One of our all-time favorite groups since their founding in San Francisco in 1978, 12-man professional a cappella vocal ensemble Chanticleer has gained an international reputation, performing over 100 concerts a year around the world. But they have been most sought after at Christmas. In its extensive discography, which includes several Grammy winners, Chanticleer's Christmas recordings are best-sellers. To us, "A Chanticleer Christmas is a particular treat because it was recorded live at Stanford University's magnificent Memorial Church. The soaring, glorious harmonies (including some of the purest and cleanest male soprano leads we've heard) are simply stunning. The 15-tune songlist includes classical music like Handl's "O Admirabile Commercium," Giovanni Nanino's "Hodie Nobis Caelorum Rex" and Michael Praetorius' "En! Natus Est Emanuel/Psallite;" traditional carols such as "Caroling, Caroling/Bright, Bright the Holly Berries," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Un Flambeau, Jeannette Isabella," "Away in a Manger," "O Holy Night" and "The First Nowell;" and goodies such as Peter Warlock''s "Bethlehem Down" the Plainsong "Hodie Christus Natus Est" and Robert Young's "There is No Rose of Such Virtue." A powerful, joyous collection by Chanticleer, who are clearly in their element, and we, well, we are fortunate enough to be listening to them do their wondrous thing! |
