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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From John Leavitt comes this elegant cantata for Christmas, set up in the form of a classic Lessons and Carols service. A colorful tapestry of beautiful sounds, this major work has great variety in its scope and style. Whether presented with piano or John's chamber orchestration, the sensitive writing will showcase the artful approach of a master arranger, making this compilation of carols and readings a thoughtful choice for churches, universities and community choruses. Highly recommended! Songs include: Veni, Veni Emmanuel; People, Look East; The Angel Gabriel; He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child; Resonet in laudibus; What Sweeter Music; Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day; We Three Kings of Orient Are; Sing Noel, Alleluia! Score and Parts (fl 1-2/pic, ob, cl 1-2, bn, perc 1-3, timp, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a Printed Edition and as a digital download.

Songlist: He Is Born, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, People, Look East, Resonet In Laudibus, Sing Noel, Alleluia!, The Angel Gabriel, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, What Sweeter Music

This collection includes nine of John Rutter's most popular Christmas carols, re-scored by the composer into three parts: for sopranos, altos, and unison men. From 'Star Carol' to 'All bells in paradise', these festive favourites continue to delight choirs and audiences across the world.

Songlist: All bells in paradise, Angels' Carol, Candlelight Carol, Donkey Carol, Love came down at Christmas, Mary's Lullaby, Star Carol, The Very Best Time of Year, What sweeter music

Full of joy and tenderness, John Rutter's carols illuminate and celebrate the Christmas story in works of great imagination and variety. This selection of his most popular carols forms an essential collection for all choirs. Includes 10 SATB carols, accompanied and unaccompanied.

Songlist: Angels' Carol, Candlelight Carol, Dormi, Jesu, Love Came Down At Christmas, Mary's Lullaby, Nativity Carol, Shepard's Pipe Carol, Star Carol, There Is A Flower, What Sweeter Music

Toronto's BCC, 200 talented singers ages 6 and up, are divided into 4 choirs and have become a beloved part of Toronto's musical culture. The Christmas CD "Outside" is the BCC's second, their first being the lovely "Go Where You Will." This is a joyous CD, the high, sweet voices of the children are perfect for traditional carols such as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "O Holy Night," "Ding Dong! Merrily on High," and "Echo Carol," a pair by John Rutter, "The Angels' Carol" and "Carol of the Children," and many by Canadian composers we haven't heard, Eleanor Daley's "What Sweeter Music," Mark Sirett's "Sunny Bank," Edith Harrhy's "Ring, Bells, Ring," W.H. Anderson's "Long, Long Ago," Alexander Tilley's "When Christ Was Born," Heather Barnes' "Torches!" and others. 24 songs, all lightly accompanied. A lovely gift from one of Canada's finest children's choirs.

Songlist: A King Is Born, What Sweeter Music, Sunny Bank, The Angels' Carol, Echo Carol, Go Where I Send Thee, Carol Of The Children, Pat -A- Pan, Ring Bells, Ring, Long, Long Ago, Were You There?, When Christ Was Born, S'Vivon / Candle Lullaby, Ding - Dong - Doh!, El Cant Dels Ocels, This Little Babe, Winds Through The Olive Trees, Torches!, Song Of The Innkeeper's Children, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Holy Night, This Joy, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Sleigh Ride

It's the night before Christmas and all through the world people gather to share stories, poems and music of this wondrous night. Thus the narrator of A Child's Christmas in Bethlehem draws us into a magical recording that includes carols spanning seven centuries and five languages as well as poems and stories that take us from Bethlehem in the Holy Land where we are present at the birth of Jesus as seen through a child's eyes, to diverse Christmas traditions of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the present day.

Songlist: The Three Kings, The gift carol, Of the Father's love begotten, Noel nouvelet, Long Ago in Bethlehem, Dormi, dormi bambin, Ding Dong! Merrily on high, Betelehemu, A la nanita nana, Carol, God Moves in a Mysterious Way, What Sweeter Music, The Angel Gabriel, Sleep Well Thou Child of God

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

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

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

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

This tranquil program is a selection of pieces from classic Cambridge Singers recordings. From Gregorian chant through the twentieth century this CD includes Allegri's "Miserere," "Draw on Sweet Night" by John Wilbye, "Tantum Ergo" by Gabriel Faure and "What Sweeter Music" by John Rutter. Most of these pieces are a cappella, with the others being accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia. This recording is a great addition to a peaceful moment.

