Celtic music is enjoying a well-deserved revival. This revival may have been inspired by historical Hollywood epics, by popular dance acts such as "Riverdance", by Michael Flatley or purely by the emotional power of Celtic melodies. The songs all tell stories that have been passed down through successive generations, with more facets than any other kind of traditional music: some are melancholy dirges, some playful and lively dance tunes. This book brings together 20 of these traditional melodies in contemporary, modern arrangements for mixed chorus. In them you will find homophonic movements, sweeping melodic lines, vocal imitations of Celtic instruments and rousing rhythms. The irresistible charm of this music will leave no choral singer unmoved and is bound to find favour with audiences.

Songlist: Londonderry Air, Auld Lang Syne, Amazing Grace, Early One Morning, Lullaby, Dacw "Nghariad I Lawr Yn Y Berllan, Carrickfergus, Down By The Sally Gardens, Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?, Whiskey In The Jar, An Irish Blessing, Riverdance, All Through The Night, Gin A Body, Believe Me, Scarbourough Fair, Greensleeves, The First Noel, Botany Bay, The Wild Rover

These five contemporary Christmas arrangements from Eclipse's excellent Holiday album 'Three Kings' are perfect for your small male ensemble. All arrangements are for five male voices.

Songlist: Drummer Boy, Lullaby, This Year, Go Tell It

Six original Christmas carols written by noted British choral composer Peter Skellern for mixed voices a cappella (optional piano). A refreshing change from the usual Christmas fare.

Songlist: Love Is Come Again, Love Divine Is Coming, Lullaby, Were You There?, How Long The Night?, So Said The Angel

The Turtle Creek Chorale, one of the nation's finest men's choruses, celebrated its 25th year in 2006. In honor of that occasion, they published eleven pieces performed by this talented group in one, fascinating new choral collection for TTBB voices. Included in the book are superb settings of everything from a lush Psalm to a rousing Harriet Tubman and compositions or arrangements by well-known names such as David Friedman, Joseph Martin, Mark Hayes and others. Many are accompanied pieces and some are a cappella.

Songlist: I Shall Miss Loving You, Lullaby, The Secret Place (Psalm 91), Ave Maria, Be the Love, One Voice, Make Me a Kite, Listen to my Heart, God be in my Head, Harriet Tubman, The Promise Lives On

Lullabies have been around for thousands of years and in almost all cultures and are probably some of the very first songs ever sung by humans. A lullaby is not surprising appreciated by many of us even as we age and they can be a pleasant addition to any concert. Here are a collection of interesting arrangements of lullabies from Europe.

Songlist: Suo-Gan, Celtic Lullaby, Hush Little Baby, Lullaby, Three Lullabies, Op. 49

English and Latvian text. Composers: Austrina , Ilze Arne, Peteris Barisons, Rihards Dubra, Jekabs Graubi s, Romualds Jermaks, Andris Kontauts, Emils Melngailis, Selga Mence, Helmers Pavasars, Andris Sejans, Bruno Skulte, Valdis Zilveris

Songlist: Handsome is My Brother's Homestead, Joyfully I Weave My Song, Dievin's House Has Long Tables, In The Evening When the Sun Sets, Mother Of The Sea, Mother Of The Wind, Little Oak Tree, A Dancing Song, Chase Me Though The Forest, Melodies, Fairy Tale, Lullaby, In The Clock Workshop, A Prayer, Laudate Dominum, Benigna Domina

G. Schirmer Opera Anthology : Diction Coach - Arias For Mezzo-Soprano   

Diction lessons on each aria in the series recorded by top language coaches from the Metropolitan Opera and the Juilliard School plus International Phonetic Alphabet and word for word translations. With these book/CD packages that match the standard aria collections edited by Robert L. Larsen, any singer anywhere has access to the best diction coaching available at a very affordable price. Each aria is recorded twice. In the first version the coach recites the text as an actor would speak it, showing flow of the language and the mood. The second version is a slow, deliberate lesson, allowing time for the student to repeat each line. These experienced language coaches adapt the "R" in German and French in the slow versions for singers. They also are very sensitive to liaisons between word sounds in the musical settings. The book includes International Phonetic Alphabet for each aria and word for word translations. The native speaking professional diction coaches from the Metropolitan Opera and the Juilliard School are: Corradina Caporello for Italian, Pierre Vallet for French, Irene Spiegelman for German, Kathryn LaBouff for English, Yveta Synek Graff for Czech, and Gina Levinson for Russian. Companion to 50481098 Arias for Mezzo-Soprano.

