Every Christmas Eve for decades, the world-renowned Choir of King's College Chapel, Cambridge has broadcast the Festival o Nine Lessons and Carols worldwide on BBC Radio (Carols from King's is also televised by the BBC every Christmas annually). It never fails to inspire and appeal by bringing together readings from the Christmas story with the singing of traditional carols in which all may join: classic Christmas arrangements for the choir and exciting newly-composed anthems that often become choral classics. For countless people the broadcast of Nine Lessons and Carols is a major part of the Christmas experience. 

Now the King's College Director of Music, Stephen Cleobury, has created this album of forty-six of the most enduring choral pieces from the Festivals. Thirteen are published here for the first time, ten were specially commissioned for King's and seven are carols for choir and congregation. Wide ranging in sources, this collection includes arrangements by King's directors of music David Wilcocks, Philip Ledger and Stephen Cleobury and leading contemporary composers such as Richard Rodney Bennett, Bob Chilcott, Jonathan Dove, John Joubert, Roxanna Panufnik, Arvo Part, John Rutter, Peter Sculthorpe, John Tavener, and Judith Weir.

Christmas at King's includes a preface by Stephen Cleobury and a useful appendix of readings with relevant repertoire from the collection for those choirs who want to present their own Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, A Great and Mighty Wonder, A Tender Shoot, A Virgin Most Pure, Adam Lay Ybounden, Alleluya, A New Work Is Come On Hand, Away In A Manger, Be Merry, Benedicamus Domino, The Birthday of Thy King, Bogoroditsye Dyevo, Christo Paremus Cantica, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In, I Wonder As I Wander, I Sing Of A Maiden, Illuminare, Jerusalem, In Wintertime, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, The Infant King, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, The Lamb, Morning Song For The Christ Child, Myn Lyking, No Small Wonder, Love Came Down At Christmas, Noel nouvelet, Nowel, and more

Christopher Aspaas, conductor of the St. Olaf Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir, is compiler and editor of this new collection of anthems for male voices in the rich tradition of St. Olaf choral music. This collection is suitable for all levels of ability for use throughout the year. Here are fourteen well-crafted and accessible anthems that will be useful to church, college, and community choirs. In addition to several classic settings by St. Olaf composers, the collection includes new male chorus arrangements of popular anthems, as well as new works based on familiar hymns or freely composed.

Songlist: Beautiful Savior, Come, Ye Disconsolate, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, I Wonder As I Wander, In a Lowly Manger Born, In the Bleak Midwinter, Jesus Loves Me, Lamb of God, Let the Whole Creation Cry, Rise Up, O Men of God, The King of Love and Grace, This Joyful Eastertide, Were You There?

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

A selection of sacred carols.

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, What Child Is This?, I Wonder As I Wander, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, O Come Emmanuel, Away In A Manger, Joy To The World, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Angels From The Realms Of Glory, Angels We Have Heard On High, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, I Heard The bells On Christmas Day, As With Gladness Men Of Old, Good Christian Men Rejoice, The First Noel, We Three Kings, Silent Night

This collection of carols by Owain Park brings together five beautiful works composed for SATB without divisi. Adam lay ybounden is a setting of medieval English words, and is perfect as a seasonal introit. The Holy Child and A Winter Bloom are settings of words by contemporary British poets, Georgia Way and Hannah King, which both offer a reflective take on the festive period. Here is the little door was composed for readers of the BBC Music Magazine, and captures the wonder of Frances Chesterton's text - at first meditative and subdued before becoming more colorful and lively. I Wonder as I Wander is a reworking of an existing piece by Owain Park scored for larger choir (MUSNOV297385). The wistful melody has the character of a folk song, with mellifluous writing for the accompanying voices.

Songlist: Adam lay ybounden, The Holy Child, A Winter Bloom, Here is the little door, I Wonder as I Wander

Bennett's first collection of choral pieces written specifically for the Christmas season. These four carols to American texts recall traditional music of the New World.

Songlist: Away In A Manger, A Child Of God, I Wonder As I Wander, Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow

Gabriel's Message is an 8-part divisi (the beginning splits into 16 parts!) triumphant Christmas Chart. 'Jingle Bells' features a fun vocal accompaniment with great opportunities for soloists. 'I Wonder As I Wander' is a sweet carol with beautiful vocal textures. In this arrangement of 'Go Tell It On The Mountain' the composer focuses on the text, bringing out the meaning of the song, which is often not understood. The 'Twenty Christmas Canons' are easily accessible as they can be performed by all voice types and in any key.

Songlist: Gabriel's Message, Jingle Bells, I Wonder As I Wander, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Twenty Christmas Canons

More great teaching material at the same level as the first volume. Over 30 songs in each volume with no song duplicated between voice types. A student could easily begin either in The First Book or The First Book Part II, or the books may be used concurrently.

Songlist: Blow, Ye Winds, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, Bois Epais (Sombre Woods), Bright Is The Ring Of Words, Build Thee More Stately Mansions, Deep River, Die K?nige (The Kings), Die Wetterfahne (Weathervane), Down Harley Street, Du Bist Wie Eine Blume (Thou'rt like unto a Flower), Du Bist Wie Eine Blume (Thou'rt like unto a Flower), Ein Ton (What Sound Is That?), Eldorado, The First Concert, Give A Man A Horse He Can Ride, God Is My Shepherd, The Heart Worships, I Wonder As I Wander, In Einem K?hlen Grunde (Mill Of The Valley), Jesus, Fount Of Consolation, L'Amour De Moi (Love of My Heart), Le Miroir (The Mirror), O'er The Hills, Os Tormentos De Amor (The Torments of Love), Pilgrim's Song, Pretty as a Picture, The Pretty Creature, The Roadside Fire, Rolling Down To Rio, Sea Fever, and more

More great teaching material at the same level as the first volume. Over 30 songs in each volume with no song duplicated between voice types. A student could easily begin either in The First Book or The First Book Part II, or the books may be used concurrently.

Songlist: Bright Is The Ring Of Words, Down Harley Street (Kingsford), Du Bist Wie Eine Blume (Thou'rt like unto a Flower) (Liszt), Ein Ton (What Sound Is That?) (Cornelius), Eldorado (Walthew), The First Concert (Mana-Zucca), Give A Man A Horse He Can Ride (O'Hara), The Heart Worships (Holst), Jesus, Fount Of Consolation (Bach), Die Könige (The Kings) (Cornelius), O'er The Hills (Hopkinson), Os Tormentos De Amor (The Torments of Love) (Kilenyi), Pilgrim's Song (Tchaikovsky), Pretty as a Picture (Herbert), The Pretty Creature (Storace/Wilson), The Roadside Fire (Vaughan Williams), Rolling Down To Rio (German), Sea Fever (Andrews), The Slighted Swain (Wilson), The Song Of Momus To Mars (Boyce), Verrathene Liebe (Love's Secret Lost) (Schumann), Die Wetterfahne (Weathervane) (Schubert), Deep River, I Wonder As I Wander, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind (Arne), Blow, Ye Winds (Dougherty), L'Amour De Moi (Love of My Heart) (15th Century), Toglietemi La Vita Ancor (Take Away My Life) (Scarlatti), Du Bist Wie Eine Blume (Thou'rt like unto a Flower) (Rubinstein), Who Is Sylvia (Schubert), and more

This collection includes new arrangements for voice and piano of six songs originally published in Ten Christmas Carols from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, collected by John Jacob Niles, as well as familiar classics composed by Niles. The recorded performances will help all become familiar with these new settings. All selections are appropriate for student singers as well as more experienced singers for use in Christmas services.