Songlist: Adoro Te Devote, Pie Jesu, Visita, Quaesumus Domine, Draw On, Sweet Night, O Can Ye Sew Cushions, The Silver Swan, Down By The Sally Gardens, In Manus Tuas, Miserere, Tantum Ergo, Justorum Animae, O Quam Suavis, Laudi Alla Vergine Maria, Alma Redemptoris Mater, What Sweeter Music

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

The music on "Collection" embraces both Rutter's sacred and a little of his secular work, most of it commissioned by choirs for specific occasions. "Shepherd's Pipe Carol" (1966) is the earliest piece; "Angels' carol" (1988) and "What Sweeter Music," (written in 1988 for the King's College Choir), are lovely carols. "For the Beauty of the Earth" (1980), "All things bright and beautiful" (1983), "Open Thou Mine Eyes" (1980), A choral fanfare," (1989), "A Prayer of St. Patrick," (1983), "O be joyful in the Lord," (1984), and "A Gaelic Blessing" were all commissioned by American Choirs. Two longer and more ambitious festival anthems, "Behold, the tabernacle of God" and the lovely "O praise the Lord of heaven," are favorites. Secular songs "My true love hath my heart" and "Sing a song of sixpence" exist harmoniously with excepts from Rutter's larger works, "Out of the deep," "Pie Jesu" and "The Lord is my shepherd." Rutter's work never fails to touch us, no matter if sung by any number of childrens' choirs, or by a powerful, veteran ensemble like the Cambridge Singers, whose a cappella cuts, "Open Thou Mine Eyes," "My true love hath my heart," "A choral fanfare," "A prayer for St. Patrick," "Mathew, Mark, Luke and John" and "Sing a Song of Sixpence" are standouts. Accompaniment, understated to heavy and dramatic, is provided by the City of London Sinfonia. A remarkable collection of 22 songs by one of the great composers, conducted by the master himself!

Songlist: For The Beauty Of The Earth, The Lord Is My Shepard, All Things Bright And Beautiful, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, The Lord Bless You And Keep You, Open Thou Mine Eyes, My True Love Hath My Heart, Esurients, Gloria Patri, Out Of The Deep, Pie Jesu, What Sweeter Music, A Choral Fanfare, A Prayer Of St. Patrick, O Be Joyful In The Lord, Behold, The Tabernacle Of God, O Praise The Lord Of Heaven, A Gaelic Blessing, Angel's Carol, Matthew, Mark, Luke, And John, Sing A Song Of Sixpence, Go Forth Into The World Of Peace

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

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

Minneapolis/St. Paul's ten-strong, all-male Cantus has impressed us with their excellent earlier recordings and continue to do so with "Comfort and Joy: Volume Two," their second Christmas recording. Song selection and arrangements (and, for that matter, the elegant liner notes) are particularly fine here. Little-known pieces like "Puer natus in Bethlehem," Omnis mundus jucundetur," "Four Carols" by Halsey Stevens," Wm. Dawson's "Hail Mary," the Plainchant "Hodie Christus natus est," the Georgian wassailing song "Alilo," Ariel Ramirez' "Los Reyes Magos" and Babatunde Olatunji's "Betelehemu" with the more traditional carols like "Go Tell it On the Mountain," the French carol "Masters In This Hall," "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen," "Riiu Riu Chiu," and an almost unrecognizable arrangement of "Deck the Halls." Some percussion and accompaniment. Consistent throughout are the powerful harmonies of Cantus, one of our favorite male ensembles.

Songlist: Puer natus in Bethlehem, Omnis mundus jucundetur, Four Carols, All This Night Shrill Chanticleer, What Sweeter Music, As I Out Rode This Enderes Night, A Virgin Most Pure, Hail Mary, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Hodie Christmas naatus est, Masters in this Hall, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Alilo, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Los Reyes Magos, Bethlehemu, Deck The Halls

The continued success of the Children's Chorus of Washington has brought us yet another wonderful CD featuring their Concert Chorus and Treble Chorus, under the direction of founder, Joan Gregoryk. This CD includes recordings of both their Holiday and Spring Concerts. You are sure to smile when you listen to these children sing.