Songlist: Acerba Volutta, Ah, Michele, Don't You Know, Amour Viens Aider Ma Faiblesse, Augusta, How Can You, Chacun A Son Gout, Che Faro Senza Euridice?, Cruda Sorte..Gia So Per Pratica, En Vain, Pour Eviter, Faites-Lui Mes Aveux, Il Segreto Per Esser Felici, L'AMOUR EST UN OISEAU REBELLE, Lullaby, Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix, Must The Winter Come So Soon?, Nobles Seigneurs, Salut, Non Piu Mesta, Non so pi� cosa son from Le Nozze di Figaro, O Mio Fernando, Pres Des Remparts, Printemps Qui Commence, Que Fais-Tu, Blanche Tourterelle, Smanie implacabili from Cosi fan tutte, Stride La Vampa, Una Voce Poco Fa, Va Laisse Couler Mes Larmes, Voce Di Donna, Voi Lo Sapete, Voi, Che Sapete, We Cannot Retrace Our Steps, When I Am Laid In Earth

8 arias: Amahl and the Night Visitors: All that gold! - The Consul: Shall we ever see the end of all this!; Lullaby; The Empty-handed Traveler; Oh, those faces! - The Hero: Look at all those things - The Medium: Afraid, am I afraid? - The Saint of Bleecker Street: Ah, Michele, don't you know.

Songlist: Lullaby, Ah, Michele, Don't You Know, All That Gold!, Afraid, Am I Afraid? (Baba's Aria), Shall We Ever See The End Of All This!, The Empty-handed Traveler, Look At All Those Things, Oh, Those Faces!

A must-own collection of 76 songs of Harold Arlen. Includes his major works and some previously unpublished titles. Highlights include: Come Rain or Come Shine - Get Happy - Let's Fall in Love - The Man That Got Away - Over the Rainbow - Stormy Weather - and more!

Songlist: Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive, Lullaby, Ain't It De Truth, God's Country, Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home, As Long As I Live, Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea, Out Of This World, Blues In The Night, Buds Won't Bud, My Shining Hour, Right As Rain, Cocoanut Sweet, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead, Dissertation On The State Of Bliss (Love And Learn), Don't Like Goodbyes, Down With Love, The Eagle And Me, The Morning After, Get Happy, Evelina, Fancy Meeting You, For Every Man There's A Woman, Fun To Be Fooled, Goose Will Never Be Peacock, Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe, Happy As The Day Is Long, Happy With The Blues, Hit The Road To Dreamland, and more

This is among the most widely used teaching repertoire for singers in the U.S. Over 30 songs in each book, including American and British art songs, folk song arrangements, sacred songs and a sampling of beginning songs in German, Italian, Spanish and French. There is a completely different song selection for each voice type.

Songlist: Lullaby, The Beatitudes (Malotte), Bel piacere (Handel), The Crucifixion, Bonne Nuit (Massenet), El Majo Discreto (Granados), Et tra la la y el punteado (Granados), Everywhere I Look (Carew), The Green Dog (Kingsley), Have You Seen But A White Lily Grow?, Hear My Cry, O God (Franck), Heffle Cuckoo Fair (Shaw), I Love All Graceful Things (Thiman), Into the Night (Edwards), The K'e (Dougherty), Let My Song Fill Your Heart (Charles), Let Us Dance, Let Us Sing (Purcell), Lied Der Mignon (Schubert), A Little China Figure (Leoni), Little Elegy (Duke), Love has eyes (Bishop), The Mermaid's Song, Minnelied (Mendelssohn), My Johann (Grieg), Night Is Falling (Haydn), O Peace, Thou Fairest Child of Heaven (Arne), Oh, What A Beautiful City, Piercing Eyes (Haydn), Rose Softly Blooming (Spohr), Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes, and more

This is among the most widely used teaching repertoire for singers in the U.S. Over 30 songs in each book, including American and British art songs, folk song arrangements, sacred songs and a sampling of beginning songs in German, Italian, Spanish and French. There is a completely different song selection for each voice type.

Songlist: Lullaby, The Beatitudes (Malotte), Bel piacere (Handel), The Crucifixion, Bonne Nuit (Massenet), El Majo Discreto (Granados), Et tra la la y el punteado (Granados), Everywhere I Look (Carew), The Green Dog (Kingsley), Have You Seen But A White Lily Grow?, Hear My Cry, O God (Franck), Heffle Cuckoo Fair (Shaw), I Love All Graceful Things (Thiman), Into the Night (Edwards), The K'e (Dougherty), Let My Song Fill Your Heart (Charles), Let Us Dance, Let Us Sing (Purcell), Lied Der Mignon (Schubert), A Little China Figure (Leoni), Little Elegy (Duke), Love has eyes (Bishop), The Mermaid's Song, Minnelied (Mendelssohn), My Johann (Grieg), Night Is Falling (Haydn), O Peace, Thou Fairest Child of Heaven (Arne), Oh, What A Beautiful City, Piercing Eyes (Haydn), Rose Softly Blooming (Spohr), Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes, and more

With his flawless lyrical baritone, Josh Groban is known around the world as a classically influenced pop singer. Over the past five years, the Los Angeles native has become an international superstar, selling more than 23 million albums and filling every arena on his 81-city Awake World Tour. But for all of his success, Groban remains intent on staying connected: not only to his voice and to his songs, but also to his fans. Groban and his recordings have been nominated for more than a dozen awards including the American Music Award, World Music Award, a Grammy Award, and an Academy Award for his performance of "Believe" from the 2005 DreamWorks film, Polar Express starring Tom Hanks. Now singers can perform 22 great songs Groban has popularized with these arrangements straight from his original recordings!

