The volumes of this expanding series are devoted to a wide range of sacred renaissance motets with Latin texts, and contain a mixture of well known and unfamiliar pieces, some of which are published for the first time.

Songlist: O Magnum Mysterium, Magi Veniut Ab Oriente, Verbum Caro Factum Est, Rorate Caelli, Dixit Maria, Ecce Virgo Concipies, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Dies Sanctificatus, Omnis Mundus Jocundetur, Prope Est Dominus, Ave Gratia Plena, Ne Timeas Maria

Noel 2 is an exciting collection of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany music for mixed voice choirs, from the easy to learn to the more challenging and unconventional. The contents range from the Renaissance to the present: from Bach and Sweelinck, familiar settings of traditional and lesser known carols through the ages to Howells and Leighton and works by today's composers include Richard Rodney Bennett, Eric Whitacre, John Tavener, Tarik O'Regan and Richard Allain. Among the 43 anthems, mixed voice choirs of all levels will find new arrangements of favorite carols, hymns with new descants, as well as stimulating original works for the Christmas season.

Songlist: Ubers Gebirg Maria Geht, Adam Lay Y Bounden, Angelus ad Virginem, Away In A Manger, Bethlehem Down, Coventry Carol, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Gallery Carol, Gaudete!, Gloria, Dei Sir Gesungen, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Hodie Christus Natus Est, I Wonder As I Wander, I Wonder As I Wander, In Dulci Jubilo, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, Lasset Uns Frohlocken, Long, Long Ago, Love Came Down At Christmas, Lullay My Liking, Lux Aurumque, 'O' Antiphon, O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, O Jesulein, Of A Rose, Once In Royal David's City, Puer Nobis, Resonet In Laudibus, and more

Essential Repertoire is a core library of time-tested choral works which provide a framework for teaching style and history, all through performance. The graded series includes Masterworks (Renaissance through Contemporary), Folksongs (American and Multicultural), Spirituals, A Cappella and Accompanied works. The series is available for beginning through advanced choirs, and for mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles.

Songlist: Brother Will, Brother John (Sacco), Die Nacht, Gonna Sing!, Hodie Christus Natus Est, If You Should Go Away (Wenn du fortgehst), Laudate Dominum, My Gift, O Tannenbaum, Polly Von, Sam Was A Man, Southern Ships And Settlers, Still, Still, Still

Completed in 1952, Poulenc often returned to traditional forms of French church music popular in the Renaissance, such as the motet, that had fallen out of favor in the late eighteenth century. Following the narrative of the nativity, Poulenc intended that the movements be performed together.

Songlist: O magnum mysterium, Quem vidistis pastores dicite, Videntes stellam, Hodie Christus natus est

This songbook is part of the Oxford Choral Classics series and gathers in one volume sixteen of the finest motets and related pieces for the season of Christmas. The collection gives due space to the magnificant works of the Renaissance period, with well-known motets such as Victoria's O magnum mysterium and Sweeelink's Hodie Chritus natus est placed alongside works by Byrd, Palestrina and Mouton. There are also works from later peiods, including Bruckner's Virga Jesse, an estatic motet in praise of Christ's birth, and Cui's fervant and sonorous setting of the Magnificat. As such, the collection is an outstanding and richly varied survey of the repertoire, and provides a superb choice of pieces for all choirs seeking a broad selection of music for this season.

Songlist: Virga Jesse floruit, O magnum mysterium and Beata Virgo, Magnificat, Quem vidistis, pastores, Riu, riu, chiu, Resonet in laudibus, Omnes de Saba venient, Frohlocket, ihr Volker auf Erden, Nesciens mater, Hodie Christus natus est, O beatum et sacrosanctum diem, In dulci jubilo, Quem pastores laudavere, In dulci jubilo, Hodie Christus natus est, O Magnum Mysterium

30 Sacred Masterworks presents a wealth of invaluable, original repertoire for upper voice choirs. Many of the pieces collected in this volume are published here for the first time or have not enjoyed the same exposure as much of the mixed voice repertoire. IT builds on the success of Faber music's Choral Programme Series, from which some of the pieces have been drawn. The collection encompasses many eras and offers both accompanied and unaccompanied pieces and is suitable for a variety of services and concerts through the year. This volume is an invaluable resource, both for upper voice choirs seeking new and inspiring repertoire as well as for mixed voice choirs who want to showcase the talent of their female singers.

Songlist: Adoramus te Christe, Die Ehre Gottes aus der Natur, Adoramus te Christe, The Oxen, Sing ye to our Lord a new song, O Salutaris Hostia, O vos omnes, Tantum ergo, O Salutaris Hostia, Love divine, O lovely peace, Ex ore innocentium, In pace idipsum, Tantum ergo, Ave maris stella, Lift thine eyes, O Domine Jesu Christe, Alleluia, Be still, and know I am with you, Hodie Christus natus est, Quando corpus morietur, Danksaget dem Vater, A Celtic Prayer, Ave Maria, Der 23. Psalm, Ave Maria, Have mercy upon me, O God, Laudi alla Vergine Maria, O vos omnes, The First Mercy

With captivating settings of Latvian choral music featuring folk songs and poetry by composers Rihards Dubra, Eriks Esenvalds, and Vytautas Miskinis, as well as thrilling arrangements of ancient pagan folksongs by Ilona Rupaine and Juris Vaivods, this exciting anthology of Christmas music from Latvia and Lithuania is perfect for choirs looking to broaden their musical horizons during the festive period.

Songlist: O Emmanuel, At Christmas, Hodie Christus Natus Est, O Radix Jesse, Verbum Caro, A Child's Prayer, The Candles Glow, Nata Lux, Duido, Kalado

Baltic choral music has undergone a massive resurgence in recent years. Sacred choral music, in particular, has flourished since the end of the Soviet era, with composers such as Eriks Esenvalds and Rihards Dubra achieving international recognition.This collection of choral music brings together a number of works by Esenvalds and Dubra, and a varied selection of Christmas music, some to standard Latin texts, some to Latvian poetry, others drawing both words and melody from the older pagan tradition of masked singers and dancers.

