Early Music Christmas
Christmas, as a holiday, goes back nearly two millennium. Music has changed over the time, but the idea of celebrating with music hasn’t. Much of our favorite Christmas music date back to the Middle Ages or even earlier, and the best way to experience them is in the work of those groups dedicated to preserving centuries-old music – Tudor polyphony, medieval chant, medieval carols, renaissance motets, plainchant or more. This was music when music told a story, and the story it tells is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, one of the most important times of the year for millions of people throughout the last 2,000 years.
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Awake and join the cheerful choir Good people all The seven rejoices of Mary The Lamb (John Tavener) A Scots Lilt Balulalow Balulalow (Richard Rodney Bennett) The holly and the ivy The Reel of Tullochgorum I saw three ships A Calendar of Kings (Peter Maxwell Davies) Air: La fuar geimhreadh An teicheadh go hEigipt A God and Yet A Man (Geoffrey Burgon) Grene growith the holy (Henry VIII) Wel, dyma'r borau gorau The Cherry Tree Carol Can wassel A New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten) |
Andrew Lawrence-King's virtuoso harp joins the voices of Anonymous 4 in a wealth of Yuletide music, favourite and rare, from the British Isles. Juxtaposing pagan and Christian traditions, the programme interweaves English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh ballads and carols with well-loved pieces by John Tavener (The Lamb), Benjamin Britten, and a newly commissioned work by Peter Maxwell Davies. Andrew Lawrence-King adds special colour playing a variety of instruments: psaltery, Baroque harp, and a remarkable Irish "Queen Mary" harp which sounds as if it contains its own peal of heavenly bells.\
Listen to "A God and Yet A Man" in Real Audio.
| 6951 CD $15.98 |
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intonent hodie exultemus et letemur gaudens in domino seint nicholas was borne in the citee of patras confessor dei nicholaus cantu mirro, summa laude sainte nicholaes whanne the bisshop of the citee of myre deied nicholai presulis cum quidam fluctuantia novus presul prodiit sainte nicholaes all the province of seint nicholas suffered... plaudat letitia salve cleri speculum/ salve iubar presulum sainte nicholaes a worschipfull man hadde thre doughtres virgines fulget nicolaus ex eius tumba/ sospitati dedit egros gaudens in domino and whanne oure lorde lust to take seint nicholas... psallar chorus/ eximie pater/ [aptatur] nicholae presulum micholaus pontifex |
1999 recording, celebrating the legend of St. Nicholas ("Jolly St Nick," or "Santa Claus"); as with most folk heroes, the actual biography of Nicholas, born in Turkey somewhere around 300 A.D., is much removed from present day interpretation. The New-York based classical women's quartet Anonymous 4, whose focus is medieval chant and polyphony, enliven these motets, hymns and conductus (medieval setting of Latin text) with an attention to historical realism that brings them very much to life. As the function of these chants was in the context of Catholic liturgy, they are by definition, an embodiment of all that is divine; neither rhythmically or harmonically complex, their appeal is their quiet beauty and distinctive texture.
| 6521 CD $15.98 |
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Hodie Christus natus est O nobilis nativitasÓ/ÓO mira deiÓ/ÓOdecus virgineumÓ/ÓAppruit Lux de luce Alleluya: A nywe werke Verbum supernun prodiens Balaam de quo vaticianas Ave Maria Gabriel, fram heven-king Lullay: I saw a swete semly syght Prolis eterne genitorÓ/ÓPsallat mater gracie Vox clara, ecce, intonat De supernis sedibus Qmnes de Saba Puellare gremium Lullay, lullay: Als I lay on Yoolis night Tria sunt munera Orto sole sereneÓ/ÓOrigo viriÓ/ÓVirga Iesse Peperit virgo Ecce quod natura A solis ortus cardine Ther is no rose of swych vertu Videntes stellam Owt of your slepe aryse |
The four female members of Anonymous 4 are dedicated to the preservation of Gregorian chant from medieval times, and this holiday selection of English plainchant, songs, motets and carols are all derived from this period. As one might expect, the texts are often sacred in nature, to be performed during religious rites and devotions, such as Advent (hymn, "Vox Clara, Ecce, intonat"). Carols often use the multiple verse and refrain format, that was a typical form ("Ther Is No Rose Of Swych Vertu," and others). Much more could be said about the historical and musical context of these works - and is, in the extensive liner notes - but this background, though fascinating, is not necessary to simply appreciate the supple grace and open sound of these gentle voices, which is more than enough.