Songlist: Alejate, Awake, Believe, February Song, In Her Eyes, L'Ultima Notte, Lullaby, Machine, Mai, Never Let Go, Now Or Never, O Holy Night, Per Te, The Prayer, Remember When It Rained, So She Dances, To Where You Are, Un Amore Per Sempre, Un Dia Llegara, You Are Loved (Don't Give Up), You Raise Me Up, You're Still You

A major edition of 67 songs, all in the original keys, which covers a variety of voice types. Cyrillic and transliteration are included with each song, as are line by line English translations for study. Mussorgsky's rich imagination as a composer of song is not well-known. The style is unique, the music directly emotional. There are four complete song cycles in this edition. The first, Youthful Years, is an unconventional song grouping, not written for the same voice type, a song cycle that's more a convenience of collecting early work. It would better be viewed as 17 individual songs. The other three cycles are The Nursery (for mezzo-soprano), Sunless (for mezzo-soprano or baritone), and Songs and Dances of Death (mezzo-soprano or soprano). There are also 32 individual songs not in cycles. Mussorgsky wrote substantial revisions of 11 songs; both the original version and the second version are included for these.

Songlist: Lullaby, Serenade, Evening Song, Prayer, Elegy, Hopak, The Pilgrim, Night, The Captain, The Old Man's Song, Desire, The Beetle, Trepak, Where Are You, My Little Star?, Let Us Be Merry, The Leaves Rustled Sadly, I Have Many Towers And Gardens, Tell Me Why, O Maiden Fair, What Are Words Of Love To You?, The Winds Blow, The Gusty Winds, If Only I Could Meet Up With You Again, Oh, How Your Eyes Look At Me Sometimes, King Saul, Kalistratushka, The Outcast, The Song Of Balearets, My Heart's Desire, Many Have Grown From My Tears, Light Of My Life, Savishna, Oh, You Drunk Good-For-Nothing!, and more

This all-in-one package includes the original Arias for Mezzo-Soprano book from the G. Schirmer Opera Anthology along with two accompaniment CDs AND the corresponding Diction Coach book/two CD set. Diction Coach includes recorded diction lessons, IPA, and word for word translations. In addition to piano accompaniments playable on both your CD player and computer, the enhanced accompaniment CDs also include tempo adjustment software for CD-ROM computer use.

Songlist: Acerba Volutta, Lullaby, Ah, Michele, Don't You Know, Amour Viens Aider Ma Faiblesse, Augusta! How Can You Turn Away?, Faites-Lui Mes Aveux, When I Am Laid In Earth, Chacun A Son Gout, Che Faro Senza Euridice?, Cruda Sorte..Gia So Per Pratica, En Vain, Pour Eviter, Il Segreto Per Esser Felici, L'AMOUR EST UN OISEAU REBELLE (Habanera) BIZET, Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix, Must The Winter Come So Soon?, Nobles Seigneurs, Salut, Non Piu Mesta, Non so più cosa son from Le Nozze di Figaro, O Mio Fernando (Donizetti), Pres Des Remparts (Seguidilla) Bizet, Printemps Qui Commence (Saint-Saens), Que Fais-Tu, Blanche Tourterelle, Smanie implacabili from Così fan tutte, Stride La Vampa, Una Voce Poco Fa, Va Laisse Couler Mes Larmes, Voce Di Donna, Voi Lo Sapete, We Cannot Retrace Our Steps, Voi, Che Sapete

Robert L. Larsen (editor) : Arias for Mezzo-Soprano   

Songlist: Acerba Volutta, Lullaby, Ah, Michele, Don't You Know, Amour Viens Aider Ma Faiblesse, Augusta! How Can You Turn Away?, Faites-Lui Mes Aveux, When I Am Laid In Earth, Chacun A Son Gout, Che Faro Senza Euridice?, Cruda Sorte..Gia So Per Pratica, En Vain, Pour Eviter, Il Segreto Per Esser Felici, L'AMOUR EST UN OISEAU REBELLE (Habanera) BIZET, Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix, Must The Winter Come So Soon?, Nobles Seigneurs, Salut, Non Piu Mesta, Non so più cosa son from Le Nozze di Figaro, O Mio Fernando (Donizetti), Pres Des Remparts (Seguidilla) Bizet, Printemps Qui Commence (Saint-Saens), Que Fais-Tu, Blanche Tourterelle, Smanie implacabili from Così fan tutte, Stride La Vampa, Una Voce Poco Fa, Va Laisse Couler Mes Larmes, Voce Di Donna, Voi Lo Sapete, We Cannot Retrace Our Steps, Voi, Che Sapete

Each package includes over 90 songs, all at the same level of difficulty, conveniently and affordably priced for teacher reference. Complete pack would retail for $44.97 if components were purchased separately.

Songlist: Lullaby, Minnelied, Bel Piacere, Bonne Nuit, The Beatitudes, The K'e, Everywhere I Look, Into The Night, Little Elegy, El Majo Discreto, Et Tra La La Y El Punteado, The Green Dog, Have You Seen But A White Lily Grow?, Hear My Cry, O God, Heffle Cuckoo Fair, I Love All Graceful Things, Let My Song Fill Your Heart, Let Us Dance, Let Us Sing, Lied Der Mignon (Nur Wer Die Sehnsucht Kennt), A Little China Figure, Love Has Eyes, The Mermaid's Song, My Johann, Night Is Falling, O Peace, Thou Fairest Child Of Heaven, Oh, What A Beautiful City!, Piercing Eyes, Rose Softly Blooming, Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes, Waldensamkeit, and more

The title of this book says it all!

