In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Mixed Voice Christmas Choral Recordings

Christmas music is some of the most fun choral music out there, both to sing and simply to drink in. Whether the choir is singing centuriesâ€™ old pieces by Tavener and Britten, or modern and light-hearted work like Rudolph and Frosty, itâ€™s heartwarming, spirit-raising music that just makes you want to gather with loved ones around a well-lit tree, enjoying a roaring fire. Even in the heart of Summer.

Displaying 51-100 of 394 items.

Dale Warland Singers : Christmas Echoes Vol 2

Review: Volume II of the reissue, by popular demand, of a classic pair of Christmas CDs, long out of print, by the renowned Dale Warland Singers. 29 songs: "The Holly and the Ivy," "A Savior from on High," "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree," "On Christmas Night," "Wexford Carol," "Lullay, My Liking," "Sing We Now of Christmas," "Christmas Lullaby," "The Kings and the Shepherds," "There Is No Rose of Such Virtue," "Lullaby, Dear Jesus," "How Far Is It to Bethlehem," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "A Boy Was Born," "Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming," "Manger Dance" and many more. A classic!

Songlist: The Holly and the Ivy, A Savior from on High, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, On Christmas Night, Wexford Carol, Lullay, My Liking, Sing We Now of Christmas, Christmas Lullaby, The Kings and the Shepherds, Lullaby, Dear Jesus, How Far Is It to Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, A Boy Was Born, Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming, Manger Dance, Snow Had Fallen; Christ Was Born, What Cheer, Evergreen, Birthday Carol, Tyrley, Tyrlow, Away in a Manger, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Cradle Song, The Ship Carol, A New Year Carol

Dale Warland Singers : Dale Warland Singers Christmas

Review: The Dale Warland Singers make their debut on Gothic with a beautiful new Christmas CD, featuring imaginative>arrangements of carols from around the world. The sound is incomparable. 21 songs, from "Il est ne, le divin enfant," "The Virgin's Cradle Hymn," "Susanni" and the Swedish carol "Prepare the Way," to the Latvian carol "Ai, nama mamina," the Medieval carol "The Friendly Beasts," the Canadian "Huron Carol" and the Basque "Gabriel's Message." A special, rare Christmas gift of beautiful music from around the world.

Songlist: Il est ne, le divin enfant (he is born) (French (Schultz)), The Virgin's Cradle Hymn (Dormi, Jesu!) (Edmund Rubbra), Susanni (German (Parker/Shaw)), Prepare the Way (Swedish (Jalkeus), Fum, fum, fum! (Spanish (Mechem), Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang (Alf Houkom), Hark! The Herald Angel Sing (Mendelssohn (Barnett), Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine (German (Luboff), Three Nativity Carols: (Stephen Paulus), O Little Town of Bethlehem (English (Warland)), Al, nama mamina from Three Latvian Carols (Latvian (Jansons)), The Friendly Beasts (Medieval Carol (Van), Carol of the Bells (Leontovich (Wilhousky), Est ist ein Ros estsprungen (Lo, How a Rose) (Praetorious (Sandstrom)), Huron Carol ('Twas In the Moon of Wintertime) (Canadian (Warland)), Patapan from Seven Joys of Christmas (Bergundian (Mechem)), Tomorrow shall be my dancing day (John Gardner), Gabriel's Message (Basque (Paulus)), Silent Night (Gruber (Sargent))

Dale Warland Singers : December Stillness

Review: A forty-voice chorus devoted to the performance of works by twentieth-century composers, this 1995 recording by the Dale Warland Singers is modern classical choral music at its most inspiring and proficient. Sometimes oblique, emphasizing texture over adherence to an immediately recognizable form, works such as the second track, "Izhe Xeruvimy," seem to unfold in a series of layers. The charming and delicate "The Rune Of Hospitality," with the voices gently and broadly undulating against a repetitive acoustic guitar, suggests the enigma of the universe, the expanse of the night sky.

