The 50 boy singers of San Mateo, CA's Ragazzi are conducted by Joyce Keil in this wonderful and diverse collection of songs of praise. From the solemn 14th-century pilgrim song ("Stella Splendens") and the wonderful Renaissance motet ("Salve Regina") to the folk rhythms of the "Misa Criolla" and the wild instrumental colors of the modern "Estampie Natalis," these songs all celebrate the birth of Jesus, and his mother. Taking on the hard work of learning these difficult pieces, the young singers skipped and danced out of the studio after perfecting a song. Other favorites are the 5 movements of Giacomo Perti's "Magnificat A 4," and Thomas Luis de Victoria's "O Sacrum Convivium." There is some accompaniment by organ, piccolo, strings, recorder, bass and percussion. A joyful, touching effort by talented Ragazzi. |