Songlist: Kas vins? (Who is He?), Lielupe, O Salutaris Hostia, A Drop in the Ocean, Evening (Vakars), This is my Father's World, Amazing Grace, Stars, Only in Sleep, In my Little Picture Frame, Long Road, Miserere mei, Eripe me, Rosa vernans caritatis, Duo seraphi, Puer Natus in Bethlehem, Hodie Christus natus est, Florete flores, Ave Maria, Dominus regit me, Stetit Angelus, Hail, Queen of Heaven, O Emmanuel, At Christmas, Hodie Christus Natus Est, O Radix Jesse Dubra, Verbum Caro Dubra, A Child's Prayer, The Candles Glow, O Nata Lux, and more

The choir book Musica Sacra Hungarica provides a survey of the broad spectrum of sacred vocal music produced in Hungary during the 20th century. Following on from the romantic heritage an individual Hungarian vocal style was developed, which became known internationally through the sacred and secular vocal works of Bela Bartok, Zoltan Kodaly and Lajos Bardos.

Songlist: Abendlied, Aeterne Rex, Adoramus te, Ad te Domine levavi, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Ave maris stella, Ave verum corpus, Cantate Domino, Crucifigatur, Da das Pascha Nahte, De profundis, Deus tu convertens, Dextera Domini, Dicunt omnes, Dunkelheit umfangt uns, Eli, Eli, Et circa horam nonam, Exsurge, Hodie Christus natus est, Jesu Dulcis memoira, Jesus und die Kramer, Jubilate Deo, Kyrie, Kyrie in D, Laudate Dominum, Libera me, Magnificat, O crux ave, O gloriosa virginum, and more

John Rutter conducts the Bach Choir and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in what is surely the finest new recoding of Christmas carols this year. Rutter is a composer, conductor and arranger and he brings all of that to these high holiday gems. Most of the carols are very well known, though in the arrangements of Rutter they sound completely fresh. There are some new carols here - Rutter's own 'Riu Riu Chiu' (the sounds a nightingale makes) and 'The Colours of Christmas' - and some new approaches to old ones. The main factor that makes this such a perfect selection of holiday music is the free intermixing of religious carols with contemporary Christmas songs.

Songlist: Ding Dong! Merrily On High, The Colours Of Christmas, In Dulci Jubilo, What Is This Lovely Fragrance?, Away In A Manger, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Riu Riu Chiu, I Wonder As I Wander, Star Carol, Once In Royal David's City, Silent Night, In The Bleak Midwinter, Gabriel's Message, Fanfare - O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, A New Year Carol, Joy To The World, Sleigh Ride, Deck The Hall, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Fanfare - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Francis Poulenc's interest in choral music began in the early 1920's. During his study with the composer Koechlin, he harmonized Bach chorale melodies. This work had a distinct influence on him. It was not until the 1930's that he began to write for the choral medium more seriously. Poulenc wrote many pieces for accompanied and unaccompanied choir. His astonishing music has very twentieth century sounds but is heavily influenced by earlier styles. The "Quatre motets pour un temps de penitence" have a very dark and dramatic intensity much like the pieces of Victoria, who Poulenc often thought about while writing them. The Cambridge Singers have recorded many of his great choral works. This album includes the "Gloria" for soprano solo, mixed choir and orchestra, "Litanies a la Vierge Noire" for female voices, strings and timpani and many of his unaccompanied motets.

Songlist: Gloria:, Gloria, Laudamus Te, Domine Deus, -Domine Fili unigenite, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, Salve Regina, Ave Verum Corpus, Exultate Deo, Litanies a la Vierge Noire, Quatre Motets Pour Un Temps de Penitence:, Timor et tremor, Vinea mea electa, Tenebrae factae sunt, Tristis est anima mea, Quatre Motets Pour le Temps de Noel:, O Magnum Mysterium, Quem vidistis pastores dicite, Videntes stellam, Hodie Christus natus est

For more than a decade, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have shared the Joy of Christmas with the world. The ethereal sound of perfectly blended voices, singing the most beautiful seasonal music ever composed, never fails to touch the heart and lift the spirit. This year, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have assembled a new collection - compiled from the archives, including four never before released tracks! Tracks include English Traditional Carols, European Traditional Carols, Choruses and Motets and Composer's Carols.

Songlist: The Holly and the Ivy, Blessed be that maid mary, Somerset Wassail, Shepherds, in the fields abiding, The infant king, What is this lovely fragrance, Gabriel's message, Still, still, still, Quittez, pasteurs, Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle, Personent hodie, The shepherds' farewell, O holy night, O Magnum Mysterium, Hodie Christus natus est, For unto us a child is born, In dulci jubilo, Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child, A New Year Carol, Balulalow, I saw a fair maiden, The Lamb, Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Generations of composers have created a remarkable body of choral literature, inspired by the events in the life of Christ. John Rutter directs the 29-strong Cambridge Singers in a cappella renditions of some of the most beautiful works from this body, divided into five groups. In the first group, "The Coming of Christ," we have pieces by E.C. Bairstow, da Palestrina and Handl, as well as a Sarum chant, "Veni, Redemptor gentium." In the second group, "Words of Christ," we find pieces by Heinrich Schutz, P.I. Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. In the third group, "The Passion of Christ," we have works by Anton Bruckner, da Palestrina, T.L. de Victoria, Pablo Casals and Antonio Lotti. In the fourth group, "Resurrection and Ascension," there are pieces by Peter Phillips, da Palestrina and William Bird. And in the fifth group, "Christ in the Eucharist," we have works by T.L. de Victoria, Richard Dering, Samuel Barber, Olivier Messiaen and a lovely Gregorian chant, "Pange Lingua." The 24-page liner notes contain all words and translations. Let us find an imaginary place in the cathedral and hear the soaring praises to the remarkable man for whom it was built!

Songlist: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Veni, Redemptor Gentium, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Omnes De Saba Venient, Ich Bin ein Rechter Weinstock, The Crown Of Roses, Vo Tsarstvii Tvoyem (The Beatitudes), Pater Noster, Christus Factus Est, Good Friday, Reproaches (Improperia), Eram Quasi Agnus, O Vos Omnes, Crucifixus (For Eight Voices), Surgens Jesus, Ascendo Ad Patrem, Viri Galilaei, Jesu, Dulcis Memoria, Ave Verum Corpus, Pange Lingua, Agnus Dei, O Sacrum Convivium

"The aim of this recording is to evoke a sense of the winter season, as reflected in some of the infinitely varied music inspired by it. Christmas inevitably lies at the heart of this wonderful melange of scared and secular, spiritual and convivial, poetic and earthy." - John Rutter. A compilation of tracks from 1982 thru 2003, mostly recorded in the Great Hall of University College School, London where the exquisite acoustics showcases the voices of the choir to perfection. A most enjoyable Christmas collection indeed!