Listen to "Hodie Christus natus est" in Real Audio.
| 6218 CD $15.98 |
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Ave Spes Nostra Mi Atyank Atya Isten Veni Dommine O Mundi Domina Fuit Virgo Vox Clara, Ecce, Intonat Omnes Unanimiter Dum Medium Silentium Primo Tempore Alleviata Speciosus Forma Novum Decus Oritur Letentur Celi Salvator Noster Az Idvozitot Regenten Novus Annus Adiit Exulta Filia Syon Liber Generationis Exordium Quadruplate Lsten, Teged |
Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer and Johanna Maria Rose are the acclaimed, prolific a cappella group, Anonymous 4, and the beautiful polyphonic music in this CD almost didn¼t make it to us because of the invasion of Hungary by the Turks in 1541. The iconoclastic Turks destroyed artworks in all forms, including liturgical manuscripts. Fortunately some of the manuscripts were copied or carried away by fleeing monks, nuns and clerics. These plainchants are remarkably consistent, part of a major effort towards liturgical and musical uniformity. Ethereal, hauntingly beautiful, one can close one's eyes and be in the cathedral where the choir sent this perfect, sacred music heavenward‚as prayerful, meditative and joyful for the singers as for the worshippers. 20 sublime pieces.
| 6663 CD $11.98 |
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Prayers. Rorate Celi desuper. Mode I Antiphon. O Sapientia. Mode II Introit. Gaudete in Domino semper and Psalm 84, 1. Mode I Hymn. Christe, redemptor omnium. Mode I Invitational Antiphon. Christus natus est nobis and Psalm 94, 1-2. Mode IV First Lesson of Maitins, acc. to Isaiah 9, 1-6. Primo tempore. Hymn. A solis ortus cardine. Mode III Antiphon. Quem vidistis, pastores? Mode II Antiphon. Facta est cumm Angelo. Mode VII Communion. Liturgia mozarabe. Gustate et videte. Mode II Antiphon. Rubum quem viderat and Magnificat. Mode IV Alleluia. Dies sanctificatus. Mode II Communion. Viderunt omnes. Mode I Canticle. Puer natus in Bethlehem. Mode I Canticle. Adeste fideles. Mode VI Introit. Dominus dixit and Psalm 2, 1. Mode II Introit. Puer natus est nobis and Psalm 97, 1. Mod VII Gradual. Omnes de Saba. Mode V Antiphon. Alma Redemptoris Mater. Mode V Hymn. Panis angelicus. Mode IV Invitational Antiphon. Christum Regem. Mode IV Hymn. Adoro te devote. Mode V Hymn. Te decet laus. Mode II Antiphon. Laudemus Dominum and Psalm 116. Mode II Canticle. Ave verum. Mode VI |
The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De Silos became famous outside of religious circles in the mid-'90s when a recording of their liturgical Gregorian chants unexpectedly climbed to the top of U.S. pop charts. The Benedictine Monks have released several successful albums of their monophonic chants and have helped bring joy of mediaeval plainsong to a new and larger audience. This is a very well recorded CD of top notch quality.
| 8705 CD $8.95 |
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Isiah's Prophecy The Sybil's Prohecy - Iudicii Signum Conductis - Adest Sponsus Clausula - Oiet, Virgines Hymn - Domino Lauda - Conditor Alme Siderum Reading - Verbum Caro Factum Organum - On Frymae Was Word Reading - Ludea Et Iberusalem Hymn - Gedonis Area Sacred Song - O Maria, Feu MAire Prosa - Ave Maria Responsory - Gaude Maria Hymn - Joseph, Liber Nefe Min Conductus With Refrain - Congaudes Hodie, in Dulci Jubilo Hymn - In Dulci Jubilo Reading - Hand By We Shule Us TAke Conductus - Lux Hodie.. Orientis Partibus |
This recortding is one of several in the highly successfule series of Christmas recordings from this fine ensemble. The music on this collection spans seven centuries (12th to 19th) and offers a wide and diverse range of compositions. Director Joel Cohen opens with a Hebrew cantillation of "Isaiah's Prophecy" of the comming of the Messiah, moves on to a 10th-century Spanish setting of a sibylline prophecy, and then takes us to 12th-century Provence with "Adest Pronsus". The performances are always stylish and captivating.... a treasure and essential to your collection.