Songlist: Long, Long Ago, Izhe xeruvimy, The Rune of Hospitality, Corpus Christi Carol, Magnificat, Khvalitye imya Gospoknye, The Oxen, Ave Maria (I. Stravinsky), Ave Maria (F. Busto), Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite, Evensong, Little Tree

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In the Bleak Midwinter

Ditchfield Family Singers : A Cappella Christmas

Review: Sarasota, Florida's Ditchfields, inspired by Austria's famous Von Trapps, are actually all members of one family, led by parents Stephen and Bernice, son Nathaneal and his wife Regina, daughter Stephanie, teenage sons Michael and David, and 3 little grandsons, Andrew, Christopher and Joshua. Over the past 14 years the Family has performed the popular music of the '30s, '40s and '50s, show stoppers from Broadway, and the best loved traditional standards. "A Cappella Christmas" comes from their very popular annual Christmas concerts. Thirteen of our favorite carols and hymns: "Carol of the Bells," "Good King Wenceslas," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "In the Bleak Midwinter," "The Little Drummer Boy," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "What Child Is This," "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "Silent Night." The arrangements are dramatic and powerful, yet simple and sincere. "A Cappella Christmas" will be a welcome, uplifting addition to your family's holiday celebrations.

Songlist: Carol of the Bells, Good King Wenceslas, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Come All Ye Faithful, In the Bleak Midwinter, I Wonder as I Wander, The Little Drummer Boy, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, We Three Kings, What Child is This (Greensleeves), Caroling, Caroling, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Silent Night

Elmer Iseler Singers : Puer Natus in Bethlehem, Alleluia

Review: 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.

Songlist: Ave Maris Stella, Gaudete!, In the Bleak Mid-winter, A Christmas Lullaby, Angelus ad Virginem, In Dulci Jubilo, Jumalisten joucko, The Huron Carol, Christmas Lullaby, Puer Nobis Nascitur, Puer Natus in Bethlehem, Laetetur Jerusalem, Paranymphus Adiens, Corde Natus, Of the Father's Love Begotten, Waye Not His Cribb, Verbum Caro Factum Est, Resonet in Laudibus, Christmas Song 14th Century, Un Instant Mystique (A Boy is Born)

Elmer Iseler Singers : Welcome Yule!

Review: This recording features the contributions of several Canadians to the caroling genre, as composers of new carols and arrangers of old ones. From the perennially beautiful O Come All Ye Faithful and The Holly and the Ivy to the 14th century German Christmas Song, better known as "Joseph, lieber Joseph", this is a lively recording by one of Canada's most loved choirs. Derek Holman's rollicking arrangement of Deck the Halls shows off its insouciance by capturing an unmistakable tipsiness which very likely did accompany the decking of those particular halls. Two of the arranged carols are especially notable: The Huron Carol, known as Canada's first Christmas Carol (1642), is sung here in Robert Anderson's arrangement; and a rare Nova Scotia variant of the Cherry Tree Carol collected by Helen Creighton and arranged by Louis Applebaum.

Songlist: O Come All Ye Faithful, The Echo Carol, The Holly And The Ivy, Noel Cest L'Amour, Good Christian Men Rejoice, Mary Is A Lady Bright, Welcome Yule, Lullaby For The Christ Child, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, A Canadian Christmas Carol, The Huron Carol, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Deck The Halls, Christmas Song Of The 14th Century, Masters In This Hall, What Is This Lovely Fragrance, Cherry Tree Carol `, Il Est Ne Divin Enfant, The Golden Vase Carol, Variations On The Sussex Carol, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Angelus ad Virginem, Away In A Manger, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Elora Festival Singers : The Wonder Of Christmas

Review: The Elora Festival Singers, conducted by internationally acclaimed director Noel Edison, is one of the most exciting of contemporary choirs. Their disc of Eric Whitacre's choral music (8.559677) was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2010. Now they turn to the art of the Christmas carol, a genre covering a variety of styles,6305c both popular and refined, each piece expressing religious sentiments and beliefs. The music ranges from much-loved settings to new works, from polyphony to more straightforward melodies, in a recital stretching from the Middle Ages to the music of today.

Songlist: Once in Royal David's City, My Dancing Day, What Child Is This?, A Boy Was Born,, The Holly and the Ivy, Who is He in Yonder Stall, Nesciens Mater Virgo Virum, Away in a Manger, Ding! Dong! Merrily on High, O Holy Night, Adam Lay Y Bounden, Ecce Concipies, Rocking, Gabriel's Message, I Wonder as I Wander, There is a Flower, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, The First Nowell

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A New Joy

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir : A New Joy

Review: Drawing upon the rich treasury of 19th and 20th century liturgical hymns and carols of the nativity feast, this unique collection of Orthodox music from Russia and the Urkraine includes several first recordings of music by composers who were suppressed by the Soviet government. At the end of the 19th-century, Alexander Kastalsky founded the world-famous Moscow Synodal School of Church Singing. Bolshevik persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church forced the closing of the school and the disbanding of the choir. Georgiy Izvekov, a priest and well-respected composer of liturgical music, was arrested in 1931 for 'anti-Soviet activities' and was executed by firing squad. Important choral composers in the Ukraine met with similar fates - for example, Vasyl Barvinskyi was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment by the Soviet government. Paul Hillier leads the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in this gloriously atmospheric collection of Christmas music, which begins with the tolling of the bells of St Alexander's cathedral in Tallinn, Estonia.