Songlist: Passing By, Lullaby, Serenade, I Love Thee, Elegie, Allerseelen, Op. 10 (All Souls' Day), Aloha Oe, 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer, My Heart Ever Faithful, Caro Mio Ben, Songs My Mother Taught Me, Barcarolle, Londonderry Air, La Donna E Mobile, Habanera, Beau Soir, Ave Maria, Op. 52, No. 6, Cradle Song, Whispering Hope, Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, Calm As The Night (Still Wie Die Nacht), Carry Me Back To Old Virginny, Do Not Go, My Love, Dedication (Lita Ford), A Dissonance (Borodine), My Old Kentucky Home, The Lost Chord, La Paloma Blanca (The White Dove), Lass With The Delicate Air, Lilacs (Rachmaninoff), and more

This landmark series, the first multi-volume aria anthology devoted entirely to the topic, collects compelling, useful, singer-friendly excerpts from the best of a distinctly American musical tradition. Plot notes and basic information about each opera are included. Opera composers such as Samuel Barber, William Bolcom, Douglas Moore, Virgil Thomson and Kurt Weill are represented. The operas of Gian Carlo Menotti are particularly present, with 26 arias from nine operas in the series. Contents: AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS: All that gold! - ASHOKA'S DREAM: So many years have passed - THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE: Augusta! How can you turn away? - THE CONSUL: Shall we ever see the end of all this!, Lullaby, The Empty-handed Traveler, Oh, those faces! - DOWN IN THE VALLEY: Oh, don't you see that lonesome dove - THE GHOSTS OF VERSAILLES: Samira's Aria - THE GREAT GATSBY: Five years ago I knew them both, Waiting - THE HERO: Look at all those things - JOHN BROWN: Blow ye the trumpet - LITTLE WOMEN: Couldn't I unbake the breads, Perfect as we are, Things change, Jo - LOST IN THE STARS: Trouble Man, Stay Well - MADAME MAO: Yes! I am she! - MARCO POLO: Such a moment - THE MEDIUM: Afraid, am I afraid? (Baba's Aria) - THE MIGHTY CASEY: Kiss Me Not Goodbye, A Prayer - THE MOTHER OF US ALL: Will they remember that it is true, I say never again, What is man, We cannot retrace our steps - REGINA: Away!... The Best Thing of All, Dry Bones, Addie's Blues, Waltz (Do you wish we had wed) - THE SAINT OF BLEECKER STREET: Ah, Michele, don't you know - TARTUFFE: Hold on a moment, dear - VANESSA: Must the winter come so soon? - THE WINGS OF THE DOVE: We've always known each other - WUTHERING HEIGHTS: I have dreamt, How I love them - X: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X: Come with me, child

Songlist: Lullaby, Ah, Michele, Don't You Know, Dry Bones, Augusta! How Can You Turn Away?, Waiting, Blow Ye The Trumpet, All That Gold!, Afraid, Am I Afraid? (Baba's Aria), Shall We Ever See The End Of All This!, The Empty-handed Traveler, Look At All Those Things, Oh, Those Faces!, A Prayer, I Have Dreamt, So Many Years Have Passed, Samira's Aria, Five Years Ago I Knew Them Both, Perfect As We Are, Things Change, Jo, Couldn't I Unbake The Breads, Yes! I Am She!, Such A Moment, I Say Never Again, Will They Remember That It Is True, What Is Man, Away!... The Best Thing Of All, Addie's Blues, Waltz (Do You Wish We Had Wed), Hold On A Moment, Dear, We've Always Known Each Other, and more

The companion accompaniment recordings to the best-selling series in the G. Schirmer Opera Anthology. Each aria is recorded by a professional coach/accompanist working in the opera world.

Songlist: Acerba Volutta, Lullaby, Ah, Michele, Don't You Know, Amour Viens Aider Ma Faiblesse, Augusta! How Can You Turn Away?, Faites-Lui Mes Aveux, When I Am Laid In Earth, Chacun A Son Gout, Che Faro Senza Euridice?, Cruda Sorte..Gia So Per Pratica, En Vain, Pour Eviter, Il Segreto Per Esser Felici, L'AMOUR EST UN OISEAU REBELLE (Habanera) BIZET, Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix, Must The Winter Come So Soon?, Nobles Seigneurs, Salut, Non Piu Mesta, Non so più cosa son from Le Nozze di Figaro, O Mio Fernando (Donizetti), Pres Des Remparts (Seguidilla) Bizet, Printemps Qui Commence (Saint-Saens), Que Fais-Tu, Blanche Tourterelle, Smanie implacabili from Così fan tutte, Stride La Vampa, Una Voce Poco Fa, Va Laisse Couler Mes Larmes, Voce Di Donna, Voi Lo Sapete, We Cannot Retrace Our Steps, Voi, Che Sapete