Songlist: Candlelight Carol, O magnum mysterium, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, Puer nobis, Of a Rose, a lovely Rose, Lullay mine liking, In the bleak mid-winter, Away in a manger, Wild Wood Carol, Videntes stellam, Chanson, What Sweeter Music, Veni Redemptor gentium, Hodie Christus natus est, Hodie Christus natus est, Angels we have heard on high, What cheer?, Wassail song, Good Ale, The Very Best Time of Year

Recorded at the Paterskirche in Kempen, Germany, in 1994, the all-male Chanticleer ensemble (featuring five countertenors), brings the consummate musicality and professionalism to this recording that we associate with any Chanticleer production. "Sing We Christmas" emphasizes classical pieces, not the typical holiday carols; rather, Charles Ives, Gustav Holst and Herbert Howells represent the twentieth century, while Handl, Victoria, Praetorius and Bach offer "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "O Magnum Mysterium" and "In Dulci Iubilo," the latter a German dance song with four separate settings (it was common practice for composers to adapt a popular song, rather than write their own) from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Songlist: Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, O Magnum Mysterium, In Dulci Iubilo, O Virgo Virginum, O Jesulein SuB, O Jesulein Mild, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mirabile Mysterium, Verbum Caro Factum Est: Y La Virgen Le Dezia, A Un Nino Llorando, Here Is The Little Door, Noel Canon, Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable, El Noi de la Mare, A Christmas Carol, A Virgin Unspotted, In the Bleak Mid Winter, Glory to the Newborn King, Stille Nacht/Douce Nuit/Silent Night

Famous for his keyboard works Sweelinck was also a skilled composer for voices as well, and composed over 250 works for voice (chansons, madrigals, motets and Psalms). Some of Sweelinck's innovations were of profound musical importance, including the fugue-he was the first to write an organ fugue which began simply, with one subject, successively adding texture and complexity until a final climax and resolution, an idea which was perfected at the end of the Baroque era by Bach. This is a world premiere recording of the complete Latin Motets, including the Christmas motet Hodie Christus natus est.

Songlist: Gaudete Omnes, Ecce Virgo Concipet, Magnificat, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Angelius Ad Pastores Ait, Ab Oriente, In Illo Tempore, Hodie Beata Virgo Mariae, Regina Coeli, Omnes, Timor Domini, Non Omnis, Lusti Autem, Baeti Pauperes, Ecce Nunc Benedicte, Euge Serve Bone, Petite Et Accipietis, Vide Homo, Videte MAnus Meas, O Quam Beata Lancea, VEnire Exsultemus Domino, Ubi Duo Vel tres, O Scrum Convivium, Ecce Prandium, In Te Domine Speravi, Tanto Tempore, Viri Galilaei, CAntate Domino, Qui Vult enire Post Me, Diligam Te Domine, and more

Vancouver BC's finest, Chor Leoni Men's Choir has delighted us in previous CDs, particularly with Folk tunes and sea shanties. Here we have a sumptuous, rich collection of 22 Christmas songs that show off CL's range, talent and feeling. From the Gregorian chants "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "Veni, Veni Emanuel," "Lux Aeterna," and "Alma Redemptoris Mater," the English carol "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen," and the Canadian "Huron Carol," to Diane Loomer's title tune, the Sarum chant "Veni Redemtor Gencium: and the Austrian carol "Still, Still, Still," this is great stuff. There is some light accompaniment such as organ on a few cuts, but basically this is just a great male chorus showing off its chops on Christmas music ranging from the traditional and well-known to unknown and eclectic. Highly recommended.

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, God Rest You Merry, Huron Carol, Letabundus, As Joseph Was A-Walking, Es ist ein Ros' entspungen, Le sommeil de l'enfant Jesus, Veni, Veni Emanuel, Yuletide Fires, Nouvelle agreable!, The Lord at First, Lux Aeterna, Quelle est cetter odeur agreable, Veni Redemptor Gencium, Dostoyno Yest, Svete Tihiy, Alma Redemptoris Mater, Stille Nacht, Drei Konige, Rise Up Shepherd, Christmas Angel, Still, Still, Still

The incomparable sound of the men of King's College is unleashed on everything from chant to Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer. Close harmonies, impeccable tuning, and perfect programming make this a "must-have" CD for connoisseurs of the very best in choral singing. 22 songs: Handl's "Ante luciferum gentus," Byrd's "O magnum mysterium," "Puer natus est," "Ecce advenit," "The Coventry Carol," "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen," "There is no rose of such virtue," "Beata es, Virgo Maria," "Quem vidistis, pastores?," "Hodie Christus natus est"... the Scholars make each song a lovely gem.

Songlist: Ante lucifeum genitus, O Magnum Mysterium, Puer natus est, Ecce advenit, Coventry Carol, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, There is no rose of such virtue, Beata es, Virgo Maria, Quem vidistis pastores, Hodie Christus natus est, Once In Royal David's Coty, Deck The Hall, Silent Night, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Hark! the hearld angel sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Rudelph the red-nosed reindeer, White Christmas, Wonderful Christmastide, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

With almost 20,000 attendees at their annual Christmas series of concerts and the airing on PBS television and radio stations across the nation has certainly made the Concordia Choir a great Christmas tradition for many. The 400 voices celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with some spectacular arrangements including "Gesu Bambino" and the title track "O Come All Ye Faithful". Two new compositions by director Rene Clausen, who has over the 26 years he has been directing the choir become world-renown, are superb. Always top-notch this choir continues to build upon it's already excellent reputation.

Songlist: Fantasia On O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Gesu Bambino, Advent Motet, People Look East, There Is No Rose, Lo, How A Rose E'Er Blooming, Mary's Wonder, Lux Aurumque, He IS Born, Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head, Sanctus (From Mass), Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mary Had A Baby, O Day Full Of Grace, Carol Of The Drum, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth, Ring Out Ye Crystal Spheres From Hodie, Compline

Highly regarded throughout Europe this top-notch girls choir has beed delighting audiences and critics for several decades and thsi recording shows why they have garnered such acclaim.

Songlist: This Is The Day Which The Lord Hath Made, Tell Ye The Daughter Of Sion, Ave Maria, Make A Joyful Noise, O Queen Of Heaven Rejoice, Blessed are They That Heareth, Singing Unto The Lord, The Sermon On The Mount, Owe No Man Anything, I Have Heard Thee, Sing O ye Heavens, My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Now Thank Ye All Our God, O Clap Your Hands All Ye People, I Am The Bread Of Life, We Will Walk In The Name Of The Lord

This recording features the contributions of several Canadians to the caroling genre, as composers of new carols and arrangers of old ones. From the perennially beautiful O Come All Ye Faithful and The Holly and the Ivy to the 14th century German Christmas Song, better known as "Joseph, lieber Joseph", this is a lively recording by one of Canada's most loved choirs. Derek Holman's rollicking arrangement of Deck the Halls shows off its insouciance by capturing an unmistakable tipsiness which very likely did accompany the decking of those particular halls. Two of the arranged carols are especially notable: The Huron Carol, known as Canada's first Christmas Carol (1642), is sung here in Robert Anderson's arrangement; and a rare Nova Scotia variant of the Cherry Tree Carol collected by Helen Creighton and arranged by Louis Applebaum.

