An extraordinary set of carol arrangements. As in the case with virtually all of Daron Hagen's music, he takes the listener on an unusual journey, frequently only alluding to tunes or portions of tunes already more than familiar to the listener. As one would expect of a composer who has devoted so much of his life to vocal music and the relationship between music and text, surprising things occur.

Thanks to the legacy of Robert Shaw, Atlanta is rich in choral groups, including several which have gained national distinction. Some of these groups were founded by members of Shaw's Atlanta Symphony Chorus and have survived over the decades to make their own name. The Atlanta Singers, begun 24 years ago, is among the most notable. David Barensinger conducts the Singers, whose repertoire on "Chantez" includes sacred Renaissance masterworks (Praetorius' "Psallite," "Swete Was The Song the Virgine Soong," Victoria's "O Magnum Mysterium," and "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen"), traditional carols ("Il est ne," "Wassail Song," "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells" and "Deck The Hall"), traditional Spanish carols ("A la nanita nana" and "Esta noche nace un Nino"), and traditional French carols ("Dans les hombres de la nuit," the title tune, and "Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris"). Intricate, classical harmonies perfectly sung by this talented ensemble.

When an ensemble like the BBC Singers, renowned for its commitment to the music of our time, sets out to record a Christmas CD you can be sure that the repertoire will include material rather different from the usual run of popular standards and arrangements! One star, at last includes eight new carols (six of them specially-commissioned by BBC Radio 3), several premiere recordings, and a selection of music – serious and light-hearted, contemplative and joyful – by some of the leading British, European and North American choral composers of the day. Composers include Martland, Weir, Ades, MacMillan, Tavener, Kornowicz, Rodney Bennet and Harle.

Listen to "Make We Joy" in Real Audio.

Recorded in 1981 shortly after the Cambridge Singers formation, "Christmas Star" then quickly disappeared, as the master tapes were lost. However, the original digital version was found in 1996. Therefore, the Cambridge Singers first Christmas release can once again be heard. Directed by John Rutter, whose standard of taste and excellence is of legendary repute, this multivoice classical ensemble has a pure and weightless tone and broad dynamic range, from pianissimo to forte. With arrangements also by Rutter, the carols are mostly familiar, such as "I Wander As I Wander," "Ding Dong! Merrily On High" and "What Child Is This," but there are a few rarities: "O Little One Sweet," and "Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime." Songlist

Founded by Alfred Burt's daughter Diane, The Caroling Company makes everyday Christmas! This highly in-demand eight-voice a cappella ensemble has had numerous television appearances including ABC¼s "Good Morning America and „The Home Show¾ and will appear later this year in the Brian Setzer Big Band Christmas CD. With a reputation for excellence and creative arrangements of traditional favorites and jazz standards, they have an enthusiastic following and possess that indescribable quality that identifies them as The Carolling Company.

Many treasures of church music celebrating the birth of Christ are sung with great beauty and eloquence by the acclaimed Chicago-based Cathedral Singers. Director Richard Proulz does a masterful job and this recording is a great addition to your Christmas choral music collection.

Listen to "Sleep, Holy Baby" in Real Audio.

When you have one of England's premiere choirs being directed by one of England's foremost director while singing some of the finest traditional carols then you most certainly have yourself a wonderful holiday recording. Noted baritone Simon Vaughn is featured and many of the songs are accompanied by the Clare College Orchestra.

Though founded only in 1996 by Artistic Director Daniel Hughes, this ensemble of thirty voices has already begun to distinguish itself with an eclectic program. As part of their mission, the group seeks to unify diverse peoples, and the track list for "Of Christmastide" reflects this concern. Weighted somewhat towards the 20th century, with Williams, Tavener, Rutter, Holst and Lauridsen amongst the composers represented, the balance includes two Latvian carols, James McKelvey's arrangement of "Deck The Hall in 7/8" and the Nigerian "Betelehemu." Their sonority is broad and expansive, with an airy and open delivery. Some percussion and woodwinds on a few tracks.

