The Oxford Book of Flexible Carols is the perfect resource for choirs of all types and sizes. Each piece is presented with flexible scoring options, clearly explained throughout, enabling performance by various combinations of singers. Variety of composers, including Kerry Andrew, Malcolm Archer, Alan Bullard, Bob Chilcott, Stephen Cleobury, Cecilia McDowall, John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, and David Willcocks. Wide range of material, from Medieval to the present day and including wassails, gallery carols, world carols, and spirituals. With carols for Advent, Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany, and a fabulous range of accessible, quality material, this is a must-have collection for all choirs at Christmas.

Songlist: A babe is born, A little child there is yborn, Adam lay ybounden, Angels, from the realms of glory, Away in a manger, Away With Your Sorrows, Born this day is the Son of God, Cantemos a Maria, Child of the stable's secret birth, Christmas-tide, Christmas Lullaby, Come and Worship!, Come, let us all with heart and voice, Coventry Carol, Ding dong! merrily on high, Falantidida, Gaudete!, Gloucestershire Wassail, Gold for a manger bed, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Good Christians all, rejoice, His Praises We'll Sing, Il est ne, le divin enfant, In the Beginning, In the bleak mid-winter, Infant holy, infant lowly, Jesus Christ is here!, Mary's Cradle Song, Natus est Immanuel, Now is the Time for Christemas!, and more

Selected and edited by Barry Rose, Sing, Precious Music is a superb collection of nine anthems written between the 1960s and today, one newly published in this volume: all by noteworthy composers if choral works, all memorable, suitable for concert as well as liturgical use, and all within the capabilities of the modern mixed choir, large or small. A Choral Advisor to Novello since 1999, Barry Rose has been associated with many forms of choral music for over sixty years. The Novello Choral Programme is the creation of a panel of advisers preeminent in the British music scene. The aim is to publish essential editions from the best of the wealth of existing choral music, ancient and modern, while widening the repertoire with exciting new composers and new trends in music making.

Songlist: Feast song for Saint Cecilia, Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost, Harvest Anthem, I love all beauteous things, I saw three ships, Let all the world, The praises of the Trinity, Rejoice and be merry, There is no rose

Written for SSA voices and harp (or piano), this popular Christmas choral collection is perfect for your holiday concert.

Songlist: Procession, Wolcom Yole, There Is No Rose, The Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew In Aprille, This Little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recession, Spring Carol

Written for SATB voices and harp (or piano), this popular christmas choral collection is perfect for your holiday concert.

Songlist: Procession, Wolcom, Yole, There Is No Rose, The Yonge Child, Balulaow, As Dew In Aprille, This Little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Deo Grcias, Recession, Spring Carol

Carols for Choirs 5 continues the tradition of its predecessors by providing a complete resource for choirs from Advent through to Epiphany. Featuring brand new carols and arrangements of classic tunes, the collection showcases the very best established and new names in choral composition today.

Songlist: A Heavenly Song, A little child there is yborn, A Patre Unigenitus, Adam lay ybounden, Away in a manger (UK tune), Away in a manger (US tune), Blest Mary wanders through the thorn, Candlelight Carol, Carol, Ding dong! merrily on high, Glory to the Christ Child, God rest you merry, gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Hark! the herald-angels sing, Hush! my dear, I saw a stable, I saw three ships, I sing of a maiden, In dulci jubilo, It came upon the midnight clear (UK tune), It came upon the midnight clear (US tune), Joy to the world!, Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming, Lullay, my liking, My Lord has Come, New Year, O come, all ye faithful, O come, O come, Emmanuel, O little town, Old Christmas Returned (or Hospitality Revived), and more

Sir David Willcocks: A Celebration in Carols marks the 95th birthday of one of the most acclaimed choral conductors, editors, and arrangers of our time. A survey of his work, the collection brings together many of Willcocks's best-loved carol arrangements, spanning his career as co-editor of Carols for Choirs and as conductor of the UK's finest choirs. It includes a selection of his original compositions too, and gives an overview of the styles and traditions that have enhanced the Christmas musical experience of thousands of singers and listeners. As an affectionate birthday tribute, A Celebration also includes specially-commissioned new carols by John Rutter, Bob Chilcott, and Jonathan Willcocks.

Songlist: Away in a manger, I saw three ships, O come, all ye faithful, Sussex Carol, Infant holy, infant lowly, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, Hark! the herald-angels sing, Quelle est cette odeur agreable?, Gabriel's Message, Birthday Carol, Resonemus laudibus, Jingle, Bells, Lullay, my liking, High Word of God, eternal Light, Starry night, Rejoice and sing!, Nowell, nowell, There is no rose

The volumes of Carols for Choirs have established themselves as the quintessential carol books for carol-singers around the world. Each volume presents a wide range of carols to suit every occasion, from well-known tunes superbly arranged to the best original compositions. Carols for Choirs 3 includes Fifty varied carols including a selection of Baroque and Medieval carols. Also favorites from Gustav Holst and Tchaikovsky.

Songlist: A Babe Is Born, A Babe Is Born In Bethlehem, A Child This Day Is Born, A Little Child On The Earth Has Been Born, A Little Child There Is Y-born, Ah! Dearest Jesu, Holy Child, All In The Morning, Angel Tidings, Angelus ad Virginem, As I Sat On A Sunny Bank, Bethlehem, Of Noblest Cities, Birthday Carol, Boar's Head Carol, Child In A Manger, Christ Was Born On Christmas ay, Christe, Redemptor Omnium, Christmas Oratorio, Three Extracts from, Come All You Worthy Gentlemen, Come, Rock The Cradle For Him, The Cradle Song, Cradle Song, The Crown Of Roses, Deck The Hall, Donkey Carol, Donkey Riding Over The Bumpy Road, Eatrh Has Many A Noble City, Earth This Glad Day Rejoices, Flemish Carol, Gabriel To Mary Came, Gabriel's Message, and more

The volumes of Carols for Choirs have established themselves as the quintessential carol books for carol-singers around the world. Each volume presents a wide range of carols to suit every occasion, from well-known tunes superbly arranged to the best original compositions. Featuring upper voice versions of arrangements from the classic "Carols for Choirs" series of songbooks.