Listen to Gaude Maria in Real Audio.
| 8471 CD $9.95 |
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Rejoice Rejoice Nowell: Dieus Vous Garde Gaudete Gaudete Behold The Handmaiden Reading Luke I Kyrie Elesion E LA Don Don Two Fantasies On 'Une Jeune Fillette' Joseph Is Well Married Une Jeune Fillette Joseph Lieber Joesph Mein Magnificat Quinti Toni The Birth Of Jesus Espirits Divins Reading Luke II Es Ist Ein Ros'Entsprungen Riu Riu Chiu Herod And The Magi Wie Schon Leuchtet Der Morganstern Reading Luke III O Vos Omnes The Shepards At The Cradle Reading Luke II Ungaresca Nouvelles, nouvelles Tau Garco La Durundena Tura Lura Lura Lo Gau Canta The Good News Reading Luke II O Magnum Mysterium Singet Und Klinget Ihr Kinderlein Bransle De Poictou La Bona Novella |
An excellent companion to the other Christmas titles in this series here are some of the great Christmas songs of the Renaissance period. Traditional and early songs and carols from across Europe are brought to life by this wonderful vocal ensemble. If the holiday season stresses you out then you will be sure to relax during the listening of this recording of music from a far less frantic time.
Listen to Nouvelles, nouvelles in Real Audio.
| 8472 CD $15.95 |
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Introitus: Puer natus est nobis Kyrie: Kyrie eleison Gloria: Gloria in excelsis Deo Psalmus 112: Laudate pueri Offertorium: Tui sunt caeli Sanctus Agnus Dei Communio: Viderunt omnes Magnificat anuma mea Dominum Hymnus: A solis ortus cardine Introitus: Salve sancta Parens Halleluja: Multifarie Communio: Exulta filia Sion / Psalm 45 Magnificat anima mea Dominum |
Not technically Gregorian, because of some polyphony this recording is predominantly chant, but there are times when the selections move to motets, the natural outgrowth of chant, being simultaneous independent plain songs as it were, combined to form a melodious and rhythmic whole much as partner songs do. As for the Christmas feel, it is certainly reverent and soothing. Highly recommended, this is an excellent budget album. .
| 8704 CD $8.95 |
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Ave regina caelorum O salutaris hostia Alleluya. Confitemini Domino In exitu Israel Propers for the Nativity: Introit Gradual Alleluya Offertory Communion Hodie Christus natus est O admirabile commertium O Magnum Mysterium Decantabat populus Alleluya. Laudate pueri Dominum Deus is adjutorium Ad Dominum cum tribularer |
Since 1989 The Cardinall's Musick, directed by Andrew Carwood, has gained a reputation in bringing neglected English Renaissance masterworks to a wider public, and they have recorded a number of CDs to critical acclaim. "Propers" is the work of William Byrd (1535 to 1623), early Latin Christmas sacred music. There are 15 movements here, with names like "Ave regina caelorum," "O saluteris hostia," "Alleluya, Confitemini Domino" and "O admirabile commertium." "Propers for the Nativity" is a series designed for a Christmas church service, with music for the Offertory, Communion, etc. These are powerful, calming, soaring chants that could be easily mistaken for the songs of angels, back in 1607 or 2003!
| 6788 CD $15.98 |
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O Admirabile Commercium Canite Tuba In Sion O Virgo Virginum Ave Maria Now Make We Joy Hail Mary, Full of Grace Nowell Quaeramus Cum Pastoribus Resonet In laudibus Joseph, Lieber Joseph Mein Psalliate Unigenito In Dulci Jubilo E La Don Don Riu, Riu, Chiu Sing Joyfully Unto God Benedicamus Domino Kyrie ‘Leroy' Serenissima Una Noche Diffusa Est Gratia Benedicta Es, Coelorum Regina |
Since 1989 The Cardinall's Musick, directed by Andrew Carwood, has gained a reputation in bringing neglected English Renaissance masterworks to a wider public, and they have recorded a number of CDs to critical acclaim. "Propers" is the work of William Byrd (1535 to 1623), early Latin Christmas sacred music. There are 15 movements here, with names like "Ave regina caelorum," "O saluteris hostia," "Alleluya, Confitemini Domino" and "O admirabile commertium." "Propers for the Nativity" is a series designed for a Christmas church service, with music for the Offertory, Communion, etc. These are powerful, calming, soaring chants that could be easily mistaken for the songs of angels, back in 1607 or 2007!
