'A Rose In Winter' is a seasonal program of mostly modern, classical compositions (20th century). Polyphonic texture, as exemplified by Kverno's 'Ave Maria Stella,' and its two-part choir, is heightened in intensity by pushing the vocal ranges, from both ends of the audio spectrum. Other compositions, such as John Paynter's 'The Rose,' use tone clusters (simultaneous discordant pitches) to evoke a sense of stasis, of both rest and motion. The most melodic selection is 'O Be Joyful,' written and played by guitarist Jeffrey Van; its binary form alternates an adagio tempo with double-time (one other track is accompanied, the rest, a cappella), very suggestive of the Rennaissance. The Dale Warland Singers are one of the most lauded professional choirs, and its interpretations are always of the highest standard.