Songlist: The Carol Of The Birds, The Cherry-Tree, Down In Yon Forest, The Flower Of Jesse, I Wonder As I Wander, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Jesus, The Christ, Is Born, Lulle Lullay, See Jesus, The Saviour, The Seven Joys Of Mary, Sweet Little Boy Jesus, What Songs Were Sung

This collection includes new arrangements for voice and piano of six songs originally published in Ten Christmas Carols from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, collected by John Jacob Niles, as well as familiar classics composed by Niles. The recorded performances will help all become familiar with these new settings. All selections are appropriate for student singers as well as more experienced singers for use in Christmas services.

Songlist: The Carol Of The Birds, The Cherry-Tree, Down In Yon Forest, The Flower Of Jesse, I Wonder As I Wander, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Jesus, The Christ, Is Born, Lulle Lullay, See Jesus, The Saviour, The Seven Joys Of Mary, Sweet Little Boy Jesus, What Songs Were Sung

John Jacob Niles : Songs of John Jacob Niles - Revised and Expanded Edition   

35 songs by Kentucky-born John Jacob Niles, one of the most loved American vocal composers, whose songs are a staple of contest solo lists. 11 songs have been added for the 2015 expanded edition. Includes Gambling Songs and a collection of Niles' Appalachian Carols, as well as a preface by and biographical notes on the composer. New in the 2015 Revised and Expanded edition: The Blue Madonna - Calm is the Night - Careless Love - Reward - Wayfaring Stranger - The Cherry-Tree - Lulle Lullay - Down in yon forest - Jesus the Christ is born - The Seven Joys of Mary - See Jesus the Saviour Complete Table of Contents: The Black Dress - Black is the color of my true love's hair - The Blue Madonna - Calm Is the Night - Careless Love - The Carol of the Bells - Evening - The Flower of Jesse - Go 'way from my window - I wonder as I wander - Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head - The Lass from the Low Countree - Little Black Star - The Lotus Bloom - My Lover is a farmer lad - Reward - Ribbon Bow - The Robin and the Thorn - Sweet little boy Jesus - Unused I am to lovers - Wayfaring Stranger - What Songs Were Sung - When I get up into Heaven - The Wild Rider - The Rovin' Gambler - The Gambler's Lament - The Gambler's Wife (By-Low) - Gambler, don't you lose your place - Gamblyer's Song of the Big Sandy River - The Cherry-Tree - Lulle Lullay - Down in yon forest - Jesus the Christ is born - The Seven Joys of Mary - See Jesus the Saviour These two lovely volumes for high and low voice are the result of years of growing scholarship around the work of a composer often slighted...We are fortunate indeed to have this latest generous edition, offering as it does a wealth of material for recital and pedagogic purposes. The inclusion of Niles's own notes from the original edition are particularly moving.--Journal of Singing

Songlist: Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Evening, Careless Love, I Wonder As I Wander, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, The Black Dress, Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair, The Cherry-Tree, Down In Yon Forest, Lulle Lullay, The Carol Of The Birds, The Seven Joys Of Mary, Sweet Little Boy Jesus, What Songs Were Sung, The Flower Of Jesse, Jesus, The Christ, Is Born, See Jesus, The Saviour, Go 'Way From My Window, The Lass From The Low Countree, The Rovin' Gambler, The Blue Madonna, Reward, Calm Is The Night, The Lotus Bloom, The Gambler's Lament, The Gambler's Wife (By - Low), Gambler, Don't You Lose Your Place, Gambler's Song Of The Big Sandy River, My Lover Is A Farmer Lad, The Wild Rider, and more

This superb 382-page resource contains more than 350 North American folk songs, carefully sequenced both rhythmically and melodically for use with the Kodály method, which is based on authentic Hungarian folk music. The collection features information about solfege, form, phrase, length, range, rhythmic construction, and more.

Songlist: Jubilee, 1 2 3, Ah Vous Dirai-Je, Maman? (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star), Animal Song, Frog Went A-Courtin', Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Christus Natus Hodie, Goodbye, Old Paint, All The Pretty Little Horses, Let Me Fly, Cumberland Gap, On Springfield Mountain, Jesus Born In Beth'ny, Alphabet Song, I Wonder As I Wander, Daddy Shot A Bear, Down In The Valley, Soldier Boy, Little Bird, Skip To My Lou, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Pretty Saro, London Bridge, The Farmer In The Dell, Hickory Dickory Dock, I Got A Letter This Morning, Riding In A Buggy, Awake, (Go Tell Aunt Rhody) The Ole Grey Goose Is Dead, and more

Christmas music selected especially for the classical singer. For Low Voices. In addition to piano accompaniments and full performances playable on both your CD player and computer, this enhanced CD also includes tempo adjustment and key changes.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, The Christmas Song, Do You Hear What I Hear, Gesu Bambino, Go, Tell It in the Mountain, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, I Wonder as I Wander, I'll Be Home for Christmas, O Holy Night, Silver Bells, Some Children See Him, White Christmas

Christmas music selected especially for the classical singer. For High Voices. In addition to piano accompaniments and full performances playable on both your CD player and computer, this enhanced CD also includes tempo adjustment and key changes.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, The Christmas Song, Do You Hear What I Hear, Gesu Bambino, Go, Tell It in the Mountain, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, I Wonder as I Wander, I'll Be Home for Christmas, O Holy Night, Silver Bells, Some Children See Him, White Christmas

his beautiful new volume in The Vocal Library is a large resource for classical singers of 53 songs for holiday services and events, designed for a lifetime of use. Contents include 26 Art Songs/Traditional Songs by composers such as Dello Joio, Bach, Debussy, Wolf, Niles, and including classics such as "Gesu Bambino," "O Holy Night," and "The Virgin's Slumber Song." This section also includes the complete song cycle Weihnachtslieder by Peter Cornelius. The 19 Christmas carols include 5 Alfred Burt carols, arrangements by John Jacob Niles and Harry T. Burleigh, and 14 arrangements by Richard Walters.

Songlist: The Birthday of a King, Bright Star, Caroling, Caroling, A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Song, The Christmas Waltz, Deck the Hall, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Epiphanias, Ermuntre Dich, Mein Schwacher Geist, The First Noel, Gesu Bambino, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, The Holly and the Ivy, Holy Infant's Lullaby, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, I Saw Three Ships, I Stand Here at the Cradleside, I Wonder as I Wander, I'll Be Home For Christmas, In the Bleak Midwinter, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Jesus Of Nazareth, Les Anges Dans nos Campagnes, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Noel Des Enfants Qui N'ont Plus De Maisons, Nun Wandre, Maria, O Hearken Ye, and more

This beautiful new volume in The Vocal Library is a large resource for classical singers of 53 songs for holiday services and events, designed for a lifetime of use. Contents include 26 Art Songs/Traditional Songs by composers such as Dello Joio, Bach, Debussy, Wolf, Niles, and including classics such as "Gesu Bambino," "O Holy Night," and "The Virgin's Slumber Song." This section also includes the complete song cycle Weihnachtslieder by Peter Cornelius. The 19 Christmas carols include 5 Alfred Burt carols, arrangements by John Jacob Niles and Harry T. Burleigh, and 14 arrangements by Richard Walters.