Listen to "Sing Joyfully Unto God" in Real Audio.
| 6303 CD $15.98 |
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Alle Psallite Cum Luya Veni Redemptor Gentium Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland Angelus Ad Virginiem Magnificat Sexti Toni Veni Redemptor Gentium Stella Splendens Pastores Loquebantur Inter Se Officium Nativitatis Domini Vetus Abit Littera Vid erunt Omnes Sys Willekomen Heirre Kerst In Dulci Jubilo O Viridissma Virga There is No Rose Of Swych Vertu Es Ist Rose Entsprungen Veni Redemptor Gentium Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland Alleluya: A Nywe Werk |
"Nun komm der Heiden Heiland", containing Early and Renaissance Christmas music, won a CASA award in 2006 for "Best classical album" and is a most rewarding of the award. The tale told by the booklet stretches back to St. Augustine and his role in early Christian church music, all by way of explaining the origins of Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (Now come, savior of the Gentiles), the hymn that gives the album its title. It got started as a Latin hymn, Veni redemptor gentium, by Saint Ambrose, the bishop of Milan who baptized Augustine of Hippo; translated into German and simplified somewhat by Martin Luther, it became a pan-Protestant hit. The group's singing is intonationally dazzling and splendidly controlled, fully the equal of any of the world's more flamboyant male vocal ensembles but without drawing attention to itself.
| 9865 CD $16.95 |
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Introit: Hodie scietis Gradual: Hodie scietis Alleluia: Crastina die Offertory: Tollite portas Communion: Revelabitur Introit: Dominus dixit Gradual: Tecum principium Alleluia: Dominus dixit Offertory: Laetentur caeli Communion: In splendoribus Introit: Lux fulgebit Gradual: Benedictus qui venit Alleluia: Dominus regnavit Offertory: Deus enim firmavit Communion: Exsulta filia sion Introit: Puer natus est nobis Gradual: Viderunt omnes Alleluia: Dies sanctificatus Offertory: Tui sunt caeli Communion: Viderunt omnes Alma redemptoris mater Ave regina caelorum Regina Caeli Salve Regina Alma redemptoris mater Ave regina caelorum Regina Caeli Salve Regina |
Depicting the sacred mystery of Christmas in the ancient melodies of Gregorian chant, this recording will enrich anyone's experience of this holy season. The first Mass, the quietly joyful "Ad Missam in Vigilia," builds on the anticipation of the coming event, proclaiming the Good News of the salvation prepared for us by a loving God through the birth of His Son. The second Mass, the tender "Ad Missam in Nocte," is sung at the hour traditionally oberved as the time of Christ's birth. With exquisite beauty and strength, the Mass celebrated at dawn on Christmas Day, "Ad Missam in Aurora," expresses the coming of the Light into the world. The fourth Mass, "Ad Missam in Die," is a jubilant expression of the salvation and righteousness of God. This recording also includes special antiphons honoring the Virgin Mary.
| 8566 CD $15.95 |
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A Solis ortus cardine Nowell, nowell Hayl Mary, ful of grace Venter tuus Facta est cum angelo Benedicite omnia opera domini domino As I outrode this endres night Ecce, quod natura Nesciens mater A, my dere, a, my dere Son Nowel, nowel Sancte dei preciose Eya, martir Stephane Hic est discipulus Worcepe we this holy day Lully lulla Seynt Thomas honour we Magi videntes stellam Ave Rex angelorum Gaude virgo mater Christi Alleluya, omnes de saba Nunc dimitts |
Lionheart combines the best of the familiar with the rarely performed to bring the richly beautiful and often intense and earthy heritage of English Christmas in this excellent collection of yuletide music. Lionheart is one of America's leading ensembles in vocal chamber music. Acclaimed for its "smoothly blended and impeccably balanced sound" (Allan Kozin, The New York Times), Lionheart (Jeffrey Johnson, Lawrence Lipnik, John Olund, Richard Porterfield, Kurt-Owen Richards, and Michael Ryan-Wenger) is best known for its interpretation of medieval and Renaissance a cappella music, with Gregorian Chant as the keystone of its repertoire.