Songlist: Psalm 150, Hatikva (The hope), Hava Nageela, What Sweeter Music, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Zither Carol, Far Away in Bethlehem Town, Hark! The Herald Angel Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, The Christmas Song, Domine Fili unigenite, Gloria, Et In Terra pax, Laudamus Te, Domine Deus, Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, Cum Sancto Spiritu, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Give Praise With joyful Song, Suo-Gan, Opening Chorus from "the Bartered Bride", Ride On, King Jesus, Run Children Run

Founder and Conductor Joan Gregoryk's singers bring us another impressive, lightly accompanied Christmas collection. Especially fine are Benjamin Britten's 4-part "Ceremony of Carols, John Rutter's "Jesus Child," the Rutter-arranged "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant" and "Personent Hodie;" standards "O Holy Night," "Away in a Manger," "Sussex Carol" and "O Come All ye Faithful;" audience sing-along "Al Shlosha d'Varim," "This is the Truth" (sung by the combined Concert and Treble Choruses) and many others. Simply beautiful!

Songlist: Make We Merry, Ceremony Of Carols, Lullabye, Jesus Child, O Holy Night, Light The Legend, What Sweeter Music, The Virgin Had A Baby Boy, Hatikva, Jubilate Deo, Away In A Manger, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, Personent Hodie, Sussex Carol, El Cielo Canta Alegria, This Is The Truth, Al Shlosha D'Varim, O Come All Ye Faithful

The Choir of King's College has recorded this new disc of contemporary Christmas carols commissioned especially for them. The new carols sung by the Choir each Christmas Eve are always eagerly awaited by audiences. Stephen Cleobury has developed a long-standing commitment to bringing contemporary compositions to the Choir's repertoire alongside the very traditional and he and the Choir are well known for their great support of new music and feature here a programme of pieces by a wide variety of modern composers. Among them, "The Gleam", a new piece by Gramophone Award-winning artist Harrison Birtwistle, "In Wintertime" by Lennox Berkely and "Bogoroditse Dyevo" (Mother of God and Virgin), which was a special gift to the Choir and Stephen Cleobury from Estonian composer Arvo Part. The disc also includes the Winter Solstice Carol, written by Giles and the carol "What Sweeter Music" by composer John Rutter.

Songlist: The Shepherd's Carol, On Christmas Day to My Heart, God Would Be Born in Thee, Bogoroditse dyevo (Hail Mary), Angels, In Wintertime, Christmas Carol, The Three Kings, What Sweeter Music, A Gathering, Illuminare, Jerusalem, One Star at Last, Carol for St. Steven, The Birthday of Thy King, Winter Solstice Carol, Seinte Mari moder milde, The Gleam, Christo Paremus Cantica, Spring in Winter, The Fayrfax Carol, Swete Jesu, Pilgrim Jesus

Perhaps Britian's very best choir performs the works of perhaps Britian's very best living choral composer. Certainly a wonderful match this pairing makes for a great recording and worthy of every fan's collection. This CD contains a stellar cross-section of Rutter's work. He combines the melodic simplicity of Bach with a distinctly modern sensibility. The combined effect of the music's sheer beauty, the exquisite skill of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and the magisterial hush of the King's College Chapel make for an ethereal and thoroughly transformative musical experience.

Songlist: Requiem, Veni Sancte Spiritus, What Sweeter Music, Hymn To The Creator Of Light, Cantate Domino, Cantus, Te Deum

Stephen Cleobury directed the choir with this fine collection of the many of the choir's classic Christmas repertoire.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, Rejoice And Be Merry, What Sweeter Music, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, A Spotless Rose, Heer Jezus Heeft Een Hofken, King Jesus Hath A Garden, The Lamb, Bogoroditze Dyevo, Infant Holy Infant Lowly, Illuminare Jerusalem, While Shepards Watched, Quittez Pasteurs, In Dulci Jubilo, The First Nowell, Coventry Carol, Personet Hodie, O Come All Ye Faithful

Dr. Rene Clausen conducts The Concordia Choir; Bruce Houglum directs The Concordia Orchestra, Michael Smith The Concordia Chapel Choir, Mannerchor and Cantabile, and Dr. Charlette Moe, Bel Canto in this wonderful Christmas Concert from 2008 at Moorhead, Minnesota's Concordia College. At the nationally renowned Concordia School of Music, students can participate in 17 music organizations. There are 25 cuts here, some all instrumental, like Rene Clausen's Fantasia on "The King Shall Come," some accompanied, like "Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers;" and some a cappella, like "Celebration Collage, Heleluyan, Glory to God, Glory in the Highest, Alleluia." There are some traditional carols such as "Silent Night" and Ding Dong! Merrily on High," and some lovely, less-familiar tunes like Carolyn Jennings' "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain," Daniel Nelson's "That Yonge Child," Eleanor Daly's "What Sweeter Music," Eric Whitacre's "Lux Arumque," "Noel" (sung in traditional Kituban dialect), and the German carol, "Kling, Glockchen, Kling!" "Savior of the Nations-Come" is a magnificent collection of well-chosen, beautifully-performed Christmas music that will surprise and delight you!