Songlist: The Birthday of a King, Bright Star, Caroling, Caroling, A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Song, The Christmas Waltz, Deck the Hall, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Epiphanias, Ermuntre Dich, Mein Schwacher Geist, The First Noel, Gesu Bambino, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, The Holly and the Ivy, Holy Infant's Lullaby, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, I Saw Three Ships, I Stand Here at the Cradleside, I Wonder as I Wander, I'll Be Home For Christmas, In the Bleak Midwinter, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Jesus Of Nazareth, Les Anges Dans nos Campagnes, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Noel Des Enfants Qui N'ont Plus De Maisons, Nun Wandre, Maria, O Hearken Ye, and more

Titles in the Original Keys for Singers series are designed for vocalists looking for authentic transcriptions from their favorite artists. The books transcribe famous vocal performances exactly as recorded and provide piano accompaniment parts so that you can perform or practice exactly as your favorite artists sang them! This volume features more than two dozen holiday hits as sung by famous female crooners.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, The Christmas Song, Christmas Time Is Here, Do You Hear What I Hear, Feliz Navidad, Grown-Up Christmas List, Hallelujah, Happy Holiday, Happy Xmas (War Is Over), Hard Candy Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, A Holly Jolly Christmas, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, I Wonder As I Wander, I'll Be Home For Christmas, It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Merry Christmas, Darling, My Favorite Things, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Baby, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, Silver Bells, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, There Is No Christmas Like A Home Christmas, White Christmas

15 holiday classics in beautiful classical arrangements for high voice, with accompaniment tracks available online for download or streaming. Includes: The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Christmas Time Is Here - The Christmas Waltz - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - I Wonder As I Wander - I'll Be Home for Christmas - In the Bleak Midwinter - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Mary Had a Baby - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - O Holy Night - Silent Night - Silver Bells - Sleigh Ride - White Christmas.

Songlist: Silent Night, O Holy Night, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, I Wonder As I Wander, In The Bleak Midwinter, Christmas Time Is Here, Mary Had A Baby, The Christmas Song, The Christmas Waltz, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Silver Bells, White Christmas

15 holiday classics in beautiful classical arrangements for low voice, with accompaniment tracks available online for download or streaming. Includes: The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Christmas Time Is Here - The Christmas Waltz - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - I Wonder As I Wander - I'll Be Home for Christmas - In the Bleak Midwinter - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Mary Had a Baby - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - O Holy Night - Silent Night - Silver Bells - Sleigh Ride - White Christmas.

Songlist: Silent Night, O Holy Night, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, I Wonder As I Wander, In The Bleak Midwinter, Christmas Time Is Here, Mary Had A Baby, The Christmas Song, The Christmas Waltz, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Silver Bells, White Christmas

With companion CD of recorded accompaniments. Contents: The Lord's Prayer (Malotte) - The 23rd Psalm (Malotte) - The Beatitudes (Malotte) - Prayer of the Norwegian Child (Kountz) - Song of Devotion (Beck) - I Wonder As I Wander (Niles) - Wayfaring Stranger (Kountz) - Were You There (arr. Johnson) - Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit (arr. Johnson) - Prayer Perfect (Speaks) - Create in me a clean heart, O God (Mueller) - I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked (O'Hara).

Songlist: Poor Wayfaring Stranger, I Wonder As I Wander, The Beatitudes (Malotte), The Lord's Prayer, Were You There?, Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked, Prayer Of The Norwegian Child, The 23rd Psalm, The Prayer Perfect (Speaks), Song Of Devotion (Beck)

With access to online audio files of recorded accompaniments. Contents: The Lord's Prayer (Malotte) - The 23rd Psalm (Malotte) - The Beatitudes (Malotte) - Prayer of the Norwegian Child (Kountz) - Song of Devotion (Beck) - I Wonder As I Wander (Niles) - Wayfaring Stranger (Kountz) - Were You There (arr. Johnson) - Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit (arr. Johnson) - Prayer Perfect (Speaks) - Create in me a clean heart, O God (Mueller) - I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked (O'Hara).

Songlist: Poor Wayfaring Stranger, I Wonder As I Wander, The Beatitudes (Malotte), The Lord's Prayer, Were You There?, Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked, Prayer Of The Norwegian Child, The 23rd Psalm, The Prayer Perfect (Speaks), Song Of Devotion (Beck)

Selection of art songs and spirituals that are appropriate for classical singers. Suitable for performances in church or recital. Includes: I Wonder As I Wander (John Jacob Niles); Mary Had a Baby (Hall Johnson); O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam); On Christmas Eve (Sibelius); and more.

Songlist: What Child Is This?, O Holy Night, I Wonder As I Wander, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Mary Had A Baby, Lulle Lullay, Sweet Little Boy Jesus, What Songs Were Sung, Noel, Noel, Bells Are Ringing, On Christmas Eve, Glory Hallelujah To De New-born King, Mary's Soliloquy

Selection of art songs and spirituals that are appropriate for classical singers. Suitable for performances in church or recital. Includes: I Wonder As I Wander (John Jacob Niles); Mary Had a Baby (Hall Johnson); O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam); On Christmas Eve (Sibelius); and more.

Songlist: What Child Is This?, O Holy Night, I Wonder As I Wander, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Mary Had A Baby, Lulle Lullay, Sweet Little Boy Jesus, What Songs Were Sung, Noel, Noel, Bells Are Ringing, On Christmas Eve, Glory Hallelujah To De New-born King, Mary's Soliloquy

Accidentals : An Accidental Christmas   

The Accidentals won the Harmony Sweepstakes in 1995 with their signature tune, "You Win." The eight piece group is known for their exemplary musicianship and unexpected arrangements. Though the advance copy we received for review did not include all of the songs on the CD-there will be twenty in all-what we heard lived up to our high expectations, including the hearty "Wassail Song," a pristine "I Wander As I Wander" and the CARA award-winning "Rudiana," a hilarious tour-de-force that sends up a variety of musical genres from classical to tango!

Songlist: Deck The Hall, O come, All Ye Faithful, Angels We Have Heard On High, O Tannenbaum, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Patapan, The Christmas Song, Jingle Bells, Rudiana, Joy The The World, In Dulci Jubilo, Away In A Manger, The First Noel, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, The Wassail Song, Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, I Wonder As I Wander, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, The Hallelujah Chorus, Silent Night

This is the first recording release from this talented California quartet, and it's a great addition to any a cappella lover's holiday music library. It's a collection of new treatments of holiday favorites, full of lush harmonies and ringin' chords, and it was CARA nominated as the best Holiday Album of 2014. Highlights include: the gorgeous "White Christmas" featuring super-tenor Todd Kidder, the dramatic "I Wonder as I Wander", a sweet new treatment of Chris Rice's "Welcome to Our World", and a very touching rendition of "Joseph's Lullabye", featuring Gabe Caretto. Put your holiday spirits in the hands of Artistic License and they will deliver in a very genuine way!