Melbourne, Australia's dynamic all-woman quartet Akasa, Vicki, Andrea, Diana and Heidi, gifts us with their third recording. "Views" is happily mostly originals by group members, with an activist, ecological theme. Favorites are Heidi's "Not for Profit" ("Imagine if every business in the world operated not for profit"), "Leap Out," "Council Coconuts," "Freeway" and "I Won't Break;" Diana's "Indigo Tails" and "Need Some Care;" and Andrea's "Runaway," "The Cycle" and "Lullaby." These four dynamic, beautiful young women have a lot to say, emotionally and politically, and they write and sing it with style and grace. 12 thought-provoking tunes with some non-vocal percussion, played by the group. "Akasa" (pronounced A-ka-sha) is Sanskrit for brilliant/cavity of the heart/ether/that which fills everything, and we couldn't have described them better. Powerful words, powerful music!

Songlist: Not For Profit, Bubazinho, Indigo Tails, Cry No More, Leap Out, Council Coconuts, Freeway, Runaway, I Won't Break, The Cycle, Need Some Care, Lullaby

The young women of the Junior Amabile Singers, one of 7 choirs in the Amabile Choirs of London, Canada, are joined in this exploration of the hopes, desires and human experiences of today's young women by the Amabile Da Capo Choir, a training choir for the JAS. Artistic directors Jacquelyn Norman and Wendy Gee conduct them in this rich collection of 23 lightly accompanied songs. Favorites are the title tune, whose lyrics are from the nursery rhyme, "Ride a cock horse to Banbury cross," Darla Eshelman's "A Song from the Heart," Z. Randall Stroope's "The Poet Sings," Bob Chilcott's "The Lily and the Rose," Ed Robertson's "Sing a Song," Eugene Butler's "Music is My Life," Ruth Morris Gray's lilting, humorous "No Thank You, John," Ella Fitzgerald's "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," the Gershwins' "Someone to Watch Over Me," Billy Joel's "Lullabye" and Smokey Robinson's "My Guy." This is a poised, confident collection by one of the finest young women's ensembles in the world, beautiful, entertaining and moving.

Songlist: She Shall Have Music, To Be Young, A Song From The Heart, Think On Me, The Poet Sings, Dirait-On, The Lily And The Rose, Come To Me O My Love, Sing A Song, One Song, Just A Single Voice, Music Is My Life, He's Gone Away, Banks Of Doon, No Thank You John, Joan Of Arc, Give Us Hope, A-Tisket A-Tasket, Someone To Watch Over Me, Lullaby, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, My Guy, Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)

When Sir Michael Tippett first worked with the BBC Singers in 1944, the experience was such that he recalled nearly 50 years later that "It was to be the first of many such occasions when a composer's dreams were brought to fulfillment." Tippett's relationship with the BBC Singers went back to almost the beginning of his career, and he often expressed intense admiration for them. His faith is rewarded here. Now under the Conductor Laureate, Stephen Cleobury, the present-day BBC Singers return the compliment with this program of his works for choir, both unaccompanied and with organ. The plaintive high solo of the Nunc Dimittis, floating above strange middle-range harmonies, soars worlds away from cosy Anglican convention. The 'sprung' rhythms of Dance Clarion Air and The Windhover have a muscular freedom unlike anything in contemporary English music. The strangely irregular figures Tipett waves around the tune in Over the Sea to Skye may seem over-ingenious at first, but by the end their quite hypnotic, at the same time challenging the ear to re-examine a very familiar melody.

Songlist: Dance, Clarion Air, Plebs Angelica, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, Unto The Hills, England: Early One Morning, Ireland: Lilliburlero, Scotland: Poortith Cauld, Wales: Gwenlian, Skye Boat Song, The Source, The Windhover, Lullaby, Steal Away, Nobody Knows, Go Down Moses, By and by, Deep River

Elaine Quilichini directs the elite "Brava," finest of 5 performing choirs within the CGC, in this dramatically beautiful Christmas collection, accompanied by pianos, percussion, violin and cello. This CD was recorded in 2003, after which the Choir performed in the Choral Peace Concert at Carnegie Hall in NYC. 23 songs, beginning with 7 by Salvator Mundi "Make We Merry," "Mirabile Mysterium," "Be we Merry in this Feast," "Lullay," "Susani," "Christie, Redemptor Omnium," and the lively, joyous "Welcome Yule." Other favorites are "Mary's Cradle Song," El Cant des Ocells," the French songs "Venez, divin Messie," "Il est ne, le divin enfant," "Dans cette etable" and "On ne creaint plus dans l'univers," "The Holly and The Ivy," "A Carol of Peace," "Bashana Habah'ah" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." A sweet, memorable collection that will fill you and yours with joy and Christmas spirit! Complete lyrics on the nice liner notes.

