In the jewel box, behind the "Christmas at Luther 2010" CD is a panoramic photograph, with a bird's eye view of the annual event held at Iowa's Luther College-showing the giant pipe organ, the huge, colorful mural, and the massed music groups: The Symphony Orchestra, Nordic Choir, Cantorei, Cathedral Choir, Aurora, Norsemen and Luther Ringers. One of the largest collegiate music programs in the world, the Luther campus is alive with the sounds of six choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands and more than 1,000 student musicians! Here are 20 live cuts, most of them accompanied, that tell the story of the Nativity in music. The spoken narration notable in past events has given way to some of the most beautiful choral Christmas music imaginable: just listen to the dramatic, wonderful "Hope for Resolution," Vivaldi's "Gloria in Excelsis," Mendelssohn's "There Shall a Star From Jacob Come Forth," "The First Nowell" and "Gloria," all sung by the combined choirs, Symphony Orchestra (sometimes with organ). This is music that rivals Handl's "Messiah" in pure, beautiful power. The Cathedral Choir's lovely spiritual "I Believe This Is Jesus," John Rutter's "Angel's Carol," aptly performed by Aurora, Cantorei and the Symphony Orchestra, the Norsemen's rhythmic, harmonic performance of the traditional Kenyan carol "Wana Baraka"-this is great stuff! "Christmas at Luther" is one of the greatest annual musical traditions in the United States, come join in the celebration! |