Songlist: Our Father, Rejoice, O Virgin, Verses Before The Six Psalms No.2, Shepards Of Bethlehem, Oh, What A Wonder, Today The Virgin Gives Birth, Verses Before The Six Psalms No. 1, The Angels Exclaimed, A New Joy, Bells Rang Early In Jerusalem, When Augustus Ruled Alone Upon The Earth, A Song Of Good Cheer, Throughout The World, The Legend, Christ Is Born, God Is With US, Blessed is The Man

Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : Nutcracker Suite

Review: Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker Suite is given a twist as performed by Fred Waring and the Pennslyvanians. Conceived by arranger Harry Simeone he combines the charming lyrics written by Jay Johnson, Frank Cunkle, Daisy Bernier and Fred Waring. The arrangement was debuted on October 27, 1947 on Waring's radio program for General Electric and recorded for Decca Records later that year. It has been delighting audiences ever since. The performance heard here was originally broadcast August 19, 1948.

Songlist: The Overture, Dance of the Sugar Plums, Trepak, Dance of the Toy Flutes, Waltz of the Flowers

Glasgow Phoenix Choir : Caledonian Christmas

Review: The Glasgow Phoenix Choir was founded in 1951 and since then has been at the forefront of popular choral music in Scotland and Beyond. "Caledonian Christmas" is the choir's second recording on the Scotdisc label and follows on from the highly successful "Highland Cathedral". The content is a mixture of seasonal Music old and new, Scottish favorites and other items in a diverse collection of songs which should evoke romantic, and wistful thoughts of Scotland at Christmas wherever you are.

Songlist: Jingle Bells, The Very Best Time of Year, Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Song, Silent Night, Iona, Highland Cathedral, Caledonia, The Way Old Friends Do, Scotland, My Song, Medley: A Merry Little Christmas, Deck the Halls, Child in a Manger, Good King Wenceslas, Merry Christmas Jazz, The Little Drummer Boy, Farewell my Love, My Ain Folk, Auld Lang Syne

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Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus : Celestial Voices

Review: Colorful Christmas selections of all styles by the multiple award-winning, Chicago area-based mixed-voice GECC, directed since 1996 by Emily Ellsworth, with Guest Artist Stephen Hartman on harp. 21 songs, featuring Britten's "Ceremony of Carols," traditional favorites, popular selections such as "Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and a poignant new arrangement of "Auld Lang Syne." We love the sound of a fine children's chorus at Christmas, especially one as beautifully trained and directed as this one. John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" and "Personent Hodie," "Ding Dong Merrily on High," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and a lilting cover of Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child." Some accompaniment, from light harp to orchestral, on all songs. An excellent CD, sure to fill you with Christmas spirit!

Songlist: Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Ding Dong Merrily on High, One Fine Hour, A Ceremony of Carols:, Procession, Wolcum Yole!, There is no Rose, That yonge child, Balulalaw, As dew in Aprille, This little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, -Recession, Personent Hodie, The Most Wonderful Time of Year, Shiru (Sing!), Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Mary's LIttle Boy Child, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Auld Lang Syne

Handel and Haydn Society : All Is Bright

Review: 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 in 2004

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, There Is No Rose, In Dulci Jubilo, Lo How A Rose E' Er Blooming, The Three Kings, King Herod And The Cock, Make We Joy Now In This Fest, A Spotless Rose, Lux Aurumque, A Babe Is Born, Sir Christmas, Stille Nacht, O Magnum Mysterium, A Christmas Carol, Sweet Music, While All Things Were In Quiet Silence, Coventry Carol, O My Deir Hert, Deck The Hall, Hodie Christus Natus Est, What Cheer?, All this Time

Harvard University Choir : Carols From The Yards

Review: 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 "Carols," telling the story of Jesus' birth in song. Some favorites-"Adeste Fideles," Charles Calahan's "Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing,," the spiritual "Mary Had A Baby," "In The Bleak Mid-Winter," "Sing Lullaby," "Jesus, Jesus, rest your head" and "Joy to the World." A beautifully sung and spoken Christmas story. Accompaniment on some songs.