Songlist: Make We merry, Mirabile Mysterium, Be we Merry in this Feast, Lullaby, Susanni, Christe, Redemptor Omnium, Welcome, Yule, Ave maria, Mary's Cradle Song, Canco a la Verge, El Cant des Ocells, Lullaby, Venez, divin Messie, Il est ne le divin Enfant, Dans cette etable, On ne craint plus dans lunivers, In Dulci Jubilo, The Holly and The Ivy, Away in a Manger, A Carol of Peace, Bashana Habah'ah, Blessing, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Cantabile is an ensemble of four male voices who came together as a group while studying at Cambridge University in the 1980s and have gone on to become one of England's premiere choral ensembles. The programme on this release is a very eclectic mix with nearly all the music excellently arranged by the group themselves. The singing itself is all first class. The four voices blend beautifully and there isn't a sour note to be heard. Diction is consistently crystal clear although texts and English translations, where appropriate, are provided. As you'd expect, the contribution of Malcolm Martineau is first rate. There's a great deal to enjoy here and I can imagine this being particularly restful and enjoyable late evening listening, perhaps with the fire burning gently and a glass of something warming at your elbow. Try this for something a bit different!

Songlist: Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), Evening Prayer, Barcarolle, Hushabye, Wiegenlied, Bilbo's Last Song, lullaby, Haere Ra, Hawaiian Lullaby, Moonshine Lullaby, Cancion De Cuna Para Dormir A Un Negrito, My Lagan Love, Schlaendes Jesuskind, Lullaby Of Birdland, Oblivion, Discendi, O Sonno Vago, Lullaby, Nacht Und Traume, Bilbo's Last Song, Stay Awake, Goin' Home, Our Revel Now Are Ended, Counting Up My Toes

Michael Neaum's arrangements number over 150. His work is lauded by choirs for being singable. He brings out the color and flavor found with in the conventional harmonic idiom and adds unexpected nuances. In addition to arranging, he is the accompanist for Cantamus. On this recording the world renowned girls' chorus sings Neaum's accompanied and a cappella arrangements of folk songs, spirituals, madrigals, Victorian songs and popular ballads from the twentieth century. Neaum's arrangements are wonderfully sung by this exceptional chorus.

Songlist: Tiree Love Song, A Bunch of Thyme, The Stuttering Lovers, Lullaby, Dolina, I Gave My Love a Cherry, A la rurro nino, Bolero, Listen to the Lambs, All my Trials, Deep River, I Got a Robe, Amor Vittorioso, Rest, Sweet Nymphs, What Then Is Love But Mourning?, Pavane, Excerpt: Venus & Adonis, Full Fathom Five, What if I Never Speed?, The Last Rose of Summer, The Lost Chord, Yesterday, Just the Way You Look Tonight, I Got Rhythm

Eclipse 6 : Three Kings   

The six young men of Eclipse first met in a singing group at Utah State University. Campus performances of pop covers led to their first album, 2001's "Once." They won the NW Regional Harmony Sweeps and were very impressive at the 2001 Finals. After performing a featured number in the Opening opening of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and releasing their second album, "Think Twice," they won the 2002 Rocky Mountain Sweeps Regional. "Three Kings" is a rich, innovative Christmas CD that features 11 songs that features stunning arrangements, many of them by group member Patrick Rose. There are 3 very nice original tunes, "This Year," "Room in the Inn" and the sweet "Lullaby." Strong vocal percussion on the spirited "Three Kings," "Drummer Boy," and "Go Tell It." Smooth, ringing harmonies on "The First Noel" and "What Child Is This?" A bluesy, jazzy "The Christmas Song" and "Silent Night" are last. One of the best of the year! Highly recommended.

Songlist: Three Kings, The First Noel, What Child Is This?, This Year, Drummer Boy, Lullaby, Go Tell It, Room in the Inn, Hark, The Herald Angels Sing, The Christmas Song, Silent Night

Since 1987 the Elektra Women's Choir has been an international ambassador for the Canadian choral legacy. Under the guidance of co-conductors Morna Edmundson and Diane Loomer, they are regarded as a leader, worldwide, of seeking out and performing music written specifically for women's choir, in addition to commissioning new works. You will be treated to a playlist which includes the works of six Canadian contemporary composers of great reknown. The technically demanding quality of this performance is breath-taking. You will never forget Malcolm Forsyth's composition "Northern Journey." From traditional to contemporary sounds of women's voices this is a virtuoso recording.

Songlist: Ave Maria Stella, Lullaby, Northern Journey, Salem, 1692, Hear My Prayer, When You Are Old, Four Mystical Songs, Ave Maria, Northern Lights, Miss Brevis, Celebremust

Hyannis Sound : Talk About It   

"Talk About It" was recorded in 1996, in the second year of the group's existence, and they have clearly grown in experience, arrangements and sheer vocal talent. Still comprised of 10 young male singers from colleges and universities all over the country, brought together and produced by Townsend Belisle. 18 songs, particularly fine are "Sister Golden Hair," the Motown hit "Ain't No Sunshine," Van Morrison's deathless "Moondance," the Doo-Wop standards "In the Still of the Night" and "Sh-Boom," "I Don't Want to set the World on Fire," Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing," "Lullaby," "What A Wonderful World" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." An impressive, lively second album for Hyannis Sound!

