We don't need to recount Robert Shaw's credentials as a group leader and director of the Fred Waring Glee Club and The Robert Shaw Chorale, or his list of awards, Grammys, ASCAPs, etc. over his 50+ year career, do we? Good. So, if you were director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and recording a Christmas CD, what kind would it be? Powerful, monumental and classic of course! We have 18 mostly traditional carols here, 'Good Christian Men, Rejoice,' 'Silent Night,' 'Patapan,' 'Fum Fum Fum,' 'March of the Kings,' 'Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella,' 'Angels We Have Heard On High,' 'The First Nowell,' 'I Saw Three Ships,' 'Deck The Halls,' etc., along with the Latin hymn 'O Sanctissima,' Wesley-Mendelssohn's 'Hark!,' and Bach's 'Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light.' All arrangements are by Robert Russell Bennett. Majestic, triumphant Christmas music! |