At the Cathedral Church of York, England, there has been music celebrating the Birth of Christ since the earliest times, as the present building was consecrated in 1472. The procession of the 30-voice Choir, bright against the ancient stones of the building, the glow of the candles the glistening lights on the tree, and the singing of best-loved Christmas carolsÇthis is what "Carols" is about. 21 magnificent organ accompanied carols, sung in the Minster's superb acoustic, from "The First Nowell," "Coventry Carol," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "In Dulci Jubilo" to "Silent Night," "O Leave Your Sheep," "Behold the Great Creator" and "Good Christian Men, Rejoice." Superb!

The choir at Westminister Abbey performs three Carol Services annually, in conjunction with Advent Sunday, The Feast of St. Stephen and The Feast of the Holy Innocents. These 20 carols and hymns are derived from these performances by this 34 member male choir, and many are familiar, such as "Good King Wenceslas" and "Ding Dong Merrily On High"; however, director Simon Preston has a penchant for modern compositions as well. "Alleluya," (1921), written by Peter Wishart, replicates the celebratory chiming of bells, while alternating between major and minor tonalities; "Nowell," (1934) by Peter Maxwell Davies, never declares its tonic, but remains suspended without resolution. Mostly a cappella.

There is bliss to be found in hearing a pitch-perfect chord held by a chorus. 24-strong Choral Arts Northwest achieves chord after chord like this, a sound that is remarkable for its warmth, richness and full-throated power. Precision and accuracy of intonation are its hallmarks, as well as a phenomenal range of dynamics and a limitless range of shading. There are 19 generally organ-accompanied songs here, some in Swedish or Norwegian, some in EnglishÇall sacred Christmas church music. Extensive liner notes tell us the meaning of each of these exceptional songs, but the story here is the singers, who carry each finely-crafted chord as if it were a gift to a very special baby long ago. Touching, soothing sacred music from Scandinavia.

Listen to " Jeg er sa glad " in RealAudio.

This CD is a lovely assortment of familiar Christmas carols. The opening carol, "Once in Royal David's City" with soloist Maribeth Diggle is especially nice as voices are gradually added until the full choir is singing. Most pieces are a cappella with a few accompanied by organ. Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus are both directed by Paul Halley. The combination of the children's and adult choirs creates a beautiful sound. This is a delightful treat for Christmas.

With almost 20,000 attendees at their annual Christmas series of concerts and the airing on PBS television and radio stations across the nation has certainly made the Concordia Choir a great Christmas tradition for many. The 400 voices celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with some spectacular arrangements including "Gesu Bambino" and the title track "O Come All Ye Faithful". Two new compositions by director Rene Clausen, who has over the 26 years he has been directing the choir become world-renown, are superb. Always top-notch this choir continues to build upon it's already excellent reputation.

Listen to "Hodie Christus Natus Est" in Real Audio.

"Prince of Peace" is their seventh CD release, and it features the 2002 Concordia College Christmas Concert, conducted by the renowned Rene Clausen. Begun on a small scale in 1927, the event as we know it today began in 1937 under Paul Christiansen, son of St. Olaf College choir director F. Melius Christiansen, when the first giant Christmas mural was added. The recording has 25 parts, some simply orchestra, some a cappella singing, some singing with orchestra, some narrative. For a hint of how wonderful this concert is, listen to "For Unto Us A Child Is Born," from Handel's "Messiah," featuring the orchestra and Choir­outstanding. John Gardner's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," Stroope's "There Is No Rose of Such Virtue," Pierce's "How Still He Rests," or sinple carols like "Silent Night," a lilting "Pat-A-Pan," "O Hearken Ye," "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head," or the powerful Haitian carol "Noel Ayisen"‹it's all amazing.

Since 1927, the Concordia College Christmas Concert has grown from an activity of the college's music club into the famed concerts that have become a tradition in the Upper Midwest. Since 1937 the spectacle has featured a giant mural, the huge Concordia Choir and three other choirs, and the Concordia orchestra. There are beautiful photographs of the event in the extensive liner notes. 23 songs, "Venus, the Bringer of Peace," "Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night," "O How Shall I Receive Thee," "Behold A Star From Jacob Shining," "Arise, Shine, for Thy Light Has Come," "Our Father"” the list goes on and on of beautiful, soaring music, praising Christ and filling the huge hall with love and light. "Star Of Wonder" is a very special CD of a huge, amazing Christmas event.

