The 71-strong male voices of the NDGC presents this fine collection of Christmas musical landmarks in "the hope of reawakening that mystery and wonder" of the Christmas seasons of their childhood. A noble purpose, and beautifully realized, from the opening cut, the lovely title song, and a marvelous "Gloucestershire Wassail," Steven Sametz' "Noel," and "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming to Handl's "O Magnum Mysterium," Monteverdi's "Hodie Christus natus est," a ringing "Riu, riu, chiu" and "Here We Come A Wassailing," this is as rich, smooth, melodic and harmonious as any Christmas collection we've heard. We particularly enjoyed the spiritual "Mary Had A Baby" and the joyous West Indian song "De Mornin' Come." One of the best of the year! |