Songlist: Good Ol' A Cappella, That Cat is High, Sister Golden Hair, Summer Time, Get it Right the First Time, On and On, Thank YOu, Ain't No Sunshine, Moondance, In the Still of the Night, I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire, Sh-Boom, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, Lullaby, What a Wonderful World, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Crazy, A Parting Blessing

InsideOut : Primary Colors   

The fifth excellent CD by multiple CARA-winners, 6-man Salt Lake City-based Mormon a cappella group Insideout is for kids, and is the second kids' CD by a Contemporary Christian group we've reviewed recently, the other is Go Fish's "Splash," which we also found delightful. 15 songs, "'Give' Said The Little Stream" features wonderful vocal percussion and fake synthesizer, and "Eensie Weensie Spider" is beautifully updated. "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus," "I Feel My Savior's Love," "Never Tell a Lie," "When You Tell One Lie," and "Lullaby," an original by group member Kimball Brown, are especially good. "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission" and the short but sweet "Books in the Book of Mormon" are of special interest to Mormon kids. The CD concludes with the big fun "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" and "Once There Were Some Snowmen," a brilliant and unexpected parody tour-de-force.

Songlist: 'Give' Said the Little Stream, Eenie Weensie Spider, I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus, Short Trip Home, We'll Bring the World His Truth, I Hope The Call Me on a Mission, Never Tell a Lie, Lullaby, I Feel My Savior's Love, Smiles, Books in the Book of Mormon, Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree, Once There Were Some Snowmen

The P.M.E. is one of the San Francisco Bay Areas most versatile and innovative choruses. The repertoire stretches from Mozart to Monk (Meredith). Each year members arrange and perform immensely popular jazz and pop concerts. On this recording which has arrangements of 20 songs, various members form quintets and sextets to allow individual singers greater individual expression. It begins with "Doodlin'" and ends with "Canary In A Coal Mine." In between find yodeling, scats, a lullaby, Eric Clapton and more. You'll listen to this one over and over.

Songlist: Doodlin', Wonderful Tonight, Things We Said Today, Boy From New York City, 42nd Street, Cattle Call, Pretending To Care, Don't Let Your Heart Slip, Blues My Naughty Sweetie, 'Round Midnight, A Good Man Is Hard To Find, Sincerely, Mama, I Wanna Make Rhythm, Lullaby, It's All Right, You Know It's Wrong, The Love You Save, What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life, Four, Canary In A Coal Mine

Rejoice and Sing, by the Trebel Chorus of New England, offers a varied selection for the Christmas season. The chorus led by founding directior Marie Stultz is expanded on this CD to include tenors and basses for some pieces. Many of the pieces featured were originally intended for childrens voices, such as "Wolcum Yole" and "This Little Babe" from Britten's Ceremony of Carols. The disc includes many traditional favorites (O, Come All Ye Faithful; O Holy Night) as well as a piece written by Stultz (Suite on the Nativity). These children are sure to brighten up your holiday mood.

Songlist: Wolcum Yole, This Little Babe, Lo, I Bring Joyful Tidings, Wir eilen mit schachen, In dulci Jubilo, Psallite, Song of the Crib, O, Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, Lullaby, Panis Angelicus, Suite on the Nativity, op. 3, Maria Walks Amid the Thorn, Wake, Awake for Night is Flying, Susani, Come Running, You Shepherds, Queen pastores laudavere, Gloria

Tuxedo Junction : Tuxedo Junction   

Even if you don't give a fig about barbershop, you'll find yourself appreciating the warm and heartfelt performance of this foursome from Austin, Texas. Yes, it's four part harmony in the barbershop style, for certain, but their tastes are as sprawling as the great state they call home. Standards are the majority, with special kudos for a standout arrangement of "When I Fall In Love"; the luscious harmonic motion of the coda is pure honey. Other pleasures are "Peg O' My Heart," "It Had To Be You" and their namesake, "Tuxedo Junction," as well as the doo wop favorite, "Silhouettes," Larry Gatlin's "Alleluia," the Beach Boys' "In My Room" and our nomination for the most sylvan of melodies, "Lullaby."

Songlist: Tuxedo Junction, Java Jive, It Had To Be You, When I Fall In Love, Jeepers Creepers / Them There Eyes Medley, I Can Dream, Can't I?, Peg O' My Heart, Birth Of The Blues, Midnight Blues, Lida Rose / will I Ever Tell You?, In My Room, Silhouettes, Alleluia, Lullaby

Various Artists : Harmony Sweepstakes 1996   

Songlist: Got a Friend?, Change In My Life, Steppin' Out, Carol of the Bells, O Sifuni Mungu, Heaven, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Stinky Breath, Liar Medley, Someone to Watch Over Me, Midnight Hour, Lullaby, Brothersister, Ladder, Plastic Jesus, Free, Wheel of Time, Love Me Like a Rock, Goodnight Sweatheart

This CD is a fabulous mix of a cappella and accompanied lullabies. With songs from Bobby McFerrin, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Take 6, this is sure to be a bedtime favorite.

