope that this lasting testament to the power of men's voices raised in song will serve to inspire future generations of singers.

Songlist: Brothers, Sing On, Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, The Pasture, De Animals A-Comin, Waitin' For The Dawn Of Peace, Down By The Sally Gardens, Ave Maria, If Ye Love Me, Spaseniye Sodelal, Song Of Peace, Ride The Chariot, The Long Day Closes, Vive L'Amour, Down In The Valley, What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor, Shenandoah, Battle Hymn Of The Republic

Thomas Beveridge and the Washington Men's Camerata give glorious and joyful performances on this Christmas recording. The triumphant title piece "Masters in this Hall" begins with the chorus and a soft drum beat that eventually grows to include organ and virtuosic piano. This and most of the other pieces are arranged by Beveridge, who is very accomplished in writing for men's voices. Juxtaposing the male sound are several soprano solos sung by Rosa Lamoreaux including "The First Mercy" by Peter Warlock. Other highlights include Beveridge's arrangement of "The Shepherds' Farewell" from Berlioz's L'Enfance du Christ and Biebl's peaceful "Ave Maria."

Songlist: Carol of the Drum, The First Mercy, O Maria, Diana Stella, The Three Holy Kings, Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming, The Shepherds' Farewell, Ave Maria, O Tannenbaum/Adeste Fideles, Wassail Song, The Holly and the Ivy, Carol of the Birds, March of the Kings, O Holy Night, Carol of the Bells, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, El est ne, Quittez Pasteurs, In Dulci Jubilo/Angels We Have Heard on High

A delightful Christmas disc, sung by a medium-sized men's choir under the baton of their new director, Frank Albinder (formerly of Chanticleer). Daniel Pinkham's popular Christmas Cantata is the centerpiece of this program, in a rarely heard (original) arrangement for men's voices and brass.

Songlist: Benedicamus Domino, Noel!, O Come, O Come, Emanuel, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, O Holy Child, The Chanticleer's Carol, Of The Father's Love Begotten, Deck The Hall, Christmas Cantata: Maestoso, Christmas Cantata: Adagio, Christmas Cantata: Allegro, Little Lamb, Coventry Carol, Betelehemu, Of The Father's Love Begotten, A Stable-Lamp Is Lighted, The First Nowell, In Dulci Jubilo, The Glory Manger, Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes

"Spirit of Freedom" has received critical acclaim in all the major publications (Fanfare, American Record Guide, etc.) Several of the tracks have been featured on a PBS series called "Freedom: A History of US." In addition, those same tracks have been featured on a soundtrack recording and companion anthology released by SONY records. Gothic's original recording "The Spirit of Freedom" is the best anthology available of patriotic songs and the only complete recording containing all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner.

Songlist: The Star Spangled Banner, Hail to the Chief, National Hymn: God of Our Fathers, Navy Hymn: Eternal Father, Yankee Doodle, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, You're a Grand Old Flag, Semper Paratus, The U.S. Air Force, Anchors Aweigh, The Marine Hymn, The Caissons Go Rolling Along, America ("My Country, Tis of Thee"), Chester, Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, The God Who Gave Us Life, This Land Is Your Land, The Yankee Doodle Boy, God Bless America, America, The Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner (Complete), This Is My Country, Battle Hymn of the Republic

Under the direction of Frank Albinder (formerly of Chanticleer) the Washington Men's Camerata has become one of the nation's foremost men's choirs. In this recording, they focus on classic glee club literature, a testament to the power of men's voices raised in song.

Songlist: On Great Lone Hills, Gentle Annie, Amo, Amas, I Love A Lass, And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, Homesick Blues, Cantate Domino, Cantique De Jean Racine, Five Ways to Kill A Man, Someboy's Calling My Name, Danny Boy, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Hard Times Come no More, Last Letter Home, Dona Nobis Pacem, The God Who Gave Us Life, Men Of Harchlech!, Loch Lomond, Stout Hearted Men