Songlist: A Merry Christmas, A New Year Carol, A Virgin Most Pure, Adeste Fidelis, Angels, from Realms of glory, Angelus ad Virginem, As with gladness men of old (congregational version), Away in a manger, Born in a Stable so bare, The cherry tree carol, Coventry Carol, Deck The Hall, Ding-dong ding, Ding dong! merrily on high, Donkey Carol, Donkey riding over the bumpy road, The first Nowell, Gabriel to Mary came, Gabriels Message, God rest you merry, gentlemen (congregational version), God rest you merry, gentlemen (unaccompanied version), going through the hills, Good King Wenceslas, Hail! Blessed Virgin Mary, Hark the herald angels sing (Congregational Version), Hark the herald angels sing (Unaccompanied version), He smiles within his cradle, Here we bring new water, The Holly and the ivy, How far is it to bethlehem, and more

John Joubert's compositional range is considerable, yet it is with his short choral works in the Anglican tradition that his mastery has been best appreciated. Here for the first time collected in one handsome volume are a dozen of the finest, with texts from both the biblical and non-liturgical. This anthology from a lifetime's output is convincing proof of a composer who still has much new to say in this most demanding medium.

Songlist: Christ is Risen, There Is No Rose, Glory and Honor, The Souls of the Righteous, Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, O Lord, Maker of All Things, O Praise God In His Holiness, The Beatitudes, The Christ-Child Lay, Coversdale's Carol, All And Some Nowell Sing We, Hymn To The Virgin

The volumes of Carols for Choirs have established themselves as the quintessential carol books for carol-singers around the world. Each volume presents a wide range of carols to suit every occasion, from well-known tunes superbly arranged to the best original compositions. Includes 50 varied carols for every occasion, carols by Benjamin Britten, William Mathias and William Walton.

Songlist: A Babe Is Born I Wys, A Child Is Born In Bethlehem, A New Year Carol, Adam Lay Ybounden, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, All This Time, Angels And The Shepherds, Cherry Tree Carol, Come Leave Your Sheep, Come, Thou Redeemer Of The Earth, Deck The Hall, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Down In Yon Forest, Gabriel's Message, Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen, Glory Now To God We Render, Going Through The Hills, Hail! Blessed Virgin Mary, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, He Is Born The Divine Christ Child, Here We Bring New Water, Here We Come a-Wassai;ing, Holly And The Ivy, How Far Is It To Bethlehem?, I Look From Afar, I Saw A Fair Maiden, Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant, The Infant King, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Joseph Was An Old Man, and more

English composer Steve Martland rejects academic dogma in favour of a plurality of musical influences, both ancient and modern, 'serious' and vernacular. His music has been adapted frequently for film and TV use, and scores for TV include the multi-media Albion, commissioned by the BBC and Granada TV's Children's drama Wilderness Edge. These are original compositions that will be rewarding and challenging for your choir and add a new creative element to any Christmas concert.

Songlist: From Lands That See The Sun Arise, Make We Joy, There Is No Rose

Several new pieces have been composed especially for the collection: Alan Bullard's jubilant carol 'Ring the Bells'; Cecilia McDowall's exquisite lullaby setting of a William Blake text; an enchanting piece by Howard Skempton, perfectly crafted in his unique voice; and a clever wassail-style carol from Roderick Williams. These appear alongside popular carols in new arrangements for upper voices. For Him all Stars is sure to delight audiences and inspire both young and adult choirs alike.

Songlist: Balulalow, Ring the bells, Scots Nativity, For him all stars have shone, We Three Camels, Cradle Song, Vulcan, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, Mary's Cradle Song, Love came down at Christmas, Into this world, this day did come, There is no rose, Carol of Our Lady, Remember, O thou man, A Catch bythe Hearth

Our fascination with the music of the medieval era continues to grow and grow. This collection with contemporary notation and helpful performance options offers the modern choir an opportunity to celebrate the music of the past. "If Ye Love Me" is one of the most recognized anthems from the English Renaissance, in a new adaptation specifically geared to the limits of younger voices and middle school choirs. Intimate and expressive, this would work well in both concert and worship settings, and provides a great way to introduce young singers to historical choral works. "Domine Fili Unigenite" features canonic imitation, vocal ostinati, and delicately intertwining melodies, this a cappella setting is stunning. "Gloria Patri" has powerful antiphonal effect provides a dramatic vehicle for the English or Latin text! An appealing Renaissance work for both your mixed and treble ensembles! "Exultate Justi" is the famous Psalm 33 motet by Lodovico Grossi da Viadana adapted for younger ensembles. This composition is written in the typical Renaissance style of motets (a cappella sacred works) and madrigals (a cappella secular works). "Celebrate This Day Together" - energetic and rhythmic 16th-century piece is an excellent introduction to the music of the Renaissance. Includes secular or Christmas lyrics and optional hand drum.

Songlist: Domine Fili Unigenite, Exultate Justi, Gaudete Christus est natus, Celebrate This Day Together, There is no rose, Alleluia

Some of the most exciting and original contemporary composers of a cappella sacred music are gathered together in this superb collection. Specially geared towards the choirmaster who is looking for something special to perform at Christmas.

Songlist: In Wintertime, What Child Is This?, There Is No Rose, The Child Of Light, Jesu Sweete, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, I Sing Of A Maiden, Make We Merry, Love Bade Me Welcome, The Holly And The Ivy, A Nativity, And God, And Yet A Man, One Star, At Last, A Christmas Poem, I Sing Of A Maiden, The Lamb, The Bellman

This outstanding collection of 90 carols offers a balanced mixture of accompanied and unaccompanied items which will appeal immediately to conductors, singers and audiences alike. Mostly for mixed voices, it includes 16 carols and a further 39 arrangements published here for the first time. From Gabrielli to Judith Weir, medieval melodies to spirituals, the range of styles covers a wide spectrum of tastes. This major issue of carols is edited by William Llewellyn, a well established figure in the world of choral music.

Songlist: A Babe Is Born, A Christmas Antiphon, A Fanfare For Christmas, A Gallery Carol, A Somerset Carol, Adam Lay Ybounden, Adests Fideles, All And Some, As Joseph Was A-walking, Away In A Manger, Balulalow, Canon For Three Choirs, Carol Of The Christ-child, Christmas Is Coming, Coventry Carol, Dawn Carol, De Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Ding-dong, Ding, Donkey Plod And Mary Ride, El Cant Des Ocells, El Noi De La Mare, Fum, Fum, Fum, Gabriel's Message, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, How Soft, Upon The Ev'ning Air, Huron Carol, Hush You, My Baby, I Saw Three Ships, and more

"Amai", the title of Amasong's second CD release, means "mother" and "woman" from the Shona Language in Zimbabwe. Amasong is a 60 women strong Premier Lesbian/Feminist chorus from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Graced with traditional arrangements from around the world, this CD is both enjoyable and educational. Favorites include; "The Stove," a short and humorous Feminist composition, Four Russian Peasant Songs by Igor Stravinsky, and "Cradle Song," an Amasong original of prayer and inspiration. Intense emotion and sensitivity are generated through dynamic movement and rhythmic expression. Having chosen so many languages the degree of difficulty is incredible, yet these women sing with ease. Their diction and sympathetic perception of the music are right on the money, and their dedication is admirable.