Songlist: Opening, Sua Gan, Fantasia on "The King Shall Come", Celebration Collage, Let All the Nations Be Gathered Together, Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, Circle Dance, Our Father, People, Look East, Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain, That Yonge Child, What Sweeter Music, A La Nanita Nana, Lux Arumque, Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, Silent Night, Noel, Hodie, Chirstus Natus Est, Kling, Glockchen, Kling!, The Carol of the Dance, Ding, Dong! Merrily on High, And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears, Pie Jesu, Psalm 150, Compline

Founded in 1987, and co-directed by Diane Loomer, C.M. and Morna Edmundson, the 57-strong, Vancouver, BC-based Elektra is now regarded as a leader in the classical women's choir movement worldwide. Seeking out music written specifically for women and frequently commissioning new works, the singers are selected by audition--and share an enthusiasm for challenging repertoire. "Child of Grace," a Christmas CD, is the group's 5th, and contains 21 songs, some with light accompaniment, piano and drums. This is a stunningly lovely collection of beautiful, little-known carols and Christmas songs, like Eleanor Daley's "What Sweeter Music" and "I Sing of a Maiden," and Knut Nystedt's "Mary's Song." There's a joyous group of 8 songs by Derick Holman called "Sir Christemas." Songs we've heard many times like "I Saw Three Ships," "How Far Is It to Bethlehem" and Malcolm Edwards' "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" are the exceptions. Each song is a gem!

Songlist: Adam Lay Ybounden, O My Dear Heat, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, What Sweeter Music, Carol for the Animals, I Sing of a Maiden, Mary's Song, How Far is it to Bethlehem?, In the Bleak Midwinter, Sir Christemas:, -Proface, welcome!, -Sir Christemas, -The Wassail, -Omnes gentes plaudite, -Here comes holly, -Ivy, chief of trees, -Nay, ivy, nay, -Now have good day!, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, The Huron Carol, I Saw Three Ships, I Sing of a Maiden

Decorah, Iowa's renowned Luther College music ensembles, the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, Nordic Choir, Concert Band, Pike Kor, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Norsemen and Cantorei present a stellar collection of 15 songs, beginning with rich a cappella renderings of Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children," and Morten Lauridson's lovely "O Magnum Mysterium." Other favorites include Roger Folstrom's "A La Nanita Nana," Eric Whitacre's "Sleep," Frank Ticheli's a cappella "There Will Be Rest," Eleanor Daly's "What Sweeter Music," Pete Seeger's "The Bells of Rhymney" and "The Gartan Mother's Lullaby." A powerful, touching, well-chosen collection from Luther College's, and some of the world's, finest ensembles!

Songlist: Prayer Of The Children, O Magnum Mysterium, All Is Well, The Fairy Garden From Mother Goose, A La Nanita Nana, Rocking Carol, Sleep, Nocurne From A Mid Summer's Nights Dream, There Will Be Rest, Away In A Manger, A Childhood Hymn, What Sweeter Music, Pastorale From Christmas Orotorio, The Bells Of Rhymney, The Garten Mother's Lullaby

In the jewel box, behind the "Christmas at Luther 2010" CD is a panoramic photograph, with a bird's eye view of the annual event held at Iowa's Luther College-showing the giant pipe organ, the huge, colorful mural, and the massed music groups: The Symphony Orchestra, Nordic Choir, Cantorei, Cathedral Choir, Aurora, Norsemen and Luther Ringers. One of the largest collegiate music programs in the world, the Luther campus is alive with the sounds of six choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands and more than 1,000 student musicians! Here are 20 live cuts, most of them accompanied, that tell the story of the Nativity in music. The spoken narration notable in past events has given way to some of the most beautiful choral Christmas music imaginable: just listen to the dramatic, wonderful "Hope for Resolution," Vivaldi's "Gloria in Excelsis," Mendelssohn's "There Shall a Star From Jacob Come Forth," "The First Nowell" and "Gloria," all sung by the combined choirs, Symphony Orchestra (sometimes with organ). This is music that rivals Handl's "Messiah" in pure, beautiful power. The Cathedral Choir's lovely spiritual "I Believe This Is Jesus," John Rutter's "Angel's Carol," aptly performed by Aurora, Cantorei and the Symphony Orchestra, the Norsemen's rhythmic, harmonic performance of the traditional Kenyan carol "Wana Baraka"-this is great stuff! "Christmas at Luther" is one of the greatest annual musical traditions in the United States, come join in the celebration!

