Founded in 1984, Director Hooper and the well-chosen, balanced 24 voices immediately displayed a fresh and elegant sound, using on this first Christmas recording, for example, as wide a palette of moods, colors, rhythms and textures as possible. So although we've heard practically all of these tunes before, the bright arrangements and surprising accompaniment (harp, flute, organ and "The Ringmasters" bellringers) adds to our appreciation of this 21-song collection. Favorites are a Stephen Paulus-arranged "We Three Kings," Heinrich Schutz' beautiful "Cantate Domino," Tomas Luis de Victoria's "Gloria from Missa O Magnum Mysterium," Praetorius' "Gaudete Omnes," Roger Nixon's a cappella "Green Growth the Holly," Kirke Mecham's lovely "Christmas Carol," Francis Poulenc's "O Magnum Mysterium," Anton Bruckner's soaring, angelic "Virga Jesse" and ""Noel Nouvelet" and "Deck the Hall," both arranged by our friend Ken Malucelli. "Star is a special treat, to be kept in a safe place, so that it can be savored and enjoyed with the coming of the holidays! |
