This release from the remarkable male vocal group is a celebration of the intimate connection between music and Christmas throughout the world, regardless of different customs and languages. In this case the focus is on Europe, but the point is that no other celebration is so closely associated with such an abundant repertoire of songs, many of which are shared and often adapted to suit a particular culture or tradition. As usual, the six singers (plus a couple of "guests" on several tracks) perform first-rate arrangements (especially those by ensemble member Ludwig Thomas) of hymns and carols, including "Adeste fideles", "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen", "Quelle est cette odeur agréable", and "Stille Nacht". Along the way we hear other songs (many less-familiar) from Norway, Italy, England, the Netherlands, and Catalonia.

Listen to Vom Himmel Hoch in RealAudio.