Songlist: O Come All Ye Faithful, The Echo Carol, The Holly And The Ivy, Noel Cest L'Amour, Good Christian Men Rejoice, Mary Is A Lady Bright, Welcome Yule, Lullaby For The Christ Child, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, A Canadian Christmas Carol, The Huron Carol, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Deck The Halls, Christmas Song Of The 14th Century, Masters In This Hall, What Is This Lovely Fragrance, Cherry Tree Carol `, Il Est Ne Divin Enfant, The Golden Vase Carol, Variations On The Sussex Carol, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Angelus ad Virginem, Away In A Manger, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

The Coming of Christ is the first of a series of three CDs using the exquisite music of Gregorian chant to describe and illuminate the life of Christ. Sung by the Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola and conducted by Dr. Mary Berry, CBE, these reknowned experts bring a wealth of experience to the interpretation of the chant. Well-known pieces alternate with numerous antiphons to bring us closer to the time of Christ's birth and early childhood. The prophetic announcements, the longing and anticipation of Christ's birth as well as the joy of the angels' message are all vividly portrayed in the chant. Chant-based organ works by French composers Alexandre Guilmant and Charles-Marie Widor frame this program celebrating the life of Christ. These are the first recordings to be made in the superb acoustics of the Church of the Transfiguration, a basilican church made of limestone, in a modern-day abbey.

Songlist: Offertoire Sur l'hymne, Responsory: Aspicens a longe, Rorate Caeli desuper, Antiphon: O Emmanuel, Communion: Ecce Virgo, Antiphon: Missus est Gabriel, Offertory: Ave Maria, Antiphon and Solemn Benedictus: Puer qui natus est, Invitatory: Christus natus est, Intoroit: Puer Natus est nobis, Alleluia: Dies sanctificatus, Antiphon: Quem vidistis, Antiphon: Genuit puerpera, Antiphon:Angelus ad pastores, Antiphon:Parvulus Filius, Hymn: Christe Redemptor, Verbum caro factum est, Hodie Christus natus est, Mirabile Mysterium, Responsum, Lumen ad revelationem gentium, Omnes de saba venient, Vidimus stellam, Admoniti Magi, Herodes iratus, Tolle Puerum, Ex AEgypto, Ibant parentes jesu, Non invenientes, Symphonie Gothique IV: Final

Boston's Handel and Haydn Society is one of America's leading choral ensembles. Under the direction of recently appointed music director Grant Llewellyn, the Society has expanded its repertoire to encompass a broader range of music, including contemporary works. Their first recording for Avie, "Peace," was one of 2004's best-selling choral CD's appearing for a number of weeks on the Billboard Classical Chart. The Society's newest recording, "All is Bright," celebrates the music of the festive season, combining repertoire from the Baroque era and traditional carols with Christmas works by twentieth century composers including beautiful works by prominent American composers including Ned Rorem, Virgil Thompson, Charles Ives, Jennifer Higdon and Daniel Pinkham. The Beauty of the Society's singing, the uniqueness of the program and the audiophile quality sound give "All is Bright" the same elements that made "Peace" a best-seller with widespread appeal in 2004

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, There Is No Rose, In Dulci Jubilo, Lo How A Rose E' Er Blooming, The Three Kings, King Herod And The Cock, Make We Joy Now In This Fest, A Spotless Rose, Lux Aurumque, A Babe Is Born, Sir Christmas, Stille Nacht, O Magnum Mysterium, A Christmas Carol, Sweet Music, While All Things Were In Quiet Silence, Coventry Carol, O My Deir Hert, Deck The Hall, Hodie Christus Natus Est, What Cheer?, All this Time

Renowned composer and conductor Javier Busto Sagrado, creator and founder, in 1995 of the women's choir Kanta Cantemus Korua, was born in the city of Hondarribia in the Basque country of Spain. For "Hondarribia, Ametsetan," an eclectic collection of 16 largely sacred works, most sung in Spanish, Busto directs a mixed-voice a cappella ensemble of 32 voices. "Himno a la virgen," "Ave Maria," "Laudate Dominum," "Laudate Pueri," the lovely "Soinuen itsasoa," "O Sacrum Convivium," "Ametsetan," "Porrusalda," "Esta tierra," "O Magnum Mysterium" and "Hodie Christus natus est" are some of our favorites, but it's hard to choose. Busto's nod to his hometown in the title in this fine collection is apropos, as all sacred music strives to bring us home. Lovely and touching choral works, by Javier Busto, one of the world's best conductor/composers.

Songlist: Himno A La Virgen, Ave Maria, Laudate Dominum, O Sacrum Convivium, Jubilate Deo, Ave Verum, Laudate Pueri, Soinuen Itsasoa, Sagastipean, Ametsetan, Porrusalda, A Tu Lado, Esta Tierra, Paso, O Magnum Mysterium, Hodie Christus Natus Est

A gloriously beautiful choral offering for the Poulenc Centenary year; the perfect introduction to his music and one that truly celebrates the human voice. While no other CD duplicates the programme exactly, all the music is justly familiar. The earliest works are the Sept Chansons of 1936, hailed as comparable to the finest madrigals of Monteverdi. His masterpiece is perhaps the wartime Figure Humaine, written in preparation of when liberation could be celebrated with the majestic climax of the final Liberte. Contemporary with this is the chamber cantata Un Soir de Neige, contrasting the bleak coldness with the peace of Christmas. Among the many delights of this beautiful programme are Poulenc's most popular choral pieces, the four Christmas Motets, tranquil and joyful by turn, and the Four Little Prayers of St. Francis of Assisi, written for monks to sing. His last motet, for female voices, was the exquisite Ave verum corpus of 1952.