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hope for Resolution, Gloria In Excelsis (from Gloria), Angel's Carol, Masters in This Hall, I Believe This Is Jesus, Sanctus ( from Messe en Sol Majeur), There Shall a Star From Jacob Come Forth (from Christus, Opus 97), Nocturne (from Incidental Music to A Midsummer Nights Dream), Choral Fanfare for Christmas, Veni, Veni Emmanuel, Sanctus-Benedictus (Mass No. 6), Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Ring Out, Wild Bells!, What Shall We Give?, Wanna Baraka, What Sweeter Music, The First Nowell, Fanfare and Toccata on Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding, Gloria

Pike Kor, whose name honors the Norwegian heritage of the college, was established at Luther in 1981. It is comprised of 100 first-year women, selected each fall by audition, who perform a primarily sacred repertoire with a wide range of works composed for women's voices. Directed by Sandra Peter the choir continues the tradition of one of the nation's finest female choirs. This CD, their first, includes several new works by Libby Larsen, including "Natus est Emmanuel," commissioned for "Christmas at Luther College", and "A Young Nun, Singing" premiered by Pike Kor in 2005. Convent motets by Sulpitia Cesis and pieces by Edie Hill, Gwyneth Walker and Eleanor Daley are also featured. Much of the repertoire Pike Kor has performed in recent years has either been composed by women, set to texts by women, or centers around themes related to women. A highly recommended recording

Songlist: O Come Let Us Sing, Mary Speaks, Alleluia, Laetamini Et Exultate, Angelus Ad Pastores, Maria Magdelena Et Altera Maria, A Young Nun Singing, Natus Est Emmanuel: A Glee Of Angels At The Birth, Jack's Valentine, The Bike et Loose, Now I Become Myself, Love Is A Rain Of Diamonds, Ubi Caritas, What Sweeter Music, Canticle To The Spirit, Fruits Of The Selfless Heart, View Me Lord A Work Of Time, Come And Behold, Were You There?

"Music" is an excellent collection of Christmas Songs by Conductor and Founder Stollak's sweet-singing MSUCC, all lightly piano (and sometimes flute) accompanied. Classics like "I Saw Three Ships," "Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella," "Wassail Song," "Pat-a-Pan," "Ding Dong, Merrily on High" and "White Christmas" segue nicely into lesser-known tunes like Paul Carey's "A Cradle Song," Nancy Cobb's "Hodie," and Eleanor Daley's title tune. John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" are icing on a very tasty Christmas cake!

Songlist: I Saw Three Ships, Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella, A Cradle Song, La Bonne Nouvelle, Wassail Song, Hodie, Cantate Domino, Pat-A-Pan, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, What Sweeter Music, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, White Christmas, The Christmas Song, On Christmas Morn

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

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

Recorded live at Santa Fe's Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, the Chorale's latest CD inlcudes beloved carols from around the world, the majestic O Holy Night, John Rutter's lilting Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Steven Heitzeg's charming setting of the e.e. cummings poem, little tree, and much more beautiful music of the season. Christmas in Santa Fe is colored by the Mexican influence. Little lanterns adorn some of the adobe buildings and the candlelight processions known as posadas wend thru the town. The program of 20 separate selections was recorded live during two nights' performances at a Winter Festival last year in the historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. The intent was to capture some of the inspiration and job of this time of the year.