Songlist: Blood and Gold, Women of Ireland, Lauluja Merelta, Draum om Nedsnodde Bruer, Orientis Partibus, There is no Rose, The Stove, Four Russian Peasant Songs, On Suuri Sun Rantas Autius, Fisher Lid, J'ai Fait Mon Idee / La Danse de Marti Gras, We Will Walk with Mother and Mourn, Cradle Me, All is Well, Shenandoah, Keep Your Lamps, Job, Job, Amai

Sublime Dublin composer Michael McGlynn and his talented mixed ensemble Anuna bring us their 6th haunting CD, based on the music of the ancient Celts. 13 songs, beginning with the title tune, written by Bill Frisell and Elvis Costello, McGlynn-arranged Irish and English Medieval masterpieces "Nobilis Humilis," "Dicant Nunc," "Ther Is No Ros" and "Quem Queritis," originals written by Michael, "Blackthorn," "Kyrie," "The Green Laurel," "Island," "The Fisher King" and "The Sea," and traditional songs like "Sliabh Geal Gcua," also McGlynn-arranged. The liner notes are gorgeous and stunning photos of the group in Irish landscapes follows the tone and spirit of the music exactly. Another amazing, unforgettable recording by Anuna. 

Songlist: Deep Dead Blue, Nobilis Humilis, Dicant Nunc, Blackthorn, Kyire, There Is No Rose, The Green Laurel, Sliabh Geal Gcua, The Fisher King, Quem Quertitis, The Sea, When I Was In My Prime

"A Bella Christmas: Angels are Singing" is an aptly-named, live, gorgeous Christmas collection from the pride of Rochester, Minnesota. Most of the songs are accompanied by piano, a brass ensemble, organ, oboe and congas. But the highlight of the album is the high, soaring voices of the 51 singers, in perfect solos and together in glorious harmony. Some of our favorites among the 15 cuts are Z. Randall Stroope's "Magnificat" and "There Is No Rose;" Chris Dedrick's "The Angel Choir and The Trumpeter," Mozart's "Alleluia," John Rutter's lovely "Candlelight Carol" and a cappella "Deck The Hall;" Tchaikovsky's "Dans des Mirlitons" (Dance of the Reed Flutes," Pietro A. Yon's sublime "Gesu Bambino," the traditional song "Cantemos a Maria" (Let Us Sing to Mary); Egil Hovland's "Stay With Us" and the traditional carol "Silent Night." Every cut here is perfect, and guaranteed to bring joyous music to your Christmas celebrations for years to come!

Songlist: Magnificat, The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Alleluia, Candlelight Carol, Danse des Mirlitons (Dance of the Reed Flutes), Deck the Hall, Away in a Manger, Gesu Bambino, In the Bleak Midwinter, There Is No Rose, Cantemos a Maria (Let Us Sing To Mary), Stay With Us (from Captive and Free), Silent Night

Choral fans will be very excited about the meeting of two of the most versatile musical minds of their generation, Rutter and Bennett in a CD that is Gramophone Magazine's Editor's Choice for May 2005 and on many lists for Choral disc of the year. The title work, "Sea Change," set to texts by Shakespeare, Andrew Marvell and Edmund Spenser, is 4 pieces, sometimes Britten-esque, dramatic, swirling, agitated, emotional, dissonant and always interesting. "A Farewell to Arms," written for the ensemble VocalEssence for a cappella choir and solo cello, are poignant poems of an old soldier's recollection of war. "A Good-Night " is a lovely motet written in memory of Linda McCartney. The last 8 tracks feature some of Bennett's most accessible works, which happen to be Christmas songs. "There is no rose," "Out of your sleep," "That younge child," "Sweet was the song," "Susanni," "Lullay mine liking" and "What sweeter music" are simply beautiful. The Cambridge Singers, directed by Rutter, are perfect, handling this difficult material with ease. "Sea Change" is a rare, very special recording!

Songlist: The Isle Is Full of Noises, The Bermudas, The Waves Come Rolling, Full Fathom Five, A Farewell To Arms, A Good-Night, Verses, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, There Is No Rose, Out of Your Sleep, That Younge Child, Sweet Was the Song, Susanni, Lullay Mine Liking, What Sweeter Music, Puer Nobis

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 Chautauqua Children's Chorale was formed in 1988, by Nancy A. Krestic and Dr. Donald P. Lang. It was formed with the mission to promote excellence in singing and musical growth, and give a different dimension to the choral experience for children. The Chorale is made up of two choirs of children ages 8 to 17: Junior Chorale and Concert Chorale. There are approximately 85 singers in Chorale. Both choirs perform a wide variety of music, including sacred, classical, secular choral music and contemporary music written for unchanged voices and the concert stage. Periodically the Chorale has commissioned choral works written specifically for them.

Songlist: Children of Light, Salmo 150, Adiemus, Skylark and Nightingale, Goodnight, Seed to Sow, The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Procession, Wolcum Yole!, There is no Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in April, This little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recessional, Sing Alleluia, In the Bleak Midwinter, Sing We Now of Christmas, Carol of the Field Mice, December's Rose, Walking in the Air, Carol of the Cuckoo, Peace Carol

The CCW is recognized as one of the finest children's choral ensembles in the country, and comprises four performing ensembles, Treble Chorus, Bel Canto Chorus, Chamber Chorus and the 72-strong Concert Chorus. In all, 170 young mixed-voice singers, ages 9-17, who hail from many different communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, are members of the four choruses. The Chorus is directed by highly acclaimed and awarded (including Outstanding Arts Educator in the U.S.) Founder and Artistic Director Joan Gregoryk. Favorites among the 23 mostly accompanied songs are Brunner's "Jubilate Deo," Palestrina's "Salve Regina," Reger's "Maria Wiegenlied," Chilcott's "Hey! Now," Leavitt's "Ose Shalom," Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child," the world premier of Barnwell's "Discovered," Copland's "I Bought Me A Cat" and "Ching-Ring Chaw;" and the combined choruses with legendary Sweet Honey in the Rock, singing Barnwell's "Wanting Memories" and "We Are," Kahlil's "Fulani Chant" and Johnson Reagon's "Ella's Song." A wonderful collection from one of America's great children's choral ensembles