Songlist: La Blanche Neige, A Peine Defiguree, Par Une Nuit Nouvelle, Tous Les Droits, Belle Et Ressemblante, Marie, Lurie, Ave Verum Corpus, Salve Regina, Exultate Deo, De Tous Les Printemps Du Monde, En Chantant Les Servants S'elancent, Aussie Bas Que Le Silence, Toi Ma Patiente, Riante Du Ciel Et Des Planetes, Le Jour M'etonne Et La Nuit Me Fait Peur, La Menace Sous Le Ciel Rouge, Liberte, Salut, Dame Sainte, Tout Puissant Dieu, Seigneur, Je Vous En Prie, O Mes Tres Chers Freres, La Blanche Neige (De Grandes Cuillers De Neige), La Bonne Neige, Bois Meurtri, La Nuit, Le Froid, La Solitude, O Magnum Mysterium, Quem Vidistis Pastores, Videntes Stellam, Hodie Christus Natus Est

Docorah, Iowa's Luther College's huge annual 4-day Christmas pageant, which features Luther's Nordic Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Cantorei, Christmas Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Cathedral Choir and Pike Kor, Collegiate Chorale and Norsemen and the Christmas Ringers. "Arise, Shine" brings us the triumphant sounds of this incredible event in 30 parts, from the Norsemen's performance of Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque" to the Combined Choirs and Symphony Orchestra's "Coronation Te Deum." With stirring narrations interspersed, lovely carols such as "Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow," "Patapan," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Come Adore the Infant Holy" join with magnificent choruses from Handel's "Messiah," "Chorus: And the glory of the Lord" and "Chorus: Glory to God." Listening to the beautifully recorded "Arise, Shine" is surely the next best thing to being in the audience to experience "Christmas at Luther 2007."

Songlist: Lux Aurumque, First Movement, Concerto Grosso, Canticle of Joy, Precessional: Arise, O God, And Shine, Narration, Arise, Shine (From What Child Is This), Hark! A Herald Voice Is Calling, Hail Christmas Day!, Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow, Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, Sing We Now Of Christmas, Patapan, Carillon on a Ukrainian Bell Carol, Marche, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Narration, This Christmastide, Heroic Entry, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Come, Adore the Infant Holy, A Light Where Jesus Lay, To Him We Sing, Narration, Narration, Coronation Te Deum

Another great addition to a decades-long holiday tradition at Millikin University, this recording captures the spirit and unique listening experience of the annual Vespers choral concert. Celebrate the season with this diverse collection of Christmas music performed by these various (and wonderful!) choral ensembles.

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, Hodie, Kyrie, Dona Nobis Pacem, Lo How A Rose, Canticle Of Mary, Verbum Caro Factum Est, Gloria, Hail, Gladdening Light, Spaseniye Sodelal, Sure On This Shining Night, Hodie, Christus Vincit, Ring Out Wild Bells, See Dat Babe, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Cantemos A Maria, And Suddenly, A Christmas Fantasy

If you've heard this choir before, you know what to expect here: lustrous ensemble sound, crisp, clear, clean articulation, irresistible rhythmic energy, keen intonation, and impressive command of some very challenging music. In this two-disc program (35 works) we're treated to five Magnificats, all different in style--from chant and early-20th-century settings to more "modern" versions by Herbert Sumsion, Swedish composer Agneta Skold, and conductor Z. Randall Stroope--as well as a widely varied array of original and arranged works for treble voices.

Songlist: Magnifican, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Psalm 23, Dixit Dominus, Magnificat, Ave Maria, Jubilate Deo, O Vivens Fons, In Paradisum, "Agnus Dei" from Coronation Mass, There Is No Rose, Magnificat, Agnus Dei, Lauda Sion, Ave Verum, God of Fire (To Agni), Magnificat, Alleluia, Ave Maria, Jaakobin Pojat, Inscription of Hope, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Missa Brevis, Kyrie, Gloria, Magnificat, "Ombra mai fu" from Serse, "O Pastorelle Addio" from Andrea Chenier, "Verdi Prati" from Alcina, "Dome Epais" from Lakme, and more

New York Polyphony is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the finest new classical vocal ensembles. Fusing elegant vocalism with expert ensemble singing, its four male voices consistently deliver dynamic performances of music spanning nearly a millennium in a range of styles, combining historically-informed interpretive style with their own unique artistry. From the simplicity of plainchant to the dense chromaticism of contemporary works, the New York Polyphony sound is unified, energized and distinctive. The musical landscape traversed on this disc of music for the Advent and Christmas season is broad, from 12th century conductus to a 21st century carol, though the musical center is firmly polyphonic and rooted in the late Medieval world. The group is joined by a women's trio in several works written for more than four parts. The sound is clean and present, with appropriate resonance for this material. For the listener looking for a collection of contemplative Christmas music that steers clear of the most obvious selections and introduces intriguing new repertoire, as well as for the fan of early music vocal ensembles, this album has much to offer.

Songlist: Veni Redemptor gentium, Hodie Christus natus est, Hodie Christus natus est, Puer natus est nobis, Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child, Beata viscera, Ave Maria Mater Dei, Alma Redemptoris mater, The darkest midnight in December, The Fader of Heven, Vox in Rama, Vox in Rama, Vox in Rama, Away in a manger, Ave Maria, Coventry Carol, Ave Maria, Lullay, lullow, I saw a swete semly syght, Mervele noght, Josep, Nowell: Dieus wous garde, byewsser, Veni Redemptor gentium, O magnum mysterium, Ecce advenit dominator Dominus, Magi veniunt ab oriente, Nunc dimittis, Vox in Rama

Formed in 1853, the choir Orphei Drangar (OD) has constantly striven to discover and develop new directions for the male-voice choir, while not neglecting its splendid traditions. The first OD disc recorded together with the choir's new artistic director, the celebrated choral conductor Cecilia Rydinger Alin, is no exception. Described by Choir & Organ (UK) as 'a tremendous choir, with superb technique and an immense, expressive range', OD gives proof of its versatility in a highly varied program which still manages to stay within the theme of Christmas: original settings and new arrangements of Swedish folk songs and Christmas classics, English carols and Broadway songs - with Stille Nacht, a Russian hymn in praise of the Holy Virgin, and Eric Whitacre's widely admired Lux aurumque added for good measure. Supplying even more nuances to the palette is the choir's guest artist, the young Swedish soprano Ida Falk Winland, as well as a brass ensemble, supporting choir and soloist in parts of the program.

