Choral ensemble Ars Nova brings us a beautiful, moving Christmas album, recorded live in concert. 15 songs, beginning with a lovely 'Welsh lullaby' and the traditional hymn 'Once in Royal David's City;' Benjamin Britten's powerful 'A Boy Was Born,' Wm. Mathias' 'Hodie Christus natus est,' John Joubert's 'There is no Rose,' the traditional carol 'Wassail Song,' Trond Kverno's sweet 'Ave maris Stella,' the traditional English carol 'Tomorrow shall be my dancing day,' Steve Heitzigs' 'little tree,' 'The First Nowell' (arranged by Stephen Paulus), Healey Willan's joyous 'Tyrle, Tyrlow' and 'German Carol.' There is some light accompaniment. Another finely-crafted winner by Ars Nova! |