Songlist: Gaudete, Jubilate Deo, Salve Regina, Sussex Carol, There Is No Rose, Maria Wiegenlied ( The Virgin's Slumber Song), Deck the Halls in 7/8, Hey! Now, Ose Shalom, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells, Gloria Tibi from "Mass", St. Leopold Mass - Kyrie, St. Leopold Mass - Gloria, Discovered (World Premiere), Praise His Holy Name, Old American Songs- I Bought Me A Cat, Old American Songs- Simple Gifts, Old American Songs- Ching-Ring Chaw, Wanting Memories, Fulani Chant, We Are, Ella's Song

A new festive release from the Choir of Jesus College Cambridge under their director Mark Williams - with additional performances from organists Robert Dixon and Timothy Lambourn, and trumpeter Rebecca Crawshaw. The programme is drawn from pieces for the festivals of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas: Of the annual Christian seasons, it is surely that from Advent to Epiphany which inspires believer and non-believer alike the most: the believer celebrates Christ's birth whilst the non-believer considers hopes for rebirth and renewal as a New Year approaches ... If aspirations surrounding the arrival of a new born child are universal, the Christmas music chosen here reflects the season's inspiration through quite recent compositions, alongside music from the early part of the 20th century. -Mark Williams

Songlist: Jesus Christ the apple tree, We wait for thy loving kindness, I sing of a maiden, Advent Prose, There is no rose, Hymn to the virgin, Bright star carol, In the bleak midwinter, Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day, The shepherds carol, I Saw Three Ships, The little road to Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Sir Christemas, The Lamb, Paean on Divinum Mysterium, Epiphany, Here is the little door, Bethlehem Down, Nunc dimittis, Hymn to the Creator of Light

A collection of some of this world-class choir's "greatest hits" under the baton of three of the most highly regarded directors in the English choral tradition all at a very special price!

Songlist: Miserere, Ave Verum Corpus, If Ye Love Me, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, The Lamb, Requiem Aeternam, Rejoice In The Lord Alway, Hallelujah Chorus, Jesu, The Joy's Of Man's Desiring, The Heavens Are Telling, Gott Ist Mein Hirt, Agnus Dei, To Be Sung Of A Sumer Night On The Water, The Birth Of Nicholas, There Is No Rose, Faire Is The Heaven, Hail, Gladdening Light, Holy Holy Holy, Land Of Hope And Glory

Founded in 1965, the Cincinnati Boychoir is divided into three groups; the Training Choir, Resident Choir, and the elite Touring Choir. Their Christmas CD, "Gift," is exactly that! Beginning with Josef Rheinburger's "Messe in A, Op. 125 and Benjamin Britten's 12-part "Ceremony of Carols," we proceed to 5 Christmas Carols, including "Joy to the World," the Sicilian hymn "O Sanctissima," and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Then we have 4 "Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir," "Riu, Riu, Chiu," "Children's Song of the Nativity," "Nino Querido" and "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High; followed by 6 "Holiday Favorites," which include the German tune "Kling, Clockchen," "The Little Drummer Boy," "Toyland" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." All songs are accompanied by piano, harp and other instruments. As Christmas is about one special child, we particularly love beautiful Christmas music sung by a fine, well-directed children's choir like the Cincinnati Boychoir - it's a Gift!

Songlist: Messe in A, Op. 125, Gloria, A Ceremony of Carols, Processional, Wolcum, Yule!, There Is No Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, The Little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recessional, Christmas Carols:, Joy the the World, O Sanctissima, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, O come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Children's Song of the Nativity, Nino Querido, Ding, Dong, Merrily On High, Holiday Favorites, Kling, Glockchen, The Little Drummer Boy, Toyland, We Need a Little Christmas, and more

Since 1920 The Concordia Choir of Moorhead, Minnesota, has continued to affirm its reputation as one of the nation's finest a cappella choirs. Touring nationally and internationally the choir has performed in nearly every major hall in the United States including Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center. "Prince of Peace" is their seventh CD release, and it features the 2002 Concordia College Christmas Concert, conducted by the renowned Rene Clausen. Begun on a small scale in 1927, the event as we know it today began in 1937 under Paul Christiansen, son of St. Olaf College choir director F. Melius Christiansen, when the first giant Christmas mural was added. The recording has 25 parts, some simply orchestra, some a cappella singing, some singing with orchestra, some narrative. For a hint of how wonderful this concert is, listen to "For Unto Us A Child Is Born," from Handel's "Messiah," featuring the orchestra and Choir-outstanding. John Gardner's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," Stroope's "There Is No Rose of Such Virtue," Pierce's "How Still He Rests," or sinple carols like "Silent Night," a lilting "Pat-A-Pan," "O Hearken Ye," "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head," or the powerful Haitian carol "Noel Ayisen"-it's all amazing.

Songlist: Church Windows, Domine Deus from "Gloria", He, Watching Over Israel, O Lovely Christmas Rose, O Magnum Mysterium, There Is No Rose, Silent Night, How Still He Rests, O Chritmas Babe, the Best of All I Know (Leland B. Sateren), For Unto Us A Child Is Born from "Messiah", Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Pat-A-Pan, Noel Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel), O Hearken Ye, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Go, Tell It On the Mountain, My Lord, What a Mornin', Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head (, People, Look East, Alleluia from "Brazillian Psalm", Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, Dona Nobis Pacem, Psalm 50, Praise To the Lord, Copline

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

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

In our opinion, probably the top women's choir performing today (this of course is a matter of some debate) is the Elektra Women's Choir, and as proof we offer their latest, "A Ceremony Of Carols," a brilliant CD of choral Christmas classics. First we have 12 cuts from Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols." Then three selections from Paul Csonka's "Concierto de Natividad," Then John Rutter's "Dancing Day, Parts I and II," eight songs. Featured is Rita Costanzi on harp. Just settle back in your easy chair with a Christmas toddy, put this on the stereo and let the beautiful music take you to a Christmas of another time and place.

Songlist: A Ceremony of Carols, Procession, Wolcum Yole!, There is no Rose, That yonge child, Balulalow, As dew in Aprille, This little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recession, Concierto di Navidad, Amoroso Pastorcillo, Al Nino Jesus, La Nana, Dancing Day, Prelude, Angelus and Virginem, A virgin most pure, Personent Hodie, Interlude, There Is No Rose, Coventry Carol, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Colorful Christmas selections of all styles by the multiple award-winning, Chicago area-based mixed-voice GECC, directed since 1996 by Emily Ellsworth, with Guest Artist Stephen Hartman on harp. 21 songs, featuring Britten's "Ceremony of Carols," traditional favorites, popular selections such as "Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and a poignant new arrangement of "Auld Lang Syne." We love the sound of a fine children's chorus at Christmas, especially one as beautifully trained and directed as this one. John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" and "Personent Hodie," "Ding Dong Merrily on High," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and a lilting cover of Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child." Some accompaniment, from light harp to orchestral, on all songs. An excellent CD, sure to fill you with Christmas spirit!