On the cover of "O Holy Night" we see an awesome giant Christmas mural, with the huge Concordia Choir in front of it, and The Concordia Orchestra in the foreground. This massive Christmas celebration has been an annual event for many years, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. 24 songs, with spoken parts, all accompanied, some familiar ("Angels We Have Heard On High," "O Holy Night," "Joy to the World"), some unfamiliar ( "Of the Father's Love Begotten," "Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah," "Calm on the Listening Ear of Night"), but together in sequence they magnificently tell the Christmas story. "O Holy Night" is a triumph, one of the best of the year!

Directed by the contemporary composer Rene Clausen, the Concordia Choir performs frequently, but not exclusively, modern works. This 1999 seasonal recording features several familiar holiday carols, such as Praetorius' "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming," but its appeal is also in the opportunity to enjoy newer, refreshing pieces, such as "How Still He Rests," with it's solemn oboe accompaniment. The eerie, yet beautiful tonalities of "Go Pretty Child," with its sibilant countermelody, are an example of how the Choir's approach is both delicate and unsettling at once. "Noel Aylsyen (A Haitian Noel)" bounces between the root and fifth, urged along in a springing rhythm, punctuated by handclaps. This refined and energetic modernism is exciting and supremely musical.

Want to add a little spice to your holiday celebrations? Look no further than this delectable disc. The Grupo Canto Coral has meticulously researched the musical traditions of the Spanish missions in the New World and have assembled a vivacious program of 17th and 18th century seasonal favorites. The sounds of the high baroque blend with Native American melodies and infectious Latin rhythms to create a most unique and joyous disc. Whether are a early music aficionado, a Latin music buff or simply looking for that really special Christmas CD, the Grupo Canto Coral deliver the whole enchilada!

Attractive choral works by an important American composer (and choral director). Title track “Snowcarols” was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize when it was written in 1980. The William Ferris Chorale is one of the finest mid-sized choirs in the nation. The group has performed at the Aldeburgh Festival and the Spoleto Festival, and has given over 175 world, American, and Chicago premieres of important new literature. “The William Ferris Chorale sang beautifully - they had style and a lovely sound - a superb job.” - The Washington Post. “For more than three decades the William Ferris Chorale has occupied a special niche in the Chicago area’s rich choral music scene. The ensemble has regained its well-remembered form since Paul French became music director. He has infused it with new vitality, new vision, new purpose.” - Chicago Tribune

Boston's Handel and Haydn Society is one of America's leading choral ensembles. Under the direction of recently appointed music director Grant Llewellyn, the Society has expanded its repertoire to encompass a broader range of music, including contemporary works. Their first recording for Avie, "Peace," was one of 2004's best-selling choral CD's appearing for a number of weeks on the Billboard Classical Chart. The Society's newest recording, "All is Bright," celebrates the music of the festive season, combining repertoire from the Baroque era and traditional carols with Christmas works by twentieth century composers including beautiful works by prominent American composers including Ned Rorem, Virgil Thompson, Charles Ives, Jennifer Higdon and Daniel Pinkham. The Beauty of the Society's singing, the uniqueness of the program and the audiophile quality sound give "All is Bright" the same elements that made "Peace" a best-seller with widespread appeal.

The echoes of carols have been heard through Harvard Yard since 1910, when Archibald Davison, newly-appointed University Organist and Choirmaster, and Edward Moore, Prof. of Christian Morals, designed the order of service still used every year. Directed by Murray F. Somerville, and accompanied by The Bach Society Orchestra and an organist, there are 25 songs on ³Carols,² telling the story of Jesus' birth in song. Some favorites­"Adeste Fideles," Charles Calahan's ²Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing,² the spiritual ³Mary Had A Baby,² ³In The Bleak Mid-Winter,² ³Sing Lullaby,² ³Jesus, Jesus, rest your head² and ³Joy to the World.² A beautifully sung and spoken Christmas story. Accompaniment on some songs.