Songlist: Silver Bells, I Wonder as I Wander, Three Kings, It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas, Welcome To Our World, Santa Medley, Joseph's Lullaby, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Auld Lang Syne, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Silent Night, White Christmas

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

When an ensemble like the BBC Singers, renowned for its commitment to the music of our time, sets out to record a Christmas CD you can be sure that the repertoire will include material rather different from the usual run of popular standards and arrangements! One star, at last includes eight new carols (six of them specially-commissioned by BBC Radio 3), several premiere recordings, and a selection of music - serious and light-hearted, contemplative and joyful - by some of the leading British, European and North American choral composers of the day. Composers include Martland, Weir, Ades, MacMillan, Tavener, Kornowicz, Rodney Bennet and Harle.

Songlist: Nowell Sing We Now, From Lands that see the Sun Arise, Make we Joy, There is no Rose of Such Virtue, I Wonder as I Wander, Illuminare, Jerusalem, The Shepherd's Gift, Corpus Christi Carol, The Fayrfax Carol, The Shepherds Sing, Today the Virgin, Oczekiwanie (Waiting), O Magnum Mysterium, Sleep, little Jesus, sleep, Romance of the Angels, Mrs. Beeton's Christmas Plum Pudding, Nativitas, Seinte Mari Moder Milde, Carol, One Star, at Last

Pride of Vermont since their founding by the renowned Dr. Willis, the 40-strong Bella Voce Women's Chorus brings us a bright, ringing Christmas album of 20 songs, some of them familiar and beloved, like "The Sussex Carol," "Wexford Carol," John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," "A La Nanita Nana," the spirituals "Mary Had A Baby" and "Glory and Honor to the Newborn King;" "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head," "I Wonder As I Wander," the Christmas medley "Christmas Intrada," Benjamin Britten's "This Little Babe" and Brahms' "Ave Maria." and many of them less familiar to us, like "Masters in this Hall," "O My Dear Heart," Eleanor Daley's "What Sweeter Music," "La Virgen Lava Panales," "The Moon of Wintertime," "A la Ru, A la Me" and Steven Rickards' "Angels Did Sing." Most songs have some light to heavy accompaniment, and the lovely, extensive liner notes have all the lyrics.

Songlist: The Sussex Carol, Masters in This Hall, Wexford Carol, O My Dear Heart, Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day, A La Nanita Nana, Mary Had A Baby, Jehovah Hallelujah, Glory and Honor to the Newborn King, Christmas Intrada, What Sweeter Music, La Virgen Lava Panales, The Moon of Wintertime, This Little Babe, Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head, I Wonder as I Wander, A la Ru, A la Me, Angels Did Sing, Magnificat

How do you create a Sweet Adelines Supergroup? Take Nancy and Jeannine from Gold medalists City Lights, Karen of Gold winner Jubilation and Debbie, wearing her Showtime Gold, add a cool motto: "Four Parts, One Voice," pick an ultra-cool name, stir vigorously and turn up the heat in top-drawer competition in Indianapolis in 2004. Wow judges, who name you 2005 Queens of Harmony, then continue to stir audiences and make hot recordings! "Jingle BUZZ" is a 12-song Christmas Album, some of our favorites would include standards "Jingle Bells," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Mary Did You Know," "I Wonder As I Wander" (featuring a wonderful guest lead from Jim Henry), "Merry Christmas, Darling," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," and "What Child Is This." Surprise winners are the rarely recorded Swing tune, "Everybody's Waiting for the Man with the Bag" and the very funny "Diddly Squat," in which a "naughty" girl bemoans her letter's response from Santa. Classic leads and harmonies, well-chosen tunes, ringing, angelic chords-this is holiday cheer from the first cut to the last. "Jingle BUZZ" is great entertainment by one of Sweet Adelines' true Supergroups, sure to bring a welcome buzz to your house!

Songlist: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, A Quartet Christmas, Mary, Did You Know?, Fa-La-La, I Wonder As I Wander, Everybody's Waiting For The Man With The Bag, Mary Had A Baby, Diddly Squat, Merry Christmas, Darling, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa, What Child Is This?

The incomparable Cambridge Singers bring us 22 carols, old and new: In dulci jubilo, Adam lay ybounden, Christmas Night, Once, as I Remember, A spotless Rose, In the Bleak Mid-winter, There is a Flower, The Cherry Tree Carol, I Wonder as I Wander, Candlelight Carol, O Tannenbaum, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Virgin Most Pure, I Sing of a Maiden, Lute-Book Lullaby, Ballet, The Three Kings, Myn Lyking, O Little One Sweet, etc.

Songlist: In Dulci Jubilo, Adam Lay Ybounden, Christmas Night, Once, As I Remember, A Spotless Rose, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, There Is A Flower, The Cherry Tree Carol, I Wonder As I Wander, Candlelight Carol, O Tannenbaum, Tommorow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Virgin Most Pure, I Sing Of A Maiden, Lute-Book Lullaby, The Three Kings, Myn Lyking, O Little One Sweet, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, I Saw A Madian, Away In A Manger, Nativity Carol

The Renowned, 31-strong Cambridge Singers have a present for us: 23 songs of Christmas, many of them written, composed and/or arranged by contemporary composer John Rutter, a giant in the Choral world. "Jesus Child," "There Is A Flower," "Donkey Carol," "Wildwood Carol," "Angels' Carol," "Mary's Lullaby" - Rutter's original music is lovely, and the CS are the group to do it justice. Also fine are all the traditional carols like "I Saw Three Ships" and "Joy to the World." The songs are divided into six sections: Prologue, The Christmas Story, Christmas Night, Christmas Reflections, Christmas Joy and Epilog. Most of the songs are accompanied by the London Sinfonia. The liner notes are extensive and beautiful. A monumental achievement for the Cambridge Singers, a generous, spirited and brilliant Christmas CD!

Songlist: Wexford Carol, The Christmas story - Jesus child, There Is a Flower, Donkey Carol, Wild Wood Carol, Angels' Carol, Nativity Carol, Mary's lullaby, Star Carol, Candlelight Carol, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Christmas lullaby, Dormi, Jesu, Love Came Down at Christmas, Sans Day Carol, I Wonder as I Wander, What Sweeter Music, Joy to the World, I Saw Three Ships, Deck the Hall, The Very Best Time of Year, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Silent Night

Recorded in 1981 shortly after the Cambridge Singers formation, "Christmas Star" then quickly disappeared, as the master tapes were lost. However, the original digital version was found in 1996. Therefore, the Cambridge Singers first Christmas release can once again be heard. Directed by John Rutter, whose standard of taste and excellence is of legendary repute, this multivoice classical ensemble has a pure and weightless tone and broad dynamic range, from pianissimo to forte. With arrangements also by Rutter, the carols are mostly familiar, such as "I Wander As I Wander," "Ding Dong! Merrily On High" and "What Child Is This," but there are a few rarities: "O Little One Sweet," and "Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime."

Songlist: Good Christian Men, Rejoice, I Wonder As I Wander, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Silent Night, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Three Kings Of Orient, How Great Our Joy, Angels We Have Heard On High, Joy To The World, Away In A Manger, Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, What Child Is This?, 'Twas In The Moon Of Winter Time, O Little One Sweet, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Away In A Manger, Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow, The Christmas Song, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful

The first all-new Christmas recording from John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers for almost 20 years. John Rutter directs the Cambridge Singers, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the award-winning Farnham Youth Choir alongside guest soloists Melanie Marshall, Clara Sanabras and Elin Manahan Thomas, for an unforgettable festival of Christmas music.