Songlist: Koppangen, Forunderligt at sige, Jul, jul, stralande jul, Hosiannah!, Madonnans vaggvisa, Vittskovlevisan, Staffansvisa fran Orust, Hodie Christus natus est, He Shall Feed His Flock, Lux aurumque, Stille Nacht, Dostoyno yest, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Joy to the World, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

The world renowned Orphei Drangar, treats us to a variety of Christmas songs from around the world, including Scandinavia, Germany, England and France. Selections include Gustaf Nordqvist's sweet lullaby "Jul, jul stralande jul," "Ave Maria" by Franz Biebl and "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen." Conducted by Robert Sund, this wonderful choir is joined by soprano Christina Hogman and baritone Peter Mattei with Bengt Forsberg on organ. This is a simply beautiful recording.

Songlist: Hosiana, Nar det lider mot jul, Jul, jul, stralande jul, Bereden vag for herran, Psalm 24, Betlehems stjarna, Forunderligt at sige, Giv mig ej glans, Op. 1 No. 4, Hodie Christus natus est, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Die Konige, Stille Nacht, Est ist ein Ros' entsprungen, Joy to the World, O Come, all ye Faithful, How far is it to Bethlehem?, Anonymous: Ding dong! Merrily on High, Anonymous: Coventry Carol, Anonymous: A la nanita nana, Cantique de Noel, Anonymous: La Marche des rois, Anonymous: Quelle est cette odeur agrable?

Throughout the disc Higginbottom draws exemplary clarity of texture from his New College choristers; the tantalizing, almost acidic harmonies of all these pieces are laid out like jewels ready for the closest of inspections. Moments of beauty (and they come thick and fast) are deliciously understated . . . for performances which are full of musical and artistic integrity and a real sense of involvement with the music, these from New College, Oxford are in a class of their own.

Songlist: Salve Regina, Quatre petites prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise:, -Salut, Dame Sainte, -Tout puissant, tres saint, -Seigneur, je vous en prie, -O mes tres chers freres, Exultate Deo, O sacrum convivium, Quem vidistis pastores dicite, Videntes stellam, Attende Domine, Op. 45, O magnum mysterium, Hodie Christus natus est, Messe en sol majeur:, -Kyrie, -Gloria, -Sanctus, -Benedictus, -Agnus Dei, Panis Angelicus, Op. 80, Hymne a la Vierge, Op. 24, Litanies a la Vierge noire

This recording presents a sequence of Christmas music from many different cultures and ages. It exemplifies the rich diversity of music written for the feast, which has inspired musicians with a unique enthusiasm for its colourful narrative and message of salvation.

Songlist: Hark the herald angels sing, For unto us a child is born, Silent Night, O magnum mysterium, Hodie Christus natus est, Angelus ad Virginem, O magnum mysterium, This is the truth sent from above, Quem vidistis, Videntes stellam, Noel X, Videntes stellam, Sing lullaby, Puer natus, Lute-book carol, Of the Father's Heart begotten, Hodie Christus natus est, Quem vidistis

The 61-strong Peninsula Women's Chorus was established in 1966, and has been under the direction of Dr. Patricia Hennings since 1975, and the Christmas CD "Carols" is their fourth CD. The first 10 songs are a marvelous group called "Carols and Lullabies, Christmas in the Southwest" by Conrad Susa. A friend of Susa's showed him a collection of traditional Spanish carols he had sung as a boy in Arizona, and Susa put them together to form a narrative. combining homey, artful simplicity with Renaissance music, Songs like "Alegria" and the Andalusian song "Chiquirriquitin," with their lilting, dancing marimbas, and the lovely "A La Nanita Nana," are the gems of the CD. The second half of the CD takes us more in the direction of the sacred (Karai's "Hodie Christus natus est" and Missa Brevis' "Kyrie," "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei"). Throw in "The Carol of the Rose," "Alleluia" and others, and you have a surprising, delightful Christmas CD!

Songlist: Oh, mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A la Nanita Nan, Las Posadas, Campana sobre Campana, En Belen Tocan a Fuefgo, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirriquitin, El Rorro, Hodie Christus natus est, Missa Brevis, -Kyrie, -Sanctus, -Agnus Dei, Two selections from The Place of the Blest, -The Carol of the Rose, -Alleliuia, O Regem coeli, Christmas Intrada

O magnum misterium combines the old with the new. On this CD of English carols from the 20th century, Polyphony interpolates Sarum chant to create a magnificent Christmas program. The carols were written by various English composers such as Herbert Howells, Peter Warlock and Richard Rodney Bennett and exemplify the great connection the English have with choral music. The Sarum chant, which was used at Salisbury Cathedral in place of the traditional Roman liturgy, is used purely to relieve the ear from the indulgent sounds of the carols. This CD includes Howells "A Spotless Rose" and "Sing Lullaby" which are possibly better known, but all of the songs are equally beautiful.

Songlist: O radix Iesse, Alleluya, A new Work is come on Hand, A Spotless Rose, Out of your sleep, Of a rose is all my song, There is no rose, As dew in Aprylle, O Magnum Mysterium, Bethlehem Down, That younge child, I saw a fair maiden, Sing Lullaby, Ave Maria, Sweet Was the Song, A Hymn to the Nativity, Lullaby my Jesus, Hodie Christus natus est, All and some, An Ode to the birth of our Saviour, Susanni, Puer natus est nobis, Benedicamus Domino, A Cornish Christmas Carol, Reges Tharsis, Here Is The Little Door, The Star-song, What cheer?, Lully, lulla thou little tiny child, Verbum caro factum est

Stephen Layton and Polyphony continue to blaze a trail as dazzling interpreters of a wide range of choral music. Here they turn to some of the most bewitching and distinctive choral works of the twentieth century. Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) imbued this well-loved music with a deep expression of his faith and unique personality. Each motet, with its own delightfully etched character, echoes the composer's study of Bach, Monteverdi, Palestrina, or Gabrieli, but remains stylistically progressive, containing Poulenc's ingenious chord progressions. The Gloria is one of his most enduringly appealing works. In some ways straightforwardly pious, it is also tinged with mischievous irreverence and a sense of rollicking enjoyment - facets which are deftly captured here by the soprano soloist Susan Gritton, Polyphony, the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Britten Sinfonia, all led by Stephen Layton.

Songlist: Gloria in excelsis Deo, Laudamus te, Domine Deus, Domini Fili unigenite, Domini Deus, angus Dei, Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, Salve Regina, Timor et tremor, Vinea mea electa, Tenebrae factae sunt, Tristis est anima mea, O magnum mysterium, Quem vidistis pastores dicite, Videntes stellam, Hodie Christus natus est, Exultate Deo

On this new holiday album of choral favorites, Hans-Christoph Rademann leads the world-famous RIAS Kammerchor in a musical retelling of the Christmas Story. With music ranging from Mendelssohn to Part, this collection leads the listener to the heart of Christmas Night and to rejoicing at the Savior's birth.