The Iseler Singers perform carols by Canadian composers commissioned for this recording – four original compositions, an arrangement of the Huron Carol and eleven new arrangements of carols from the 1582 collection, “Piae Cantiones” by the Swedish monk, Theodoricus Petrus of Nyland. Published in England in 1853, its timeless melodies have permeated the church music of the English-speaking world. According to Ken Winters’ informative liner notes the only work on the program not commissioned by the Singers is Healey Willan’s miniature masterpiece, Resonet in Laudibus, also from “Piae Cantiones”. Each carol is a highly individual exploration of musical beauty. Exquisite dissonances propel Eleanor Daley’s harmonization of Ave Maris Stella; Eric Robertson astonishes with his symphonic vision of Puer Natus in Bethlehem; Derek Holman’s modal counterpoint to the syncopations of Gaudete bursts with energy; Donald Patriquin’s folk song treatment of Puer Nobis Nascitur is fresh and unexpected; Peter Togni’s arrangement of Corde Natus – Of the Father’s love begotten moves with deft assurance from two-part simplicity to a grand multiphonic concluding Amen.

A program of Christmas music by American composers, the Kansas City Chorale sings pieces from the late nineteenth century to the present. Composers include Ned Rorem, Norman Dello Joio and Charles Ives. This recording also contains several premier recordings, including "Nativitas" by Jean Belmont. This cycle of eight choral cameos depicts the ceremony of Christmas with texts from the fourth through seventeenth centuries. According to the composer, "The intent in "Nativitas" is to create a musical shape which conveys some of the anticipation, reverence, mysticism and celebration surrounding the Birth of Jesus Christ." This is a great alternative to traditional Christmas recordings.

Kantorei began in 1997 as a group of 6 friends who got together to sing Christmas carols. The group has grown to a 32-voice mixed ensemble, attracting some of the best vocal talents. From medieval texts to 20th century tonalities, the Christmas journey begins with "Star in the East," a suite of 3 dramatic Appalachian carols including "Rise Up Shepherd," which was originally published as a slave song in 1867. Herbert Howells' "Long, Long Ago," John Paynter's "The Rose," a lilting, joyous "Sing We Now of Christmas," a lovely soprano solo on "Some Children See Him," a fine "Ding Dong! Merrily On High," Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium," Rutter's sweet "There Is A Flower," a moody "Carol Of The Birds" and Robt. Young's "There Is No Rose of Such Virtue"Çthis collection welcomes the diverse spectrum of Christmas sentiment across miles and centuries. Beautiful and recommended.

A Christmas classics reissued and remastered with three bonus tracks.

A professional choir from Minnesota, the Choir perform selections from a divergent literature. This is a seasonal recording, emphasizing classical compositions, not carols, and is subtitled "The Light Is Come"; loosely defined, the theme is the birth cycle of Christ. Works by Kodaly, Clausen, Poulenc, Bach, Christiansen and others are performed, with the exception of Dave Brubeck's "Gloria," a flamenco arrangement, and the recording's wild card. Several of the tracks are accompanied, such as "This Is The Christ," but with pristine and restrained orchestrations, lovely indeed. In keeping with the CD's seraphic motif, the choir's tone color is one of brilliance and purity.

One of the most magnificent in the world, the 4-day Christmas Festival at Decorah, IA's Luther College features the 85-member Symphony Orchestra and hundreds of talented members of Luther's Nordic Choir, Pike Kor, Cathedral Choir, Norsemen and Cantorei singing 20 beautiful pieces. From the orchestrally-accompanied "Gracious Spirit Dwell With Me" and Dominik Argento's "Hodie, Christus Natus Est" to the dramatic a cappella "Hodie, Christus Natus Est" and the traditional carols "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing;" to the rarely heard "Little Lamb," "Choral Fanfare for Christmas," "O Nata Lux," "O Come Little Children" and Eric Whitacre's "Lum Aurumque," this is a joyous and memorable Christmas CD. The wonderful a cappella "Natus est Emmanuel" (a glee of angels at the Birth), was written by Libby Larsen for the celebration.

This Beautiful live christmas album is sure to bringin the Holiday Cheer with 21 well performedtraditional carols. If you're in the mood for lushyuletide harmonies sung by a large choir of welltrained voices, this is the CD for you. The choirperforms some great arrangements of well known carolssuch as "Away in a Manger," "Joy to the World," "I SawThree Ships," "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful," and "SilentNight," as well as some lesser known traditionals suchas "Lo, How a Rose E'er Bloomin," "I Wonder As IWander," "Fum, Fum, Fum," and "What Sweeter Music." The most Memorable moments include the trebleharmonies at the beginning of a chilling arrangementof "Veni Emmanuel," Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach'ssetting of "Magnificat," and the triumphant, big soundof "All is Well." If you love Christmas choral musicthis will be a great addition to your collection.