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, Gaudete, The Shepherd's Carol, Nos Galan, I Wonder As I Wander, Ave Maria, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Rejoice And Be Merry, El Noi De La Mare, A Christmas Overture, Born On A New Day, Magical Kingdom, Mary's Boy Child, Esta Noche, Sleigh Ride, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, New Year, I Wish You Christmas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

"Cantus" is an eleven member all-male group hailing from St. Olaf's College in Minnesota. Their holiday disc includes many traditional favorites, such as "Coventry Carol," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," and "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" and an original version of "Deck the Halls" (done in 5/4, with jazzy harmonies??, a definite departure from the style on the rest of the recording). "Riu, Riu, Chiu," sung in Spanish, and accompanied by appropriate percussion, accented like a russian song (ask the group about this.) The recording, made in a church, adds atmosphere and presence to the group's own melliflous blend; the notes "float" effortlessly as if weightless. The classically-trained voices are well-suited to the sacred material, the sound of which conveys allegiance to its origin centuries ago. A calming shelter from the Christmas frenzy.

Songlist: Veni, Veni Emmanuel, O Magnum Mysterium, Riu, Riu Chiu, Gabriels' Message, Salvation Is Created, Alleluia, Hail Mary, Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming, O Holy Child, Coventry Carol, Suo-Gan, I Wonder As I Wander, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, I Saw Three Ships, Deck The Halls, Silent Night

Cantus does it again and delivers another top knotch recording and shows how this fine male ensemble is developing into a world class act. This well recorded release features Gregorian chant, folksong arrangements, and major Christmas works for male choir, such as Morten Lauridsen's glorious "O Magnum Mysterium" and Franz Biebl's moving "Ave Maria." Also featured are new arrangements by members of the ensemble of familiar holiday songs, as well as newly commissioned Christmas compositions. The song selection ranges from familiar carols such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "I Wonder as I Wander," "The Three Kings," "What Child Is This and "Silent Night," to a Welsh lullaby, "Suo Gan," and "Gabriel's Message," a Basque carol arranged by John Rutter. This CD is intended to go well with a cold night, a roaring fire, and some eggnog. Due to the loving work of John Atkinson and the singers of Cantus, the album is that and more. It illuminates the human side of the Nativity, focusing on the idea of new life in the dead of winter and the bond between parent and child. Beautiful holiday music, finely-crafted and effortlessly sung.

Songlist: Puer natus est, Gabriel's Message, Ave Maria, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hodi Christus natus est, O Magnum Mysterium, O Magnum Mysterium, Mary Had a Baby, Suo-Gan, A La Nanita Nana, I Wonder as I Wander, The Three Kings, What Child Is This?, Die Konige, Coventry Carol, Silent Night

Comprising a mix of old and new, ecclesiastic and pastoral, familiar and undiscovered, this CD is a rich array. Biebl's "Ave Maria" is a contemporary setting, the final "Amen" resolved in a series of step-wise imitative phrases. Britten's "A Hymn To The Virgin" is a simple and consonant arrangement with a stark and melancholy beauty. The merry and lively ""Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant" is arranged by Rutter, while a medley of Christmas spirituals is a satisfying blend of Chanticleer's trained vocal style, with the non-diatonic contradiction of the blues. The final track: "Silent Night," capturing all the magic of the season, as simple and unique as a perfect snowflake. Newly remastered in 2004.

Songlist: Ave Maria...Virgo serena, Quem vidistis pastores?, In dulci jubilio, Virgen sancta, E la don don, Riu, riu, chiu, Ave Maria, There Is No Rose, A Hymn to the Virgin, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day -, Il est ne le divin enfant, O Come, o Come, Emmanuel, I Wonder as I Wander, Medley of Christmas Spirituals, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, Behold That Star, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Poor Little Jesus, What Month Was Jesus Born in?, Children, Go Where I Send Thee, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Silent Night

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge has always been synonymous with Christmas -- from the yearly television broadcast of their Lessons and Carols service to their numerous best-selling albums of Christmas songs and masses. EMI Classics is proud to present a 2-CD compilation of their greatest Christmas carol recordings.

Songlist: Once in royal David's city, Ding Dong! Merrily on high, O come, all ye faithful, The Holly and the Ivy, Hark! the herald angels sing, Silent Night, While shepherds watched, In the bleak midwinter, God rest you merry, gentlemen, The Lamb, Angels, from the realms of glory, Adam lay ybounden, The Three Kings, I saw a maiden, Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?, Quem pastores laudavere, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, A maiden most gentle, A Spotless Rose, Sans Day Carool, I wonder as I wander, The Cherry Tree Carol, I sing of a maiden, Gabriel's Message, Personent hodie, The First Nowell, In dulci jubilo, O little town of Bethlehem, I saw three ships, It came upon the midnight clear, and more

An exceptional collection of Appalachia folk music, Tellin' it on the Mountain takes listeners on an inspiring musical journey back to a simpler time in our nation's history. The music is arranged by local composer Samuel Lancaster, who has composed dozens of works for the Colorado Children's Chorale through the years. Lancaster describes the music as "a collection of valuable antiques." At times beautifully simple, the music moves the listener through sweet, whimsical grooves to powerfully complex harmonies and pure excitement. Inspired by Appalachia's traditional Christmas "all-night watch" services where people gathered to sing until the Morning Star appeared, Lancaster calls Tellin' it on the Mountain a "remembrance of people gathering to look for new life and new hope." This CD also features two Chorale favorites never before available on one recording: "Christmas in Colorado" and "This Christmastide."

Songlist: Wonder, Wonder, Go Tell It, Bye And Bye, Cradle Song, Angel Band, Wondrous Love, I Wonder As I Wander, Children Go, This Christmastide, Christmas In Colorado

Since 1927, the Concordia College Christmas Concert has grown from an activity of the college's music club into the famed concerts that have become a tradition in the Upper Midwest. Since 1937 the spectacle has featured a giant mural, the huge Concordia Choir and three other choirs, and the Concordia orchestra. There are beautiful photographs of the event in the extensive liner notes. 23 songs, "Venus, the Bringer of Peace," "Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night," "O How Shall I Receive Thee," "Behold A Star From Jacob Shining," "Arise, Shine, for Thy Light Has Come," "Our Father"... the list goes on and on of beautiful, soaring music, praising Christ and filling the huge hall with love and light. "Star Of Wonder" is a very special CD of a huge, amazing Christmas event.