Songlist: O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf, In der Christnacht, Ave Maria, Virga Jesse floruit, Ich lag in tiefer Todesnacht, Nun liebe Seel, nun ist es Zeit, Ubers Gebirg Maria geht, Ave Maris Stella, Die Nacht ist vorgedrungen, Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Frohlocket, ihr Volker auf Erden, Magnificat, Quatre motets pour le temps de Noel, Salve Regina, In dulci jubilo, Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen, Hodie Christus natus est

Santa Fe Women's Ensemble : Music Is Our Joy   

Santa Fe Women's Ensemble has been singing together for New Mexico audiences since 1981, and has performed all its Christmas concerts in the acoustically magnificent Loretta Chapel in Santa Fe. The 14-voice group performs seldom-heard and challenging music from all periods, and has commissioned 22 new works. The pieces on this Christmas album are from Christmas and Spring Offering concerts from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Linda Raney has directed the SFWE since 1988 and is director of music and organist at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe. There are 24 songs, some lightly accompanied, in this generous, eclectic collection. Jim Leininger's soaring "Deo Gracias," Karl Henning's "Alleluia in D," William Byrd's "Non Nobis, Domaine," Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "What Can Lambkins Do," Daniel Gawthrop's dissonant "There Is Sweet Music," Pavel Chesnokov's "Otche nash" and Stuart McIntosh's "Baloo Baleerie" are lovely, rarely-heard, unexpected selections for a Christmas album, but they work. Michael Larkin's "Ave Maria," "Carol of the Drum," Palestrina's "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "Four Noels," "Il est ne, le divin Enfant," "Polish Christmas Carols" and Handl's "O magnum mysterium" are more familiar and no less enjoyable. "When the Savior Christ is born," "He is sleeping in a manger," "Sleep Thou, my Jewel," Keith Christopher's "Beyond Winter," Naomi Stephan's "Hodie" and Uzee Brown Jr.'s "Oh, the Savior's Comin, Hallelu" are all relatively new to us, lovely and fine. A beautiful, impressive, eclectic holiday collection from one of New Mexico's finest women's ensembles!

Songlist: Deo Gracias, 'Tis a Gift, Alleluia in D, Non Nobis, Domine, What Can Lambkins Do?, There Is Sweet Music, Kdyby tu Nic Nebylo, Otche nash, Baloo Baleerie, Ave Maria, Carol of the Drum, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Four Noels, Venez divin Messie, Il Es Ne le Divin Enfant, Dans Cette Etable, On ne Craint Plus Dans l'Univers, Polish Christmas Carols, When the Saviour Christ is Born, He is Sleeping in a Manger, Sleep, Thou, My Jewel, Hodie, Beyond Winter, Magnificat, O Magnum Mysterium, Oh, the Savior's Comin, Hallelu

200 young voices raised in harmony, committed to musical excellence in rehearsals, performances, at festivals and on tour all over the globe-this is what the SCC is all about. "Voices" is a best-of Christmas collection of 20 songs, recorded from 2001 to 2004, by the elite smaller groups within the Chorus, Arioso, Intermezza, Camerata, and the combined Choruses. Favorites, hard to pick, are the sweet "Petit Enfant" and the lilting "Noel Nouvelet" by Arioso, "Ho Ro Ho Ro," "Arise Now, You Shepherds" and "Christmas Time is Here" by Intermezzo, Camerata's "O Magnum Mysterium," "Betelehemu" and the nice medley "Christmas Pudding," and "The Lamb" and "Hodie Christus Natus Est" by the combined Choirs. There is something wonderfully right and appropriate about a talented children's choir singing classic Christmas music! All tracks are lightly accompanied.

Songlist: Arioso:, Magnificat, Petit Enfant, Noel Nouvelet, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Intermezzo:, He Shall Feed His Flock, How Far is it to Bethelem?, Ho Ro Ho Ro, Arise Now, You Shepherds, Christmas Time is Here, Combined Choruses:, The Lamb, Arioso:, Come, Dear Children, Ziemas svetki sabraukusi, Gloria from Mass No. 6, Camerata:, Gloria, O Magnum Mysterium, Betelehemu, Christmas Pudding, Gloria, Combined Choruses, Hodie Christus Natus Est, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Simon Phipps Vocal Ensemble was formed in 1997. Most of the 26 singers have a professional background in music, and several of them are working as musicians in and around Goteborg. The ensemble was named Choir of the Year 2006 by Rikskonserter. During the last few years Simon Phipps Vocal Ensemble has established itself as one of Sweden's most prominent choirs. By winning a number of competitions, both nationally and around Europe, it has consolidated its position as an ensemble with a high quality of sound and a particular depth of repertoire. Sacre et Profane consists of choir music by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), with lyrics by great French poets such as Paul Eluard and Guillaume Apollinaire. Poulenc is perhaps primarily regarded as a composer of vocal works: solo songs, choir music, oratories and operas, music that he set to lyrics of a high literary quality. Simon Phipps Vocal Ensemble has previously made a recording of music by Benjamin Britten (FRCD 006). A third CD is in the making, and will include works by Johannes Brahms. These three records reflect the composers' interpretations of both sacred and secular lyrics. Thus their common designation "sacred and secular".

Songlist: O Magnum Mysterium, Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite, Videntes Stellam, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Salve Regina, Timor Et Tremor, Vinea Mea Electa, Tenebrae Factae Sunt, Tristis Est Anima Mea, Exultate Deo, La Blanche Neige, A Peine Defiguree, Par Une Nuit Nouvelle, Tous Les Droits, Belle Et Ressemblante, Marie, Luire, De Grandes Cuillers De Neige, La Bonne Neige, ois Meutri, La Nuit, Le Froid, La Solitude, MArgooton, Va Ta L'iau, La Belle Se Sied Au Pied De La Tour, Pilons I'orge, C'est La Petit Fill Du Prince, Ah Mon Beau Laboureur, Les Tisserands

"Christ Is Born" and "Christ Is Risen" were two highly-acclaimed films of the late-1950s that captured the Sistine Choir in concert within the Sistine Chapel. This album is a collection of the sacred songs recorded for the soundtracks to the films in 1957. 10 songs, starting with "Die Santificatus (Day Sanctified)," by Palestrina, who also composed "Hodie Christius Natus Est (Today, Christ Is Born)" and "Improperia (Reprove)," "Pastores Dicite (Speak, Shepherds)," by the Spanish master Morales, Vittoria's "Tenebrae (Darkness)," Gregorian chants "Rorate Caeli (Song of Advent)" and "Victimae Paschali (Easter Victim)," Bartolucci's "Ave Maria, Vergine Fiore (Hail Mary, Virgin Flower)," "Vexilla Regis (King's Insignia)," and the traditional hymn "Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)" complete the program. Some organ accompaniment. Beautiful sacred music from the Sistine Choir, celebrating the birth of Christ

Songlist: Dies Santificatus, Pastores Dieite, Hodie Christus natus Est, Improperia, Tenebrae, Ave maria, Vergine Fiore, Rorate Caeli, Vietimae Pasehali, Vesilla Regis, Adeste Fidelis

Quite possibly the world's oldest choir are featured here in the compilation of some of their best recordings. Recorded in the Sistine chapel these are some "standards" of traditional Catholic liturgical music.