Songlist: Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Ding Dong Merrily on High, One Fine Hour, A Ceremony of Carols:, Procession, Wolcum Yole!, There is no Rose, That yonge child, Balulalaw, As dew in Aprille, This little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, -Recession, Personent Hodie, The Most Wonderful Time of Year, Shiru (Sing!), Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Mary's LIttle Boy Child, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Auld Lang Syne

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

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

Iowa State's most select choral ensemble, the undergraduate Iowa State Singers chooses its membership from about 400 active choristers on campus. Ably directed by Dr. James Rodde, the choir annually presents a 5-concert season, with a repertoire emphasizing the a cappella tradition. "Choral Spectrum I" is a generous collection of 20 songs, from the choir's repertoire from 2001 to 2004, many of them with classical Christian themes, such as Jan P. Sweelinck's "Pseaume 43, Chris Nielsen's Benedictus Dominus, John Tavener's "The Lamb," Emile Desamours' "Alelouya,"Anthony Bruckner's "Locus Iste," Zdenek Lukas' "Magna Est Vis Veritatis," Heinrich Schutz' "Cantate Domino," Josef Swider's "Cantus Gloriosus" and others. Also wonderful are the Moses Hogan-arranged spirituals "Hold On!," "My Soul's Been Anchored" and "The Battle of Jericho," the Alice Parker-arranged "He's the Lily of the Valley," Rene Clausen's "Quicksand Years," Eric Whitacre's "Sleep" and David Dichau's "If Music Be the Food of Love." This is stunningly beautiful material, with perfect leads that soar above the rich harmonies, touching and moving us. Exquisite!

Songlist: Pseaume 43, Benedictus Dominus, The Lamb, Alelouya, A Boy and a Girl, Hold On!, Locus Iste, Oculus non vidit, There Is No Rose, Cantante Domino, Quicksand Years, Mata del Anima Sola, Sleep, My Soul's Been Anchored, Cantus Gloriosus, Ave Maris Stella, If Music Be the Food of Love, He's the Lily of the Valley, The Battle of Jericho

A program of Christmas music by American composers, the Kansas City Chorale sings pieces from the late nineteenth century to the present. Composers include Ned Rorem, Norman Dello Joio and Charles Ives. This recording also contains several premier recordings, including "Nativitas" by Jean Belmont. This cycle of eight choral cameos depicts the ceremony of Christmas with texts from the fourth through seventeenth centuries. According to the composer, "The intent in "Nativitas" is to create a musical shape which conveys some of the anticipation, reverence, mysticism and celebration surrounding the Birth of Jesus Christ." This is a great alternative to traditional Christmas recordings.

Songlist: Three Mystical Carols, In the Time of Softest Snow, Shout the Glad Tidings, Silent Night, Nativitas, Love Came Down at Christmas, A Christmas Carol, Three Shepherd Carols, The Holy Infant's Lullaby, There Is No Rose, I Saw Three Ships, Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sung, "Silent Night" from Three Carols, Op. 20

Started in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from King's College in Cambridge, the group quickly became a musical force in the UK, and the rest of the world soon followed. Since then they have been delighting audiences with incomparable musicianship, from mediaeval to renaissance, romantic to contemporary, folk and pop. The Singers looked into the music that most touched them to hear and sing in their own childhoods, and "Christmas" is the result-the quintessential classical Christmas CD. 25 perfectly performed songs, some favorites: the traditional Veni, veni Emmanuel" and "This is the truth sent from above," Praetorius' "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen," Bo Holten's "Nowell sing we now," Phillip Lawson's "Lullay my liking," Tchaikovsky' "The Crown of Roses," John Rutter's "There is a flower," Ramirez' "La Peregrinacion," and Gruber's "Stille Nacht." Extensive, multilingual liner notes with all lyrics. Incomparable, trademark King's Singers and soaring vocals throughout.

Songlist: Veni, veni Emmanuel, Angelus ad Virginem, This is the truth sent from above, Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern, Es ist ein Ros' ensprungen, There is no rose, Coventry Carol, Nowell sing we now, Remember, O thou man, In dulci jubilo, Lullay my liking, Bogoroditsye Dyevo, The Lamb, Maria durch ein Dornwald ging, O little one sweet, Bethlehem Down, The Crown of Roses, To us in Bethlem City, Szezo to za prediwo, There Is a Flower, La Peregrinacion, Away in a manger, Noel nouvelet, Stille Nacht, Born on a New Day

Once again Iowa's Luther College's Department of Music has called upon its renowned Nordic Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Cantorei, Christmas Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Aurora, Norsemen and Luther Ringers to create the magnificent 4-day musical story of Christmas, "Christmas at Luther 2009, Joy to the World." These combined music ensembles are joined by the audience on the opening cut, "Processional: Joy to the World," and on the next to last cut, "Silent Night" (with narration). There are other traditional carols such as "Joy, Joy, Joy," "Wexford Carol," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel;" classical songs like Felix Mendelssohn's "Thanks Be to God" and Guy Forbes' "O Magnum Mysterium," and pieces by contemporary composers, Quittez, pasteurs" and "Gloria" by John Rutter, "There is No Rose" by Rene Clausen, "Nowel" by Randall Thompson, Jackson Berkey's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," and F. Melius Christiansen's lovely "Praise to the Lord." There is an organ solo of Claude Balbastre's "Ou s'en vont ces gais bergers," and "Agincourt Song" by the wonderful Symphony Orchestra. In terms of pure musical magnificence, celebration, wonder and beauty, there really is nothing that compares with "Christmas at Luther!"

Songlist: Joy to the World, Eventide, Thanks Be To God, Narration, Joy, Joy, Joy, There is No Rose, Nowel, Angels We Have Heard on High, Wexford Carol, On This Day, Earth Shall Ring, Fanfare, Quittez, pasteurs, O Magnum Mysterium, Fantasia on a Ukranian Carol, Ou s'en vont ces gais bergers, Suo-Gan, Agincourt Song, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, S nami Bog, Gloria In Excelsis Deo!, Praise to the Lord, Silent Night, Gloria

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)

Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College offers an academically education with a vibrant faith tradition. The Manitou Singers, comprised of 100 first year women students, have a repertoire that ranges from sacred to secular to popular ballads, and their performances have broad appeal on and off campus. This live recording is from the Singers' performance at the popular St. Olaf Christmas Festival, and includes 17 songs. Favorites are standards such as the carols such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem, "What Child is This" and "I Saw Three Ships," as well as lesser known pieces like William Mathais' "Susanni," Daniel Gawthrop's "Mary Speaks," David Conte's "A Stable Lamp is Lighted," Ian Kellam's "Alpha to Omega" and Benjamin Britten's "Procession and Balulalow" (Ceremony of Carols). There are some wonderful songs we are hearing for the first time, and beautifully done standards on this generous Christmas collection!