Songlist: Venus, the Bringer of Peace, Watchman, Tell Us of the Night, O How Shall I Receive Thee?, Behold A Star from Jacob Shining, Arise, Shine, for Thy Light Has Come, Our Father, The Word Became Flesh, Mary's Song of Praise, People, Look East, We Three Kings, Rise Up, Sheperd, and Follow, I Wonder as I Wander, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, Silent Night, I Saw Three Ships, The Godly Stranger, Laudamus Te, Wolcum Yole, The Three Kings, Ye Were Sometimes in Darkness / Walk as Children of Light, Psalm 103, Lord of All Being, Compline

Ditchfield Family Singers : A Cappella Christmas   

Sarasota, Florida's Ditchfields, inspired by Austria's famous Von Trapps, are actually all members of one family, led by parents Stephen and Bernice, son Nathaneal and his wife Regina, daughter Stephanie, teenage sons Michael and David, and 3 little grandsons, Andrew, Christopher and Joshua. Over the past 14 years the Family has performed the popular music of the '30s, '40s and '50s, show stoppers from Broadway, and the best loved traditional standards. "A Cappella Christmas" comes from their very popular annual Christmas concerts. Thirteen of our favorite carols and hymns: "Carol of the Bells," "Good King Wenceslas," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "In the Bleak Midwinter," "The Little Drummer Boy," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "What Child Is This," "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "Silent Night." The arrangements are dramatic and powerful, yet simple and sincere. "A Cappella Christmas" will be a welcome, uplifting addition to your family's holiday celebrations.

Songlist: Carol of the Bells, Good King Wenceslas, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Come All Ye Faithful, In the Bleak Midwinter, I Wonder as I Wander, The Little Drummer Boy, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, We Three Kings, What Child is This (Greensleeves), Caroling, Caroling, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Silent Night

The Elora Festival Singers, conducted by internationally acclaimed director Noel Edison, is one of the most exciting of contemporary choirs. Their disc of Eric Whitacre's choral music (8.559677) was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2010. Now they turn to the art of the Christmas carol, a genre covering a variety of styles,6305c both popular and refined, each piece expressing religious sentiments and beliefs. The music ranges from much-loved settings to new works, from polyphony to more straightforward melodies, in a recital stretching from the Middle Ages to the music of today.

Songlist: Once in Royal David's City, My Dancing Day, What Child Is This?, A Boy Was Born,, The Holly and the Ivy, Who is He in Yonder Stall, Nesciens Mater Virgo Virum, Away in a Manger, Ding! Dong! Merrily on High, O Holy Night, Adam Lay Y Bounden, Ecce Concipies, Rocking, Gabriel's Message, I Wonder as I Wander, There is a Flower, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, The First Nowell

Ensemble Amarcord is one of the most acclaimed male vocal ensembles performing today and this Christmas release shows why. Impeccable blend and enticing arrangements makes this a recording that will be a favorite every holiday season. It combines 15 Amarcord classics, taking you from Finland to Nigeria, from Trinidad & Tobago to Poland - sometimes jazzy, sometimes reflective and moving, but always guided by the longing for coming home for Christmas.

Songlist: Juokse, Porosein!, So Viel Heimlichkeit, Winter Wonderland, Nu Taendas Tusen Juleljus, Noel Nouvelet, Betelehemu, Jezus Malusienki, Stille Nacht, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Fum, Fum, Fum, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, White Christmas, Summer Sleeps (Greta's Song), I Wonder As I Wander, Parang Christmas Chutney, So Viel Heimlichkeit (Zuckerbaecker-remix)

Beautifully accompanied with a variety of instruments including recorders and Uilleann pipes, this CD draws from a number of different sources for it's material. 'Good Christian Men, Rejoice,' is a fourteenth century carol; 'I Wonder As I Wander,' is an Appalachian traditional with a contemporary vocal treatment, and a spoken introduction about the birth of Jesus (called a 'lesson,' of which there are six in total). There are also purely instrumental versions of 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring,' 'O Little Town of Bethlehem,' 'Silent Night' and 'We Three Kings.' In accordance with the holiness of the season, the arrangements are restrained, the manner reverential. The Haven Quartet reminds us of the purpose and significance of the holiday celebration.

Songlist: Of the Father's Love, Good Christian Men, Rejoyce, Gaudete, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, I Wonder As I Wander, Once In David's Royal City, O Little Town of Bethlehem, For Love's Sake, Hallelujah Chorus, God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night, O Holy Night, How Great Our Joy, While Shepherds Watched, Do not Be Afraid, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, We Three Kings, Christmas Song (for all year 'reound)

Inner Voices : Prairie Jazz   

Manhattan Transfer meets the Sons Of The Pioneers!! The incomparable Morgan Ames had produced, arranged and recorded the selections which she describes as "a group of a cappella cowboy and mountain songs based on pure historical American, plus a few strays, filtered through my jazz-based sense of harmony and four city singers." She goes on to add... "I grew up looking for home on the range, pretending to be Annie Oakley on rented horses at the Burbank Stables. But singing this music, our shared American heritage, was a gift and that's how we offer it to you." Now, all isn't just tradition as occasionally a new lyic or two is added, but the singers Shelby Flint, Morgan, Melissa Mackay and Michael Mishaw manage to maintain a sensibility of tradition while creating an entirely new feel, exactly as Morgan describes in her quoted comments above. Real traditional tunes such as "Home on the Range," "Old Diamond Joe," (a multi-track overdubbed recording sung entirely by Michael) and "Old Chisholm Trail" are mixed in with a leavening of newer tunes such as "Witchi Tai To," "My Real Home," and "Springtime in the Rockies." The only difficulty we face in reviewing a recording of this calibre is expressing our enthusiasm without going overboard!

Songlist: Old Chisholm Trail, Witch Tai To, Goodbye Old Paint, The Cuckoo, Tumblin' Tumbleweeds, My Real Home, Old Diamond Joe, Where Am I Going, Home On The Range, There's A Star On The Horizon, Springtime In The Rockies, Unused To Lovers, Cielito Lindo, The Water Is Wide/Oh Winding River, I Wonder As I Wander

Christmas with The King's Singers New music, old music, music from the Renaissance and Baroque, spirituals, folksongs, jazz and pop... The Beatles, David Bowie, swing, classical avantgarde, waltzes by Strauss, and musical theatre songs. Which genre of music are the King's Singers actually yet to interpret? Which style have they not yet captured within their unique global reach and within their transparent and intimate six-voiced sound world? One thing is for sure - when the King's Singers came together at the end of the 1960s in Cambridge, no one would have believed the success story that lay ahead of them. Some musical experts were scathing: a male-only vocal sextet was most likely to be found in the pop sector. But trained voices are surely better suited to a professional career either in the opera world or in mixed professional choirs. After all, the founding members came from the famous King's College Choir - one of the oldest surviving vocal institutions with nearly 500 years of history to it's name. It is with this tradition behind them that the King's Singers display the typical British musical virtues in which seriousness and humour, self-discipline, and a dash of satire all mix together so wonderfully. This is especially evident in their Christmas repertoire. Christmas carols are a special national treasure for Brits and are therefore the focus of festivities. The six voices' festive destinations also include the continent, such as Spain and Germany. "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" by the German early Baroque master composer Michael Praetorius has become a Christmas standard. The world famous carol "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" ("Silent Night") comes from the German-speaking world too, written for Christmas Eve in a village near Salzburg in 1818. The simple, classical melody radiates a little of the spirit of Mozart, who was born in Salzburg. What a pity there is no musical contribution to these Christmas festivities from Mozart, the King's Singers may have thought! Perhaps that's how they came up with the idea for an amusing and cheeky Christmas medley of melodies from the great classical composer, reinforced by the harpsichord playing of English conductor Richard Hickox and the singing of guest star Kiri Te Kanawa. © Oliver Buslau, 2017 Translation: texthouse

Songlist: Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, Here We Come a Wassailing, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The Little Drummer Boy, I Wonder As I Wander, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht, O Little Town of Bethlehem, A Little Christmas Music (Medley Ë la Mozart), Coventry Carol, The Boar's Head Carol, Gaudete, Joy to the World, Riu Riu Chiu, El Nino Querido, Nit de Vetlla, Deck the Hall, He Wexford Carol, The Gift, Patapan and Farandole

Luther College Nordic Choir : Unto Us A Child Is Born   

Singing is a very big part of the campus of Luther College by being alive with the sound of its seven choirs. Music is considered to be an integral part of the community of faith and learning at the College and ever since it's founding Christmas has always been a very special time of year. The Christmas concerts are legendary and in 2006 celebrated the 25th anniversary of the combined musical ensembles including the Nordic Choir, Cantorei, the Norsemen and the Symphony Orchestra.