| 7017 CD $15.98 |
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The Holly and the Ivy Gaudete "Amour de Moi Salva Nos Glass Window There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu Kinderly In Dulce Jubilo Love Me Broughte I Am Eve Quan Vey La Layeta The Coventry Carol Underntide Ecce Mundi Gaudium Blow Northern Wind |
Our definition of a Christmas gift would certainly include 8 beautiful women, dressed in mediaeval costume, singing songs adapted from the 11th through the 16th centuries, lightly accompanied such period instruments as Zither, Hurdygurdy, Harmonium, Citern, Glockenspiel and Astrowheel. We don't even know what a number of these instruments look like, but they sound wonderful! "Mistletoe" is classical and even sacred, but the Baebes' vital sound is anything but dry or academic. 15 tunes, some favorites: "The Holly & The Ivy," the traditional French "L'Amour de Moi," the dramatic "Salva Nos," "There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu," "Kimberly," the lovely "In Dulci Jubilo," "I Am Eve," "The Coventry Carol," the spirited "Undrentide" and the plaintive, haunting "Blow, Northern Wind." The beauty of the words and music are rivaled only by the sweet voices and harmonies!
Listen to "Gaudete" in Real Audio.
| 7068 CD $15.98 |
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Jacobus Gallus - Mirabile mysterium Sebastian Alfonso - Unidos tres reyes Anonymous - Vincti presepio / Stelle presagio Geronimo Luca - Este Nino que es sol del aurora Peter Cornelius - Drei Kon'ge wandern aus Morgenland Anonymous - Senores el qu'es nascido Giaches de Wert - Vox in Rama Anonymous - Hodie puer nascitur Jacobus Clemens non Papa - Ab Oriente Harold Darke - In the bleak mid-winter Francisco Losada - A Penas nace este Nino Bertram Luard-Selby - A Voice from Ramah Anonymous - Balaam de quo vaticinans Anonymous - Quae stella sole pulchrior |
Specialist in medieval and Renaissance polyphony Paul Von Nevel guest conducts the Nederlands Kamerkoor in 14 classical sacred works of Christmas music, ranging from Jacobus Gallus' 16th century title tune and Geronimo Luca's 17th century "Este Nino que es sol del aurora" to Bertram Luard-Selby's 19th century "A Voice from Ramah" and Harold Darke's 20th Century "In The Bleak Mid-Winter." Some accompaniment from period recorder, renaissance violin, viola da gamba, shawm and dulciam. Just beautiful!
| 7936 CD $15.98 |
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Veni Redemptor gentium |
New York Polyphony is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the finest new classical vocal ensembles. Fusing elegant vocalism with expert ensemble singing, its four male voices consistently deliver dynamic performances of music spanning nearly a millennium in a range of styles, combining historically-informed interpretive style with their own unique artistry. From the simplicity of plainchant to the dense chromaticism of contemporary works, the New York Polyphony sound is unified, energized and distinctive. The musical landscape traversed on this disc of music for the Advent and Christmas season is broad, from 12th century conductus to a 21st century carol, though the musical center is firmly polyphonic and rooted in the late Medieval world The group is joined by a women's trio in several works written for more than four parts. The sound is clean and present, with appropriate resonance for this material. For the listener looking for a collection of contemplative Christmas music that steers clear of the most obvious selections and introduces intriguing new repertoire, as well as for the fan of early music vocal ensembles, this album has much to offer.
| 8761 CD $16.95 |
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Christe redemptor Alleluia V. Dies sanctificatus Lux refulget Annus renascitur De quan qu'on peut Tout mon désir Ce jour de l'an (Guillaume Dufay) Ave rex angelorum Eya, martyr Stephane Vox in Rama (Clemens non Papa) Lullay, lullow: I saw a swete semely sight O admirabile commercium Pastores loquebantur (Clemens non Papa) Noel, noel, noel (Antoine Busnois) Noe, noe, noe (Antoine Brumel) Nato canunt omnia (Antoine Brumel) |
Although Medieval Christmas celebrations primarily consisted of over-eating, flirtation, hunting and drinking, each day began with a mass. Sacred and secular traditions and customs were often intertwined as part of a season of celebration which culminated with the feast of the Epiphany. On this new CD, the Orlando Consort offers an unusual & wide-ranging collection of secular and liturgical music from England, France and the Low Countries. To read the texts of these pieces is to un-knot the various traditions that are otherwise confused by today’s pick-and-mix carol concerts. While not strictly chronological, the disc is divided into five sections - Prophecy, New Year’s Day, The Carol, Narrative Motets and Noel - which illustrate key themes of the music of this period.