Listen to Away in a Manger in Real Audio

At Decorah, Iowa's Luther College, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, music is one of the strongest traditions. The Christmas festival, "Arise, Your Light Has Come" was presented over 4 days in December of 2002 and featured Cantorei, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Norsemen, Nordic Choir, Pike Kor and Children's Choir, the Luther College Symphony Orchestra and the College Organist. 20 pieces, most accompanied, and it's hard to select favorites. The opening piece, the title tune, is stunning, and sets the tone for the triumphant "Joy to the World." Francis Poulenc's "Gloria," Christiansen's "Light Everlasting" Michael Haydn's "Run Ye Shepherds To the Light" and Randall Thompson's a cappella "Nowel," are lovely, as are the gentle "Rocking Carol" and Fissinger's "The Lamb." "And The Glory Of The Lord" from the Messiah, is magnificent, the joyous spiritual "De Mornin' Come," and the tender finale "Hope for Resolution," sung by the Children's Choir, are wonderful.

Internationally-known conductor Weston Noble leads his renowned, extensively touring Nordic Choir in an excellent collection of 14 Christmas songs. A few are familiar carols ("Riu, Riu, Chiu," "I Saw Three Ships," "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head"), others (Tschesnokoff's "Salvation is Created," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria," Renee Clausen's "Hosanna," Wm. Mathias' "Hodie, Christus Natus Est," F. Melius Christiansen's sweet "Lullaby on Christmas Eve," Kenneth Leighton's "Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child," E. Paladilhe's "Benedictus," Andre Thomas' "African Noel" and Jean Berger's "Magnificat") are beautiful, rarely performed gems that are a treat to hear performed by such an esteemed ensemble. Some light accompaniment. "Christmas with" is a treasure!

The Christmas Story from the Annunciation to Epiphany told in well-known traditional carols, and works by Bruckner, Joubert, Howells, Poulenc and other composers : directed by Edward Higginbottom.

Certainly one of our most unusual Christmas CD's on offer, these 1956/57 recordings are a blast of refreshment. The first 12 tracks, from "Calypso Holiday," are accompanied, sung in tribal languages as well as English, French and Spanish, and are guaranteed to cheer up anybody's holiday blues! Songs such as "Yellow Bird," "Pig Knuckles and Rice" and "Bamboo-Tamboo" are a wonderful break from the traditional carols, but lest you miss them, "Songs Of Christmas," features a series of medleys, all a cappella and arranged by Norman Luboff. The Norman Luboff Choir were quite popular in the '50's and '60's, too commercial to be considered classical, but nonetheless their renditions of the holiday chestnuts are first-rate.

Seattle-based, 24-strong, mixed vocal ensemble Opus 7 was formed by Loren Ponten in 1992 as a professional vocal ensemble specializing in 19th- and 20th-century a cappella music. The group is known for its imaginative programs, singing unusual or rarely performed works as well as standard choral masterworks. Carols are the jewels of the Christmas music, but the texts of the Magnificat and the Advent antiphons have also inspired composers since the Middle Ages. Here are 21 impressive, lesser-known works, like PeterWishart's "Alleluya, a new work is come on hand," Hugo Distler's "Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming" and "This Flower whose fragrance tender," and Kodaly's "Veni, veni Emmanuel," which show off Opus 7's tremendous range and feeling for the music. There is some small organ accompaniment on a couple of tracks, and excellent, extensive liner notes. We particularly like 7 works from composer John Muehleisen's "The Great "O" Antiphons" ("O Sapientia/O Wisdom," etc.) which was commissioned for and given first performances by the group. John Tavener's "The Lamb," Herbert Howells' "Sing Lullaby," Britten's "Theme-'A Boy Was Born'" and Gerald Finzi's "All This Night"‹all are wonderfully done. "Dawn" is rare sacred music, perfectly performed!