Songlist: I Wonder as I Wander, Fantasia on "Greensleeves", Processional: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Break forth, O beauteous, heavenly light (from the Christmas Oratorio), Glory Be to God, There is No Rose, Out of the Orient Crystal Skies, On Christmas Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Fanfare for a New Millennium, Quoniam tu solus sanctus (from Mass in C majjjor), Love Came Down at Christmas, A Child, My Choice, The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy, O Day Full of Grace, Silent Night, Carillon (from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1), The Little Drummer Boy, Noel Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel), Noel: Votre Bonte Grand Dieu, Narration, The Many Moods of Christmas (Suite Three)

Let It Snow finds New York Voices - Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader and Peter Eldridge - celebrating a host of traditional and sacred holiday classics as well as secular favorites. With the assistance of Grammy Award winning producer and engineer, Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Eagles, Manhattan Transfer, Fleetwood Mac), the quartet has fashioned an album that honors beloved songs, while incorporating sophisticated jazz and swing elements. Settings vary; a cappella performances mingle with robust arrangements featuring big band and studio orchestra accompaniment. The result is a diverse program of holiday standards, performed with surprisingly fresh treatments. The close harmony style that New York Voices embraces is a perfect sound for the holiday season. While the bulk of the arrangements are by founding member and tenor vocalist Damon Meader, additional orchestrators include Don Sebesky, Jorge Calendrelli, Pat Hollenbeck, and Michele Weir. 

Songlist: Let It Snow, Christmas Song / Christmas Time, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, We Three Kings, Holiday for Strings, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Sleepers, Wake, O Come, All Ye Faithful, The Merry Medley, I Wonder As I Wander, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Silent Night

The Christmas Story from the Annunciation to Epiphany told in well-known traditional carols, and works by Bruckner, Joubert, Howells, Poulenc and other composers : directed by Edward Higginbottom

Songlist: I Wonder As I Wander, Adam Lay Ybounden, Alma Redemptoris, The Angel Gabriel, Ave Maria, A Spotless Rose, There Is No Rose, The Little Road To Bethlehem, Once In Royal David's City, Stille Nacht, Sing Lullaby, Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen, O Magnum Mysterium, In Dulci Jubilo, O Jesulein Sul, While Shepards Watched Their Flocks By Night, Quem Vidistis Pastores, Shepards Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep, Adeste Fideles, Videntes Stellam, Rocking Carol, Here Is The Little Door, Hark The Herald Angels Sing

The University of Oxford's world famous choir performs a selection of famous and lesser-known carols.

Songlist: O come all ye faithful, Adam Lay Y Bounden, Out of your sleep, The angel Gabriel, A Spotless Rose, Ding dong merrily on high, In the bleak midwinter, The holly and the ivy, I wonder as I wander, A babe is born, Sussex carol, This is the truth, A Virgin most pure, Here is the little door, Alleluya a new work is come on hand, Lully lulla thou tiny little child, In dulci jubilo, There is no rose, Rocking carol, Wassail Carol, Once in royal David's city

Pacific Chorale is one of America's great choirs. Internationally recognized for exceptional artistic expression, stimulating American-focused programming, and influential education programs. This is a treasured collection of some of Pacific Chorale's most requested Christmas gems. Classic seasonal pieces are heard alongside all-time favorite carols. Under the inspired guidance of Artistic Director John Alexander, Pacific Chorale has infused an Old World art form with California's hallmark innovation and cultural independence.

Songlist: A Carol Fantasy, Angels We Have Heard On High, The First Noel, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Once In Royal David's City, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, Ave Maria, The Lamb, I Wonder As I Wander, Sing We Now Of Christmas, Carol Of The Drum, Three Little Carols, Carol Of The Bells, Here We Come A-Caroling, Jingle Bells, HAve Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Silent Night, A New Year Carol, Christmas Time Is Here

The Phoenix Bach Choir four years ago premiered Milagros de Navidad, a Christmas cycle for choir as a way of marking the holiday season in a Southwestern accent. In this recording, the choir has made Milagros the lead item in a superbly produced and packaged yuletide CD from an emerging Arizona label, Soundset. Jon Washburn conducts the ensemble of Frank Koonce, guitar; Mark Sunkett, percussion; and the choir with select soloists. In this sonically clean and vibrant recording, Milagros is a compendium of yuletide songs lovingly sung in Spanish and English, with running commentary from guitarist Koonce. Robert Tree Cody, on Native American Flute (the instrument of choice this season, it seems), is also heard here, in Washburn's own Noel Sing We, a kind of American Indian-haunted holiday landscape.

Songlist: Milagros de Navidad, Los Reyes de Oriente, Angels we have heard on high, A la nanita nana (Lullaby), Alla en el portal (Away in a manger), Noche de paz (Silent night), Fum fum fum, Noel Sing We, Magnificat secundi toni, Lo, how a rose e're blooming, The Star, I wonder as I wander, How brightly shines the morning star, Rise up, shepherd, an' follow, Weihnachtslieder

The performances are uniformly excellent; Stephen Layton and his Polyphony vocal ensemble have shown a previous affinity for Rutter's work and this effort simply reaffirms their commitment to and love for this very special music. With the first notes of the joyous "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," we know that Christmas is coming and John Rutter is the man when it comes to Christmas music! And on "Music," we have 22 of Rutter's finest carols, lullabyes and other Christmas songs, sung by talented mixed ensemble Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton and accompanied on most tunes by the City of London Sinfonia. Favorites are the wistful, unaccompanied "There is a Flower," "Sans Day Carol," "I wonder as I wander," the lilting, joyful "Jesus Child," "The very best time of year," "Angel Tidings," "Christmas Lullabye," the exciting "Star Carol," "Carol of the Children," "Mary's Lullabye," "Angels' Carol" and the final cut, "Donkey Carol." A very special Christmas collection, sure to become some of your family's favorite music of the season! Beautiful, extensive liner notes, with a wonderful painting of the Three Wise Men on the cover. Outstanding.