| 8446 CD $18.98 |
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Novus Annus Hodie Ut Iam Cessit Fulget Dies Celebris Vetus Abit Littera Procedenti Puero Mater Dei Salus Rei In Sompnis Mira Huic Et Placuit Viderunt Omnes Angelus Ad Virginem Flos Regalis Beata Viscera Orientis Partibus Salve Sancta Parens Virgo Maria Edi Beo Thu Super Te Jerusalem O Nobilis Nativitas There Is No Rose St Thomas Honour We Nowell, Nowell: The Boare's Head |
Music & Carols for a Medieval Christmas. The music on this recording goes back to the very origins of musical composition. The centerpiece, Perotin’s Viderunt omnes, can also be said to mark the beginning of the concept of musical history, since it is one of the first pieces whose precise details of performance (place, date and context) are known, carefully recorded and preserved for the information of future generations.
| 7934 CD $15.98 |
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Ave Maria What Tiding's Bringest Thou O Virdissima Virga Alma Redemptoris Mater Deo Gracias Anglia Be Merry Be Merry Riu Riu Chiu There Is No Rose Planctus Guillelmus Eya Mater Stephane Gaudate Christus Est Natus Hail Mary Full Of Grace Now We May Singen Nowell Sing We Planctus David |
In 15th-century England a tradition grew up for the composition of polyphonic carols. None of them is ascribed to a specific composer or poet, neither is their function completely understood. The form is that of alternating verses and burdens (refrains), the language generally being a mixture of Latin and English. The majority of the carols have sacred texts and it is possible that these were designed for liturgical use. Others are moralistic or celebratory and were possibly used to enliven feasts and banquets in aristocratic households or for recreational purposes at educational establishments. This CD is (along with the selection of songs from the Piae Cantiones) the Camerata's smallest-scale recording project. Only four voices are used throughout (Rebecca Outram, Deborah Mackay, Philip Cave, and Jeremy Summerly) although one of the tracks does also involve Jeremy Summerly playing the tambourine! The Christmas spirit was well captured by arranging to record this CD in December in sub-zero temperatures. The project attracted much attention and ulitmately resulted in the milennial publication of a volume of medieval songs and carols by Faber Music entitled Passetime with good company!
Listen to "Riu Riu Chiu" in Real Audio.
| 8456 CD $12.98 |
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In dulci jubilo (anon) In dulci jubilo a2,3,4 (Michael Praetorius) Resonet in laudibus (anon) Preter rerum seriem (anon) Preter rerum seriem a6 (Josquin Desprez) Conditor alme siderum (anon / Guillaume du Fay) Puer natus est a4 (William Byrd) O Sapientia (anon) Magnificat secundi toni a5 (William Horwood) O Sapientia a5 (Robert Ramsey) Quem vidistis pastores (anon) Quem vidistis pastores a7 (Cipriano de Rore) Alma redemptoris mater (anon / Sarum) Alma redemptoris mater a4 (Johannes Ockeghem) Reges Tharsis et insulae a4 (William Byrd) |
There is nothing quite like the sounds of Medieval and Renaissance music echoing through a church. This recording of Christmas music from these periods captures that feeling. Pomerium led by Alex Blachly gives engaging performances of motets with the original chants. Selections include several versions of Praetorious' "In dulci jubilo," Byrd's "Puer natus est" for four voices and "Preter rerum seriem" by Josquin. This is wonderful to listen to regardless of the season.
| 7094 CD $11.98 |
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O Beate Stanislae Beata es virgo Nobis est natus hodie In natali Domini Beatus Adalbertus Per merita sancti Adalberti Alme presul et beate Poslán jest od Boha andel Magnificat Dies est Laetitiae Stala se jest vec divná De Nativitate Domino Hospodine, Pomiluj Ny Pisen o Koncilu Kostnickém Primo Tempore Svat Václave Dulce Melos Salve pater optime Decet huius cuntis horis |
The Rose Ensemble's holiday recording features music from medieval and Renaissance Poland and Czechoslovakia, including motets from the Prague manuscript Codex Specialnik and several lovely spiritual songs extolling the virtues of various Slavic saints and heroes. The Rose Ensemble, based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, handles this material with great skill and grace. Their vocal tone is bright yet warm, and their articulation is clear and crisp. This is interesting music from a part of the world we've just begun to explore. This music is at once familiar and exotic.