Songlist: Adeste Fidelis, Ave Maria, Surge Illuminare, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Benedictus Qui Venit-Hosanna, Pastores Dicite, Innocentes Pro Christo, Sopra il fieno colcato, Dio S'ei Fatto Fanciullo, Cantate Domine, Christus est Qui Natus Hodie, Dies Santificatus, Improperia, Tenebrae, Ave Maria, Vergine Fiore, Rorate Caeli-Song of Advent, Easter Victim - Victimae Paschali, King's Insignia - Vexilla Regis

Olaf Christiansen's years as conductor of the St. Olaf Choir spanned some 27 years. He joined his father F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the choir, as co-director in 1941, and in 1943 became the sole conductor, a position he held until his retirement in 1968. This two-disc CD provides a sampling of music taken from restored recordings dating 1950 to 1968. The first disc contains music from the latter 1960s; the second, mostly from the 1950s

Songlist: Cantate Domino, O Magnum Mysterium, Die Mit Tranan Saen, Sing ye To the Lord, As A Flower of the Field, Hope in the Lord, Lo, How A Rose, Sing Nowell, Sing Gloria!, Hodie Christus natus Est, O Magnum Mysterium, Adoramus Te, O Jesu Christe, Ich Bin der Herr, Cherubim Hymn, Jubilate Deo, Lamb of God, Wake, Awake, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Misericordias Domini, Ave Verum, Praise the Lord, O Brother Man, Son of Man, Carol of the Drum, "Alleluia" from Brazilian Psalm, Glory to God, Hosanna, Kingdom of God, The Christmas Symbol, Lost in the Night, and more

Founded at Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College by F. Melius Christiansen, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, which tells the story of the birth of Christ through music and narration, gets bigger and better every year! It features the St. Olaf Choir, the St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Cantorei, St. Olaf Chapel Choir, the Manitou Singers and the Viking Chorus; performing both as individual groups and as a massed ensemble. "A Child, A Son, The Prince of Peace" is a two-CD set, with 13 beautiful and moving cuts on Disc One, and 18 on Disc Two. Gorgeous, inspiring and magnificent, from beginning to end!

Songlist: Messiah, Prince of Peace, Lo, How a Rose,, Speak a Word to Us, Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying, Isaiah's Voice, Prepare the Way, What Child, Carol of the Drum, See, Amid the Winter Snow, Chichester Psalms, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Ring Out, Wild Bells, To Us a Child Is Born, Hodie Christus natus est, Past Three A Clock, Sing We Now of Christmas, In Silent Night, Here's a Pretty Little Baby!, Shepherd's Jubilee, Angels We Have Heard on High, At the Manger: Carols for Choirs, Silent Night, Dona nobis pacem, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Where Shepherds Lately Knelt, Beautiful Savior

The Choral Project : Of Christmastide   

Though founded only in 1996 by Artistic Director Daniel Hughes, this ensemble of thirty voices has already begun to distinguish itself with an eclectic program. As part of their mission, the group seeks to unify diverse peoples, and the track list for "Of Christmastide" reflects this concern. Weighted somewhat towards the 20th century, with Williams, Tavener, Rutter, Holst and Lauridsen amongst the composers represented, the balance includes two Latvian carols, James McKelvey's arrangement of "Deck The Hall in 7/8" and the Nigerian "Betelehemu." Their sonority is broad and expansive, with an airy and open delivery. Some percussion and woodwinds on a few tracks.

Songlist: Hodie Christus natus est, Terly Terlow, Personent Hodie, Sweet Was the Song, Two Latvian Carols, THe Boar's Head Carol, Eso rigor e repente, Three Kings of Orient, Salvation Is Created, Carol From an Irish Cabin, A La Nanita Nana, Deck the Hall (in 7/8), O Magnum Mysterium, Wassil Song, Lo, How a Rose e're Blooming, Betelehemu, Silent Night

With almost 20,000 attendees at their annual Christmas series of concerts and the airing on PBS television and radio stations across the nation has certainly made the Concordia Choir a great Christmas tradition for many. The 400 voices celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with some spectacular arrangements including "Gesu Bambino" and the title track "O Come All Ye Faithful". Two new compositions by director Rene Clausen, who has over the 26 years he has been directing the choir become world-renown, are superb. Always top-notch this choir continues to build upon it's already excellent reputation.

Songlist: Fantasia On O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night, O Come Al Ye Faithful, Gesu Bambino, Advent Motet, People Look East, There Is No Rose, Lo, How A Rose E'Er Blooming, ary's Wonder, Lux Aurumque, He IS Born, Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head, Sanctus (From Mass), Hodie Christus Natus Est, Mary Had A Baby, O Day Full Of Grace, Carol Of The Drum, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth, Ring Out Ye Crystal Spheres From Hodie, Compline

A fascinating history of Christmas music! CORO brings the next installment of the BBC s groundbreaking TV series, Sacred Music, to DVD. This documentary and concert performance follows The Sixteen and Simon Russell Beale as they explore the history of Christmas music. The story takes us through two millennia of music, from a fragment of papyrus preserving the earliest known piece of Christian music to the stories behind some of our most popular carols. Russell Beale also presents a special Christmas concert featuring full performances of some of the works featured in the documentary performed by Harry Christophers and his award-winning choir, The Sixteen. Bonus features include seven free audio tracks, trailers for Sacred Music: Series One and Sacred Music: An Easter Celebration, biographies, and related CD information.

Songlist: Make us merry, Hodie Christus natus est, O magnum mysterium, In dulci jubilo, There is no rose, Make we joy now in this fes, Hark! The herald angels sing, A spotless rose, In the bleak mid-winter, O magnum mysterium, Silent Night