Songlist: Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Nativity Carol, There is a Flower, Sans Day Carol, What Sweeter Music, I wonder as I wander, Jesus Child, Wild Wood Carol, The Very Best Time of Year, Away in a Manger, Angel Tidings, Christmas Lullaby, Dormi Jesu, Love came down at Christmas, Star Carol, Carol of the Children, Mary's Lullaby, Silent Night, Angels' Carol, Candlelight Carol, Second Amen, Donkey Carol

This CD is an assortment of Christmas songs from England and America from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries. Many of the songs are American shape-note and Shaker hymns as well as Appalachian folk songs. Some of the more familiar tunes include the "Coventry Carol: Lully, lulla, thow little tyne child," "I wonder as I wander" by John Jacob Niles and Emily Poston's sweet version of "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree." These songs are all beautifully sung by the Pro Arte Singers with the University of Indiana Children's Chamber Choir, led by Paul Hillier. This is a wonderful recording of rarely heard gems.

Songlist: This Is Jesus' Birthday, Give good gifts to one another, Remember, O thou man, Ecce, quod natura, As I out rode this enderes night (Coventry Shepherds' Carol), Lully, lulla, thow littel tyne child (Coventry Carol), Nowell, nowell: Dieu vous garde, Swete was the song the Virgine soong, Arise, arise ye mortals all, Hail happy morn, I wonder as I wander, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, The darkest midnight, To Bethlehem did they go, Shiloh, Joys Seven, I sing of a maiden, The Babe of Bethlehem, Hail the memorable morn, Sweetest music softly stealing, The Kentucky Wassail Song, To all the good children, a happy New Year

The remastered A Festival of Carols by the Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra, originally recorded in 1957 and 1963, is a timeless classic. It includes four of Robert Russell Bennett's medleys and beautiful a cappella versions of holiday favorites many of which are by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. Selections include, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "My Dancing Day" and "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." This CD will keep your spirits up all season long.

Songlist: Medley - Good Christian Men, Rejoice; Silent Night; Patapan; O Come, All Ye Faithful, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Shepard's Carol, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Medley - O Sanctissima; Joy To The World; Away In A Manger; Fum, Fum, Fum; March Of The Kings, I Wonder As I Wander, We Three Kings, My Dancing Day, Medley - What Child Is This?; Hark! The Herald Angles Sing; Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella; Angles We Have Heard On High, Coventry Carol, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming, Carol Of The Bells, Medley - Break Forth, O Beauteous Heaventy Light; The First Nowell; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; I Saw Three Ships; Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

A Christmas collection that attempts to narrow the gap between the music most performed (that written before 1900) and the vibrant work of living, working composers. "So gracious" the aptly-named Choral Artists combined beloved classics, fresh and original arrangements of traditional melodies, and some of their favorite (and previously unrecorded) works of Bay Area Composers. Favorites are Laurie Lee's powerful "Twelfth Night," Fenno Heath's flawless arrangements of "I Wonder as I Wander" and "What Child is This?," Herbert Bielawa's "Sweet Was the Song," William Billings' lilting, joyous "A Virgin Unspotted," "Ave Maria" and "Silent Night," both arranged by David Conte, Roger Nixon's 3-part "Wonders of Christmas" particularly "Christmas Greeting," Wm. Dawson's fine spiritual "Hail Mary!," John Stephenson's powerful "Milford" and Ruth Thornhill's "Snowfall," arranged by Gene Puerling. The eclectic and engaging "So gracious" touches, surprises and delights us with every song!

Songlist: Twelfth Night, I Wonder As I Wander, What Child Is This, Sweet Was The Song, In The Bleak Midwinter, A Virgin Upspotted, Sanctus, Almighty Father, Ave Maria, Glory To God In The Highest, Ave Maria, Virga Jesse Flourit, O Magnum Mysterium, Ave Maria, Wonders Of Christmas, Milford, Sherburne, Hail Mary, Deck The Halls, Snowfall, Silent Night

Denver Mile High, CO's The Sound of the Rockies chorus have placed in the top ten of SPEBSQSA's International Chorus competition 5 times, including a 6th place at the 2006 competition in Indianapolis. "Goodness and Light" is the group's very special Christmas CD, which highlights its depth of sound, musical diversity and heartfelt performances. 14 songs, "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season" medley, a lively arrangement and strong solo (and vocal percussion) on "Holly and the Ivy," a lovely "Ave Maria," the spiritual "Mary Had a Baby" with guest artist "Ignition!," a spirited "The First Hanukkah," "I Wonder as I Wander," a silly "50 Kilowatt Tree," a powerful "This Christmas Day Medley," "O Holy Night," a sumptuous "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" "Let It Snow" with Guest Artist Denver A Cappella Project" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" are some favorites. One of the most talented choruses in the world brings us a rich Christmas collection that is indeed all "Goodness & Light!"

Songlist: Happy Holiday/Holiday Season, The Holly & The Ivy, Ave Maria, Betelehemu, Mary Had A BAby, The First Hanukkah, I Wonder As I Wander, 50 Kilowatt Tree, This Christmas Day, O Holy Night, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Let It Snow, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Do You Hear What I Hear?

Proclaimed by classicaltoday.com to be "one of North America's outstanding choirs," the St. Charles Singers offer a bounty of Christmas music from Europe and America in arrangements by John Rutter, David Wilcocks and Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. It includes favorites such as "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Jingle Bells" and Rutter's charming "Donkey Carol." One of the less familiar pieces is a very lively setting by Arvo Part of the Slavonic Ave Maria, "Bogoroditse Djevo." Joining the choir on this CD are members of the Metropolis Chamber Orchestra and guitarist Goran Ivanovic. This is a wonderful collection for the Christmas season.

Songlist: Sans Day Carol, Away in a Manger, Nativity Carol, Quittez, Pasteurs, I Sing of a Maiden, Bogoroditse Djevo, I Wonder As I wander, Angels We have heard on High, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, While Stars Their Vigil Keep, Spanish Lullaby, Masters in This Hall, Christmas night, Little Road to Bethlehem, Donkey Carol, Jingle Bells, Ding Dong Merrily on High, El Noy de la Mare, Still, Still, Still

Tenebrae is a professional chamber choir, founded and directed by Nigel Short in 2001. Often performing by candlelight, the choir creates an atmosphere of spiritual and musical reflection, where medieval chant and renaissance works are interspersed with contemporary compositions. The carefully selected team of singers use the acoustic and atmosphere of the building to enable the audience to experience the power and intimacy of the human voice.

Songlist: Jingle Bells, Silent Night, What Sweeter Music, A Spotless Rose, Quem Pastores?, Veni, veni, There Is A Flower, Alleluia, The Lamb, I Wonder as I Wander, Quelle est cette odeur agreable?, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, The Oxen, Gaudete, Away in a Manger, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Nativity Carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Vocal Majority, along with the Masters of Harmony, are considered to be the best amongst barbershop choruses. Directed by Jim Clancy, these over one-hundred-fifty Texans' golden voices, complimented by guest vocalists or the occasional guitar or keyboard - such as on "Away In A Manger," or the languid stroll of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" - are perfectly synthesized. Their phrasing, enunciation and dynamics are beyond reproach, and their arrangements, many written by the aforementioned Clancy, emphasize tone color and quality, rather than a panoply of contrasting voice parts or acrobatic feats. Grace and beauty characterize the performance of the Vocal Majority.

Songlist: O Come All Ye Faithful, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bells / Sleigh Ride Medley, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Coventry Carol / Away In A Manger, The Lord's Prayer, Silent Night, Blue Christmas, The Christmas Song, I Wonder As I Wander, Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night), The Secret Of Christmas