Listen to "O Beate Stanislae" in RealAudio.
| 7906 CD $15.98 |
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Verbum caro Salutation Carol Nowell, sing we, both all and some Gaudete Hail Mary full of Grace Gloria in excelsis There is no rose Nowell, nowell: Out of your sleep Remember O thou man Quid petis, O Fili? Sweet was the song Lullaby my sweet little baby Are rex angelorum Drive the cold winter away Nowell, nowell: The boares head The old year now has passed away Angelus ad Virginem Nowell, nowell: Dieu vous garde Make we joy Verbum caro |
Amongst the exhaustive catalogue of recordings devoted to Christmas music, this particular example - focusing on works written in England during the Middle Ages and Renaissance - can be warmly recommended indeed. The performances, as ever by this superb choir, are polished and beautifully executed, and the program is varied both in terms of the selection of pieces (carols, motets, ballads, chant...) and also in the interpretations (usually choir or consort but sometimes 1 singer, occasionally accompanied by instruments - harp, lute, rebec/fiddle, drums). Furthermore, a number of the tracks constitute probably the best available performances of certain works.
| 8749 CD $14.95 |
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Puer Natus Est Nobis Nowell Nowell In Bethlehem Gaudete Nesciens Mater (William Lambe) The Song Of The Nuns Of Chester Coventry Carol The Boar's Head Carol Videte Miraculum (Tallis) Quem Pastores Laudavere Pueri Concinite (Jacob Handl) O Magnum Mysterium (Jacob Handl) Resonet In Laudibus (Jacob Handl) In Dulci Jubilo Riu Riu Chiu Nesciens Mater (Jean Mouton) Omnes De Saba (Lassus) |
A fine collection of Christmas music from medieval and renaissance Europe by this highly accomplished choir under the direction of Harry Christophers. Many works from England including the stunning Tallis composition "Videte Miraculuum' and several carols from Europe including those by Jacob Handl, Jean Mouton and Orlandus Lassus.
| 8445 CD $18.98 |
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Medieval Carols Angelus ad virginem Nowell Sing We There is no rose The Coventry Carol Lullay: I saw Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child Ave Maria fo four voices Beata es virgo/Ave Maria Ave Maria for four voices Ave Maria for double choir German Chorales Es ist ein Ros' Joseph, lieber Joseph mein In dulci jubilo Flemish Polyphony Pastores quidnam vidistis Missa Pastores quidnam vidistis Chant from Salisbury Missa in gallicantu Christe Redemptor ominum Veni, Redemptor gentium Salvator mundi, Domine A solis ortus cardine Missa Puer natus est nobis |
This two discs set includes selections of the best of previous Tallis Scholars Christmas recordings and includes medieval carols, German chorale harmonisations, complete polyphonic settings of the Mass based on Christmas themes, and motets dedicated to Mary and Joseph. Disc one includes the monumental Missa Pastores quidnam vidistis and the motet it parodies, both by the Flemish composer Jacob Clemens non Papa. The style of both the motet and the Mass is typical of Clemens’s conservative interpretation of the Flemish way of composition, unfolding with great deliberation, every clause of words being given its own exposition in the polyphony. It is a classic style, capable of the greatest subtlety and variation of expression, while always inviting the listener to search more deeply into the music. Clemens uses a five-voice choir SSATB except in the final movement where he adds a second bass part. The second disc is dedicated much more specifically to plainchant, and music based on chant. It begins with the contents of the only record The Tallis Scholars have so far made of chant alone. This collection consisted entirely of music written for Christmas, beginning with the complete Mass ‘at cockcrow’ or ‘in gallicantu’. This would have been celebrated at daybreak on Christmas Eve, and is taken from the Sarum rite. It begins with an Introit which moves straight into a troped Kyrie, the trope ‘Deus Creator omnium’ actually replacing the original words ‘Kyrie eleison’ and running to nine invocations (a ‘trope’ could be either a musical or a textual addition to traditional material). The Gloria begins with an intonation from the altar, the bulk of the text following in the syllabic style of the Kyrie. In addition to the Mass included are four hymns proper to the different Offices for Christmas Day: Christe Redemptor omnium is from Matins; Veni, Redemptor gentium is from Vespers; Salvator mundi, Domine is from Compline, and A solis ortus cardine from Lauds. These are amongst the best-known plainchant hymn tunes, which may often be heard today whether in Latin or the venacular. The disc also includes Tallis’s Missa Puer natus est nobis, which is based on the Christmas plainchant of the same name.