Songlist: A Christmas Carol, Susanni, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Lullaby Medley, Mary Speaks, What Child Is This?, A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, The Sussex Carol, Sweet Was The Song, I Saw Three Ships, Gloria, Alpha To Omega, Gloria, There Is No Rose, Gloria, Make A Joyful Noise, Procession And Balulow (Ceremony of Carols)

The choir is an auditioned mixed ensemble of 36-42 voices. The choir was created in 2000 for the study, performance, and recording of "gems" from the standard choral repertoire. This CD is a sampling of the repertoire the choir has performed over the last five years. Chamber Chorale is one of two touring choirs at Millikin. The group conducts an annual tour of the Midwest in January with occasional travel to other parts of the country. The Chorale, together with five other traditional choirs forms the core of the Millikin choral program - a program with over 300 singers, 3 vocal jazz groups, two early music consorts, and a plethora of student-created ensembles.

Songlist: Alleluia, Silent Devotion and Response, Magnificat, Ave Maria, Pilgrims Hymn, Caritas, There Is No Rose, Witness, Set Me As A Seal, Six Dickinson Miniatures - Heart, we will forget him!, Six Dickinson Miniatures - I took my power in my hand, Six Dickinson Miniatures - I died for beauty, Come to Me, My Love, O Shenandoah, Light Hearted Lovers, Wade in the Water, If Music be the Food of Love, Peace I Leave with You

Join us as we enter a new decade of Vespers with the 2010 concert. Open up your hearts as the Millikin University choral departments "Shout the Good News." This year's program contains calm music that carries a quiet certainty, which will warm your hearts.

Songlist: Fanfare For Joy, Climb To The Top Of The Highest Mountain, Gloria, Te Lucis Ante Terminum, Seek The Lord, Tota Pulchra Es, Ave Maria, Suo-Gan, There Is No Rose, El Rorro, Jubilate Deo, Hail Christmas Day, Jubilate Deo, O Magnum Mysterium, Christmas Comes Anew, The First Noel, One Small Child/ We Three Kings, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Joy To The World

This is wonderful program of holiday music from the Milwaukee Children's Choir. The recording features performances by the Cantorei Choir with additional selections by the Concert Choir, Youth Chorale and Prelude Choir. Conducted by Emily Crocker, the Cantorei Choir sings selections from Henry Purcell's Come Ye Sons of Art and John Rutter's suite, Dancing Day, with Stephen Hartman on harp. These spirited performances will bring joy to your holiday season.

Songlist: Winter's Night, Old Fox Wassail, Chrissimas Day, The Boar's Head Carol, Winter Holiday, Al Shlosha D'Varim, S'vivon, Come Ye Sons of Art, Come Ye Sons of Art, Strike the Viol, Sound the Trumpet, Laudate Pueri Dominum, Dancing Day, Prelude, Angelus and virginem, A Virgin Most Pure, Personent Hodie, Interlude, There Is No Rose, Coventry Carol, Dancing Day

Good cheer comes from the Milwaukee Children's Choir on this recording of Christmas music. This album features Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols as sung by the Cantorei Choir, led by Emily Crocker and accompanied by harpist Stephen Hartman. This is one of the great Christmas pieces for treble voices. The CD also contains performances by the Concert Choir and Prelude Choir and includes pieces by Emily Crocker: "In dulci jubilo" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Wonderful performances by all.

Songlist: Cantorei Choir:, Good Cheer, Cantate, Carol of the Bells, Concert Choir and Prelude Choir:, Orion, The Birch Tree, Antiphonal Gloria, In dulci jubilo, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Cantorei Choir:, In dulci jubilo, Ask the Moon, Path to the Moon, The Sleigh (a la Russe), Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Ceremony of Carols, Hodie, Wolcum Yole, There Is No Rose, That Tonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, This Little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Adam Lay Ybounden, Hodie

For their 25th season, current NLC singers and alumni have compiled this two-disc collection of favorite works from the past years. These works were taken from 24 of the choir's recordings, beginning with tracks conducted by founder Larry Fleming, and ending with selections from Hymns We Love to Sing, Vol II, which was recorded in spring 2010.

Songlist: Sing And Ponder, Donde Hay, Holy Spirit, Psallite, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Away In A Manger, There Is No Rose, The Glory Of The Father, I Heard A Great Voice, Out Of The Orient Crystal Skies, Wondrous Birth, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Who Shall Separate Us, Come, Holy Ghost, Nunc Dimittis, O Light Everlasting, A Christmas Carol, Now All Poor And Humble, Prayer To Jesus, I Will Sing To The Lord, My Friend Had A Vineyard, Inscription from the Catacombs, My Lord, What a Mornin', There Is A Balm In Gilead, My Soul - Jesus Loves Me, In The Beginning Was The Word, Ubi Caritas, Blessed Are They, Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One, Ah, Holy Jesus, and more

The National Lutheran Choir is pleased to announce the release of their 10th Christmas album, Christ is Born! This new recording contains 18 tracks from their recent Christmas Festival concerts at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis

Songlist: Welcome All Wonders, There Is No Rose, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, A Virgin Unspotted, God's Mother Be, Pat-A-Pan, Entre Le Beouf Et L'ane Gris, What 'cha Gonna Call The Pretty Little Baby, Hush! My Dear, Lie Still And Slumber, For Unto Us A Child Is Born, Wexford Carol, O Magnum Mysterium, Go, Pretty Child, See, Amid The Winter's Snow, Incarnation, I Believe This Is Jesus, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, The Darkest Midnight In December

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

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

This compact disc was released by Bel Canto in 2001, and features colorful classical and folk songs from across the globe. All treble music. This CD showcases the many talents of this group. Selections range from classical to folk songs to 20th century avant-garde works. Conducted by Z. Randall Stroope.