Songlist: Swedish Lullaby, Courtyard Lullaby, A La Nanita Nana, Be Still My Child, Sakura/ Owayare, All The Pretty Horses, Lullaby, Down By The Salley Gardens, Sleep, Little One, Sleep, Sweet Lullaby, Spirit Lullaby, Common Thread

VOENA is a children's choir unique to the United States: children as young as six and as old as 18, multicultural in their backgrounds, living and growing up in America, blending their most natural birth given voices." This is how Annabelle Cruz, Director, describes the choir she has brought together with the hope that they become not just a choir but a family...a VOENA family. The 56-strong mixed choir bring us 26 joyous songs, beginning with their own song, "Voena Story," the marvelous "Prayer of the Children," an original with lively percussion by the Director, "Holy Spirit, Come" (she also wrote the excellent "Scat Play," "Clap Your Hands," and "One Light, One Voice," as well as arranging and writing lyrics for other tunes) and continuing with folk songs and spirituals from the Bantu African, Gaelic, Russian, Filipino, Korean, Ladino, 16th century Spanish, Eastern European Jewish, South African, African American, Hebrew, Japanese, 17th Century German, Guam and Old English traditions. Listening to this fun, spirited stuff gives you hope and inspiration--just what the doctor ordered these days! Some light percussion. Recommended.

Songlist: Prayer of the Children, Holy Spirit, Mede Brebre, Fiona's Lullaby, Birch Tree, O Sifuni Mungu, Arirang, Los Biblicos, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Haida Haida, Scat Play, Siyahamba, Nsa Ni O, Wade in the Water, We Have Come to Tell a Story, Hine Ma Tov, Et Dodim, Dodi Li, Lullaby, German Canon, Bebe, Si Jose, Cuckoo Canon, Clap Yo' Hands, One Light, One Voice

Pekka Kostiainen (b.1944) is perhaps not known as well as other Finnish composers outside his native land. Although he wrote mainly instrumental music early in his career, he now concentrates on choral music. Pekka Kostiainen is the present conductor and composes extensively for them. Vox Aurea have excelled in performing his demanding but inspiring music, and taking it on their world tours. Tuhat kertaa tuhat vuotta (A thousand times a thousand years) is the most substantial a capella work on this 6th disc of Alba's "Kostiainen Conducts Kostiainen" series. It is a setting of a poem by Lauri Viita, one of the central characters of post-World War II literature in Finland, and narrates the origin of the world from an empty Cosmos, the building of mountains, ocean formation and the development of life. Softly vibrating tone-clusters suggest the void, magically expanding into the warm church acoustic, and a variety of eerie vocalisations including clicks, hisses and open-mouth tapping give way to firmer melodic lines. The altos, with more robust tone than the sweet sopranos, intone the verses in a modal runic chant style which derives from the Kalevala, the Finnish National epic, very close to the narrative style used by Sibelius in Kullervo and his epic tone poems. The choir are divided into four groups, two of sopranos and two altos, and the music moves antiphonally across the sound stage, suggesting the dynamic events at hand. This really is a tour-de-force of choral pictorialism, a miniature epic in its own right.

Songlist: 1000 x 1000 years (1991), To Finland's mothers (1998), There was a young lady, whose nose, There was an old man with a flute, There was an old lady of France, There was an old man of Cape Horn, There was a young lady, whose chin, There was an old person of Cromer, There was an old maid of Stroud, There was an old man in a tree, The roach, An eel is no adder, The perch, The salmon, The flounder waltz, The freshest fish, Glory be to God, Teach us to create, There they all sit in total silence, Why should I not sing?, If I should sing, I still have a song to sing, Dulce est, Nihil est perpetuum, Ut ameris, Ut fl atus venti, Acta est fabula, The country cat's secret fishy wish (2003), Lullaby, Vainamoinen's legacy (2006)

Join a pair of modern day Brothers Grimm and a delightful re-telling of their famous take on the classic tale, the Bremen Town Musicians. In this musical version, you will meet the same lovable characters from the original story, a Donkey named Chocolate and his friends the hound, cat and rooster as they make their way to Bremen Town to join other musicians in an unforgettable JAM session. Along the way, they'll meet a ridiculous room of rascally robbers who need to be taught a lesson. In the end, all will learn the value of sticking together with your friends and ultimately making beautiful music together. This 25-minute musical features five original songs and easy-to-learn rhyming dialog with over 50 speaking parts adaptable to various cast sizes. The Teacher Edition includes piano/vocal arrangements with choreography, helpful production guide and digital access to PDFs of melody sheets, lyric sheets and dialog. To perform with recordings, there are 2 options. A Performance/Accompaniment CD is available separately. For cost-saving value, the Performance Kit/Audio Access includes the Teacher Edition and digital access to performance/accompaniment audio recordings. Dialog not recorded. Approx. 25 minutes. Suggested for grades 1-3.

Songlist: Lullaby, Once Upon a Time, Let's Jam, We Help Ourselves, Four Fine Friends

Join the fun as a group of kids meet some of the great composers of the past in this 40-minute musical for young performers. This humorous, yet educational program is actually a great way to introduce your students to the musical styles of Mozart, Bach, Strauss, Beethoven and Brahms along with some contemporary music your kids will really relate to. Available: Teacher's Edition, Singer's Edition 5-Pak, Preview CD and ShowTrax CD.

Songlist: Lullaby, Can You Hear?, Come Waltz With Me, Composer Rap, A Fairly Friendly Fugue, Hello Everybody, A Mostly Mozart Morning, So Long, Everybody (Reprise)