An international collection of Advent/Christmas and Epiphany choral music which represents countries as diverse as India, Korea, Palestine, Venezuela and Sweden. Both accessible and eclectic, This music is suitable for worship and concert use, written by leading composers of that region of the world. Series editor Marian Dolan, has traveled the world in search of interesting, lesser known choral music. She brings the best of her discoveries to this series.

Songlist: Sankta Lucia, Hoosianna, Sculti, sculati, boira mari, Como sucedio (How It Happened), Peace Child, Kyrie, O Lamb of God, Prayer for Justice, Mary's Salidummay, Ososo (Come Now, O Prince of Peace), Tropar Na Rozhdestvo (Your Birth, O Christ), In dulci jubilo (Nar juldagsmorgon glimmar), O Jesu parvule (Ett barn ar fott), Ubi sunt gaudia (O, du saliga), Sheng-ye qing, sheng-ye jing (Holy Night, Blessed Night), Gloria, Neturtas (Child of the Manger), From East to West, Christmas Psalm Refrains, Let the Heavens Rejoice, The Splendor of the Lord, Worship the Lord, All Kings Shall Bow Down, Karthar Ivarey (God of All Gods), Cum Dung to All a'We, Yo soy la luz del mundo, Psalm 84, Hanure Binnanun, To the Unnamed Light, Blagri (Beatitudes)

The Real Group : En Riktig Jul   

Named "Best Holiday Album" at the 1998 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards, "En Riktig Jul" is a gossamer-fine collection of thirteen songs, sung in Swedish. While only "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) is recognizable to us non-Swedes, the mood requires no translation. The Real Group's sound integrates the smoothest jazz progressions into an adult contemporary motif, creating a tonal landscape of unsullied purity. The bell chords of "Sang Till Karl-Bertil Johnsson, 14 ar" segue into an understated lead, spotlighted against an arpeggiated backdrop of notes, melting as they fall..."Glans Over Sjo Och Strand" sounds like a hopeful hymn of possibility to the coming year, while "Fridfull Och Stilla?" uses binary form to create a musical oxymoron: a rapidly descending series of fifths, juxtaposed between a slow and deliberate 3/4 processional.

Songlist: Stilla Natt, Bereden Vag For Herran, Det Ar En Ros Utsprungen, Sang Till Karl-Bertil Jonsson, Glans Over Sjo Och Strand, Sankta Lucia, Nar Det Lider Mot Jul, En Riktig Jul, Vem Skulle Vilja Ha En Jul Utan Jul, Julbocken, Fridfull Och Stilla?, Tomtarnas Julnatt, Sprakande Julmedley

The Real Group : Christmas   

The Real Group, glorious, award-winning mixed-voice a cappella vocal quintet from Sweden, has long been one of the most respected and admired artists of vocal harmony music. In Sweden they represent the highest of musical and artistic quality, regardless of genre, and have collaborated with many of Sweden's finest musicians. Year after year, the group ranks among our best sellers. "Christmas," their second Christmas album, is simply marvelous and reflects the ample talents in both singing and arranging that have made them one of our favorites. Several tracks are in English including a great live 8-minute "American Christmas Medley" ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells," "White Christmas" and a swinging, jazzy "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), plus John Lennon/Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas," and a bluesy "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". Most songs arranged by the amazing Anders Edenroth. 14 tunes in all, 'Christmas' is a highly recommended holiday treat for all a cappella fans!

Songlist: Stilla Natt, Det Ar En Ros Utsprungen, Happy Christmas, American Christmas Medley, The Big Juleblues, Sankta Lucia, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Christmas Oratorio, Bereden Vag For Herran, En Riktig Jul, Ris A La Malta, Grisvisan, Sprakande Julmedley, Jul, Jul, Stralande Jul