Songlist: Caritas Abundat, Gaudette, Magnificat In G, Lascia Ch'io Pianga, Pueri, Concinite, In Paradidium, Aure Volanti, Ave Maria, There Is No Rose, We Rise Again, Kyrie, Agnun Dei, Laughing Song, Sympaatti, Tancnota, Altatodal, Osszegyultek, Cuatro Baladas Amarillas, In The Height Of That Mountain, The Land Was Yellow, Two Red Oxen In The Golden Field, I'm Walking Over A Sky Of Daisy, Konpira Fune Fune, In Flanders Field, Adiemus, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit

The holiday season generally abounds with similar-sounding releases, but the year 2014 brought an unusually fresh crop including this release from the vocal quartet New York Polyphony, excellently recorded by BIS at a boychoir chapel in Princeton, New Jersey. The group follows the common procedure of including music from the Middle Ages to the present day, but they push the boundaries at each step with a distinctive sound that flirts with, but does not adopt, the textures made famous by the Swingle Singers. This has a revelatory effect in Philippe Verdelot's Gabriel Archangelus, a work that does not sound like much when dutifully sung by a cathedral choir. Many pieces are grouped by Christmas subtheme -- Annunciation, Epiphany, Advent, and Nativity -- and the program is cannily put together to show ideas refracted through the music of various periods. For many, though, the chief attraction will be the impeccably close harmonies of New York Polyphony, and that kind of sheer skill rarely coexists with such programming sophistication. An ideal gift for someone who likes a cappella, small group polyphony.

Songlist: Veni Emmanuel, Adam lay ybounden, Gabriel archangelus, Gabriel archangelus, There is no rose of swych vertu, There is no rose (based on the tune Hereford), There is no rose, Nesciens mater, O pia virgo, Nowell: Out of your sleep, Nowell: Arise and wake, 5 Carols, Sleep Now, O Magnum Mysterium, Quem pastores laudavere, Quid petis, O Fili?, Un flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle, Bethlehem Down, Magi veniunt, O Little Town of Bethlehem

This splendid recording of 15 traditional Christmas songs and carols displays the impressive vocal talents of the members of the Northwest Boychoir and the young men and women of Vocalpoint! Seattle. Released in 1994, this is the third holiday album recorded and produced under the direction of Joseph Crnko with Nathaniel Papadakis. With this album, the choirs have worked to recreate the splendor and magic of their annual Festival of Lessons & Carols presentations. To capture the distinct quality of the boychoir sound, the choirs recorded on location at West Seattle's beautiful Holy Rosary Church. Every effort was taken to retain the breathtaking resonance of Holy Rosary. To add to the beauty of this recording, the choirs are accompanied by musicians from Seattle's leading orchestras and chamber groups. The result is a rich, vibrant recording that fully reveals the talents of these ensembles.

Songlist: Carol Of The Drum, Do You Hear What I Hear, Sussex Carol, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, The Birds, Carol Of The Bells, Past Three O'clock, Adam Lay Ybounden, We Three Kings, Silent Night, There Is No Rose, Christmas Lullaby, Joys Seven, O Holy Night, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Music & Carols for a Medieval Christmas. The music on this recording goes back to the very origins of musical composition. The centerpiece, Perotin's Viderunt omnes, can also be said to mark the beginning of the concept of musical history, since it is one of the first pieces whose precise details of performance (place, date and context) are known, carefully recorded and preserved for the information of future generations.

Songlist: Novus Annus Hodie, Ut Iam Cessit, Fulget Dies Celebris, Vetus Abit Littera, Procedenti Puero, Mater Dei Salus Rei, In Sompnis Mira, Huic Et Placuit, Viderunt Omnes, Angelus ad Virginem, Flos Regalis, Beata Viscera, Orientis Partibus, Salve Sancta Parens, Virgo Maria, Edi Beo Thu, Super Te Jerusalem, O Nobilis Nativitas, There Is No Rose, St Thomas Honour We, Nowell, Nowell: The Boare's Head

In 15th-century England a tradition grew up for the composition of polyphonic carols. None of them is ascribed to a specific composer or poet, neither is their function completely understood. The form is that of alternating verses and burdens (refrains), the language generally being a mixture of Latin and English. The majority of the carols have sacred texts and it is possible that these were designed for liturgical use. Others are moralistic or celebratory and were possibly used to enliven feasts and banquets in aristocratic households or for recreational purposes at educational establishments. This CD is (along with the selection of songs from the Piae Cantiones) the Camerata's smallest-scale recording project. Only four voices are used throughout (Rebecca Outram, Deborah Mackay, Philip Cave, and Jeremy Summerly) although one of the tracks does also involve Jeremy Summerly playing the tambourine! The Christmas spirit was well captured by arranging to record this CD in December in sub-zero temperatures. The project attracted much attention and ulitmately resulted in the milennial publication of a volume of medieval songs and carols by Faber Music entitled Passetime with good company!

Songlist: Ave Maria, What Tiding's Bringest Thou, O Virdissima Virga, Alma Redemptoris Mater, Deo Gracias Anglia, Be Merry Be Merry, Riu, Riu, Chiu, There Is No Rose, Planctus Guillelmus, Eya Mater Stephane, Gaudate Christus Est Natus, Hail Mary Full Of Grace, Now We May Singen, Nowell Sing We, Planctus David

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

The most accomplished choristers of Oakland, California's highly-regarded Pacific Boychoir Academy are the Troubadors, who join with The Pacific Collegium, a professional chamber ensemble that combines exceptional vocalists and instrumentalists, to perform three of Benjamin Britten's favorite Christmas pieces. The dramatic, powerful 12-part "A Ceremony of Carols" was written in the middle of WWII, the simple and fetching "Hymn to the Virgin" has been a Christmas favorite since he wrote it while ill in bed at age 16; and the 7-part "A Boy Was Born," was a student exercise by Britten published in 1934 that deals with the nature of innocence and childhood in the Nativity story. Led by director Kevin Fox, the Troubadors handle this eclectic, often difficult material beautifully, and the Collegium, directed by Christopher Kula, adds strong instrumentals and vocals to the mix. This is a lovely, very different kind of Christmas collection of pieces by a master composer.

Songlist: Procession, Wolcum Yole, There Is No Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew In Aprile, This Little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recession, A Hymn To The Virgin, A Boy Was Born, Lullay Jesu, Herod, Jesu As Thou Art Our Saviour, The Three Kings, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, Noel

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

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

Steven Sametz has been called "one of America's most respected choral composers." His compositions have been heard throughout the world at the Tnaglewood, Ravinia, Salzburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Santa Fe music festivals. His in time of appears on the Grammy award-winning CD by Chanticleer, Colors of Love, and his work may be heard on six other Chanticleer CDs, as well as several by The Princeton Singers. Sametz has received commissions from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Connecticut Council on the Arts, and the Santa Fe Music Festival, creating new works for Chanticleer, the Dale Warland Singers, Philadelphia Singers, Pro Arte Chamber Choir, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Connecticut Choral Artists, Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the King of Thailand. Sametz is an exciting new voice in modern American choral music and a great fresh addition to choral repertoire. Includes 24 page booklet and most of the arrangements are published.