Listen to "Nowell Sing We" in Real Audio.
| 7879 2CDs $19.98 |
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Medieval Carols Angelus Ad Virginem Nowell Sing We There Is No Rose Nowell: Dieu Vous Garde The Coventry Carol Lullay: I saw Lully, Lulla Thou Little Tiny Child Lullaby by William Byrd Settings Of Ave Maria Ave Maria for four voices by Josquin Des Pres Beata Es Virgo / Ave Maria for seven voices by Philippe Verdelot For four voices attributed to Victoria For double choir by Victoria German Chorales Es Ist Ein' Ros' Joseph Lieber In Dulci Jubilo Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme |
Recorded at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Norfolk, England, this collection of medieval carols, renaissance motets and German chorales by this English mixed ensemble is devout, harkening back to to a time centuries past. Performed with as much allegiance to the original forms as possible, these are simple arrangements, many of which would have been sung by the populus at large, in commemoration of religious occasions. Four settings of "Ave Maria," two attributed to Victoria and one to Des Pres among them, are represented; musically, this ubiquituous homage to the blessed Virgin was distinguished by variations in rhythm, texture and so forth. A peaceful and serene recording.
| 6203 CD $15.98 |
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Out fo your sleep (Richard Rodney Bennett) Verbum caro (John Sheppard) The truth from above (arr. Ralph Vaughan WIlliams) Ave maris Stella (John Sheppard) Gabriel's Message (arr. Edgar Pettman) Ecce Virgo Concipiet (Sarum Chant) There is no rose of such virtue (John Joubert) A solis ortus cardine (Sarum Chant) Eterne Laudis Lilium (Robert Fayrfax) Christe, Redemptor omnium (Sarum Chant) Make we jow now in this fest (William Walton) Nesciens mater (Sarum chant) In the bleak midwinter (Gustav Holst) Reges Tharsis (John Sheppard) Bethlehem Down (Peter Warlock) Salvator mundi, Domine (John Sheppard) The blessed Song of God (R. Vaughn Williams) |
The music on this recording spans many centuries, including 20th-century carols, Tudor polyphony, and chant from medieval England's Sarum rite. Producing a choral sound that is distinctly English in heritage, the Tudor Choir sings this music with intelligence and heart. Shape note music, Shaker songs, Sheppard, Tallis, and Victoria.
| 7338 CD $15.98 |
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Christmas Eve Antiphone: Judaea Et Jerusalem Reponsory: Salve VIrginale Antiphon Completi Sunt Dies Mariae Christmas Night Responsory Hodie Nobis De Caelo Reading: Genealogy According to Saint Matthew Responsory: Verbum Caro Introit: Dominus Dixit Ad Me Kyrie IV Offertory: Laetentur Caeli Agnus Dei IV Offertory: Laetentur Caeli Agnus Dei IV Communion: In Splendoribus Christmas Day Hymn: A Solis Ortus Cardine Mass of the Day Introit: Puer Natus Est Nobis Kyrie XI Gloria XI Gradual: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae Alleluia: Dies Sanctificatus Offertory Tui Sunt Caeli Sanctus XI Agnus Dei XI Communion: Viderunt Omnes Fines Terrae Antiphon: Natus Est Nobis Hodie Alma Redemptoris Mater |
A truly Gregorian Christmas album, this prayerful recording of seven different chant choirs includes the Benedictine Abbeys of Montserrat, Maumont, Einsiedeln, the Dominican Schola of France, the Paris Gregorian Choir and more. Outstanding performances of 23 chants for Masses and other liturgical events on Christmas Eve, Christmas Night and Christmas Day.
| 8706 CD $8.95 |
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