Songlist: Seven Joys of Christmas, Christmas Lullaby, Lullay, This Little Babe, What Sweeter Music, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, Little Tree, Alegria, Hiney Mah Tov, Duermete, Nino Lindo, O Holy Night, Allelia, Dies Sanctificatus

Founder and Artistic Director Julia J. White leads her 200-strong, 3-choir SVCC, pride of Harrisonburg, PA, in this feel-good, generous Holiday album. The 19 well-chosen tunes are lightly accompanied by guest instrumentalists, playing flute, piano, organ, percussion and bass. Seven songs are by the Concert Choir of 2007-08, four songs by the Preparatory and Treble Choirs, and eight songs are by the Concert Choir of 2008-09. Our favorites are Eleanor Daly's "What Sweeter Music," the West Indian Spiritual "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy," Baruch J. Cohon's "Hanerot Halalu" (Song for Hanukah), Bob Chilcott's "The Child," Rogers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things," Domenico Scarlatti's "We Will Sing for Joy," Purcell's "Celebrate this Happy, Holy Day," the traditional song "Jingle Bell Swing," John Rutter's "Carol of the Children," the South African Christmas anthem "Come Colors Rise," the traditional "Sunny Bank" and the final cut, the title tune. The spirited, angelic young voices of the SVCC in harmony and the lovely selection of Christmas songs from all over the world-it's a combination that will make a great holiday gift for you and your loved ones!

Songlist: Hope for Resolution, A Song for Mandela and de Klerk, What Sweeter Music, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, Hanerot Halalu, The Child, My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music, We Will Sing for Joy, Celebrate This Happy, Holy Day, Christmas Comin', Jingle Bell Swing, Cuncti Simus, On This Day, Earth Shall Ring, Carol of the Children, Come Colours Rise, Sunny Bank, Here We Come A-Wassailing, Go Where I Send Thee!, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This collection of holiday highlights was copiled from live recordings of Holiday Concerts at Powell Symphony Hall from 2000-2003. Selections can be heard performed by the various subdivisions of the SLCC. Represented in this collection are the Advanced Touring "Concert Choir," the Advanced Intermediate "Choristers," the Intermediate "Chorale," the Preparatory Choir "Music Makers," the Beginning level "Children's Choir," and the select SATB "Chamber Singers." The performers range in age from about 6 to 18, and during the three year span of the recordings, likely transcended their original rank.

Songlist: Magnificat, Deck The Halls, What Sweeter Music, Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Be Simple Little Children, Ose Shalom, Solstice, Sing For Hanukkah, The Angel Gabriel, On Christmas Night, Still, Still, Still, Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella, Sh'ma Yisrael, Away In A Manger, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, For The Beauty Of The Earth, Mary's Little Boy Child, One Fine Hour, Living In A Holy City, Shiru, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Happy Chanuka, Velvet Shoes, A-Wassailing, Chissimas Day, Feed My Lambs, Some Children See Him, One Candle Lights The Way, Riu Riu Chiu, Ein Keloheinu, and more

Those familiar with the works of St. Olaf's know that the choir is part of a long tradition of Scandinavian chorale singing, which often features the compositions and arrangements of the venerated F. Melius Christiansen. One of his arrangements, "O Day Full of Grace," is included here, as well as a seventeenth century spiritual, "O Savior, Throw the Heavens Wide"; a Greek vespers (evening prayer service) hymn, "Hail, Gladdening Light," and various other liturgies. There is piano accompaniment on "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and the spiritual, "Here's a Pretty Little Baby." The purity of the tones and blend is all the more amazing, as the recording was done live. Elegant and pristine.

Songlist: O Savior, Throw The Heavens Wide, Hail, Gladdening Light, Let All Mortal Flesh, There is No Rose Of Such Virtue, Benedictus, Carols & Lullabies: Christmas In The Southwest, All This Night, In Terra Pax, Cherubim Song, Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn, What Sweeter Music, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, Here's A Pretty Little Baby!, Laudate Dominum (Une Cantate De Noel), Angels' Dance, At The Manger: Carols For Choirs, Night Of Silence / Silent Night, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Day Full Of Grace, The Spirit Of The Lord, Once In Royal David's City, Nune Dimittis

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

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

The world premiere recording of Conrad Susa's beloved Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, plus a delightful collection of carols from around the world, tied together by their diversity and charm. Featuring the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with woodwinds, cello, bass, harp, guitar and percussion under the direction of conductor Philip Brunelle.

Songlist: Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, What Sweeter Music, Sussex Carol, Sing Hallelu!, Pat-a-Pan!, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Christ Was Born on Christmas Day, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The Friendly Beasts, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Ding, Dong, Merrily on High, 'Tis Winter Now, It came Upon the Midnight Clear, Away in a Manger, The Holly and the Ivy