Songlist: I Have Had Singing, in time of, Magnificat, Dudaryku- A Village Scene, There Is No Rose, Gaudete! (Rejoice!), Munus (A Gift), Dulcis Amor (Sweet Love), Amo! (Madrigal) (I Love), Child of Song, Shenandoah

The 11 to 16 years old, 41-strong San Francisco Girls Chorus, conducted by Sharon J. Paul, was founded in 1978 and has established an international reputation through appearances at concerts,festivals and competitions, and radio programs such as NPR. Dwight Okamura accompanies on piano and Sarah Voynow on harp. "A San Francisco Christmas" features Britten's "A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28," "Personent Hodie," arranged by John Rutter, "Joy To The World," "Away In A Manger," "Good King Wenceslas," "Dime el Camino," "Ave Maria," "More I Cannot Wish You," and "Silent Night." The angelic voices of these young women soar as if in a cathedral, singing difficult classical music effortlessly and perfectly. A triumph!

Songlist: Procession, Wolcum Yole, There Is No Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew In Aprille, This Little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recession, Personent Hodie, Joy To The World, Away In A Manager, Good King Wenceslas, Dime El Camino, Ave Maria, More I Cannot Wish You, Silent Night

This second CD is a collection of the group's favorite holiday music. It features one of their commissioned pieces "With This Child" by Michael Maudlin as well as "Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten. This collection includes both the familiar and unusual in a multitude of tonal colors from women's voices accompanied by harp, flute and saxophone. This fine group celebrates the beauty and diversity of music for women's voices.

Songlist: Adam Lay I-bounden - Katherine Dienes, Dormi Jesu - Jonathan D. Green, Shchedrick - arr. M. Leontovich, With This Child, I. Holy Mother, II. O Child, May We Know You, III. Now the Star, IV. Dream of Darkness, V. Song of Light, Ave Maria - Elanor Daley, Ceremony of Carols - Benjamon Britten, Wolcum Yole!, There Is No Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, This Little Babe, Interlude, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Adam Lay I-Bounden, Night Yoik - Frode Fjelheim, In the Bleak Mid-Winter - Peter Williams, There Is No Rose - Z. Randall Stroope

Amongst the exhaustive catalogue of recordings devoted to Christmas music, this particular example - focusing on works written in England during the Middle Ages and Renaissance - can be warmly recommended indeed. The performances, as ever by this superb choir, are polished and beautifully executed, and the program is varied both in terms of the selection of pieces (carols, motets, ballads, chant...) and also in the interpretations (usually choir or consort but sometimes 1 singer, occasionally accompanied by instruments - harp, lute, rebec/fiddle, drums). Furthermore, a number of the tracks constitute probably the best available performances of certain works.

Songlist: Verbum caro, Salutation Carol, Nowell, sing we, both all and some, Gaudete, Hail Mary full of Grace, Gloria in excelsis, There is no rose, Nowell, nowell: Out of your sleep, Remember O thou man, Quid petis, O Fili?, Sweet was the song, Lullaby my sweet little baby, Are rex angelorum, Drive the cold winter away, Nowell, nowell: The boares head, The old year now has passed away, Angelus ad Virginem, Nowell, nowell: Dieu vous garde, Make we joy, Verbum caro

For lovers of British carol services, Christmas is virtually synonymous with Cambridge. This service blends traditional plainsong antiphons and carols with readings.

Songlist: Drop Down Ye Heavens, Lo! He Comes With Clouds, Adam Lay Y Bounden, The Lord at first did Adam make, Es ist das Heil uns kommen her, A Spotless Rose, There is no Rose, Ave Maria, A Hymn to the Virgin, I Sing of a Maiden, This Have I Done for My True Love, Magnificat, Benedicamus Domino, O Little Town of Bethlehem, & antiphons, collects and readings

A fine selection of traditional English Christmas carols sung impeccable by the venerable English choir under the direction of George Guest.

Songlist: Unto Us a Boy Is Born, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Balulalow, Holly and the Ivy, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Sussex Carol, I Sing of a Maiden, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Silent Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, Good King Wenceslas, There Is No Rose, Two Welsh Carols, Away in a Manger, O Come, All Ye Faithful

This CD includes highlights from the 2006 Spring Concerts, recorded live at Manchester United Methodist Church on May 14, 2006. The St. Louis Children's Choir performs with the Saint Louis Symphony on a regular basis. Concert Choir, the advanced touring ensemble, joined the Symphony for "On the Transmigration of Souls" by John Adams at Powell Hall and Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2006.

Songlist: J'entends le Moulin, Akakomborerwa, There Is No Rose, Bright Is the Ring of Words, Harps and Wheels, Let There Be Music, Old Joe Clark, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Solidaridad, Wee Little Piute, Just Like Me, Good Night, The Journey, Red Dragonflies, Shady Grove, Yankee Doodle Joy, Dravidian Dithyramb, Va, pensiero from Nabucco, Light Out of Darkness, The Brightening Air, We Gather Here Together

"Making Seasons Bright!" is a sumptuous, joyous 2-disc collection from the 500 singers of the St. Louis Children's Choirs, conducted by Artistic Director Barbara Berner. From the advanced touring Concert Choir and Choristers to the beginning Children's Choir; including the intermediate Chorales, Music Makers, Young Men's Ensemble and Chamber Singers, each of these choirs has its own wonderful sound and personality. There are 44 songs here, many of them familiar standards like "Go Where I Send Thee, "Angels We Have Heard On High," "The Holly and The Ivy," "Silent Night, " "Carol of the Bells" and "Riu, Riu, Chiu," and some tunes we are enjoying for the first time, such as Noel Goemanne's "The Carol of the Dance," Allan Naplan's "Hine Ma Tov," "Douglas Mountain," "S'vivon," Hal Leonard's "Reindeer Jive," Michael Isaacson's "Light the Legend" and several others. It's nice to hear several Hanukkah tunes instead of one or maybe two. All the songs are at least lightly accompanied. "Making Seasons Bright" is a rich collection of holiday music from many different traditions, sung by choirs of beautifully-trained children-what could be better?

Songlist: Disc 1, The Carol of the Dance, This Little Babe, Go Where I Send Thee, There Is No Rose, Hallelujah, Glory Hallelujah, The Time of Snow, Angels We Have Heard on High, The Holly and the Ivy, Douglas Mountain, S'vivon, On Christmas Night, Carol of the Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Hine Ma Tov, Reindeer Jive, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Sweet Songs of Christmas, Jingle Bell Swing, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, Light the Legend, Lullaby Carol - Premier, Silent Night, All is Well, Disc 2, Be We Merry, Lullay, Susanni, Welcome, Yule!, What Child, and more