Songlist: PreludeL In dulci jubilo, Introit: In dulci jubilo, Processional Hymn: Adeste Fideles, Sentences from Scripture and Invocation, The First lesson- Isaiah 35:1-10, Canite Tuba, Come rejoicing, praises voicing, Ein Kind is uns geboren, Hymn: Personent Hodie, The Second lesson- Luke 1:26-38, Ave Maria, Mary Had a Baby, Riu, Riu, Chiu, In the ending of the Year, The Third Lesson- Luke 2:1-20, In the bleak mid-winter, And all in the morning, Sing Lullaby, To us is born Immanuel, Jesus, Jesus, rest your head, Hymn: Silent Night, Prayers and the Lord's Prayer, Hymn: Joy to the world, Benediction and Choral Amen, Postlude: Paean on "Divinum Mysterium"

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Hail! Smiling Morn

Huddersfield Choral Society : The Carols Album

Review: Recorded in Huddersfield Town Hall in January 2007, the Huddersfield Choral Society is back in force with a magnificent collection of Christmas carols. This CD will be a perfect Christmas gift or glorious self-indulgence, absorbing the sacred and profane alike, beautifully performed and recorded for the festive season.

Songlist: Hark the herald angels sing, Gaudete, Gabriel's Message, O little town of Bethlehem, Coventry Carol, In Excelsis Gloria, Silent night, Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing, Angels, from the realms of glory, Ave maria, Joy to the world, the Lord is come!, Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, Unto us a boy is born, Love came down at Christmas, O Come All Ye Faithful, The Holly and the Ivy, O holy night, In the bleak midwinter, Ding dong! merrily on high, It came upon the midnight clear, Hail! Smiling Morn, Sussex Carol, Of the Father's heart begotten, Away in a manger, I saw three ships, Christians Awake

Kansas City Chorale : Nativitas

Review: 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.

Songlist: Three Mystical Carols, In the Time of Softest Snow, Shout the Glad Tidings, Silent Night, Nativitas, Love Came Down at Christmas, A Christmas Carol, Three Shepherd Carols, The Holy Infant's Lullaby, There Is No Rose, I Saw Three Ships, Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sung, "Silent Night" from Three Carols, Op. 20

Kantorei : Little Tree

Review: The perfect way to enjoy the holiday season, little tree features Kantorei's favorite live recordings from their last several Christmas concerts. Featured on recording are two wonderful settings of e.e. cummings' holiday text, 'little tree.' The first, by composer Steven Heitzeg, features the choir accompanied by harp in a soft, contemplative setting. Heitzeg's composition is contrasted by that of world-renowned composer Eric Whitacre, who sets the text for choir with piano accompaniment in a warm, joyous setting. Also included on the CD are several heart-warming arrangements of familiar holiday carols including 'I Saw Three Ships,' 'Away in a Manger,' and audience favorite, 'Silent Night.' Sure to become a holiday classic, little tree will no doubt usher in the warmth and joy of the Christmas season.

Songlist: The Exaltation of Christ, The Rune of Hospitality, Calm on the Listening Ear of Night, Gaudete, What Sweeter Music?, Sweeter Still, Little Tree, Somerset Wassail, A Stable Lamp is Lighted, Mary's Lullaby, The Hills are Bare at Bethelehem, Little Tree, Little Lamb, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, The Three Kings, I Saw Three Ships, Away In A Manger, Silent Night

La Colombina : Christmas in Spain

Review: The ensemble La Colombina, founded in 1990, was named after a late fifteenth century music volume, now preserved at Seville's Colombina Library. Cosmopolitan and very Latin in character, the ensemble consists of an Argentinean, an Italian and two Catalans, specializing in Renaissance and early Baroque music, religious as well as secular, and singing mostly a cappella.

Songlist: Versiculum: Domine labia mea aperies; Intonatio: Deus in adjutorium; Responsorium: Domine ad adjuvandum me, Invitatorium: Christus natus est nobis, Hymnum: Jesu Redemptor omnium; V. Tu lumen et splendor Patris; V. Gloria tibi, Domine Ensalada de Navidad, Desnudito parece mi Nino, Ven y veras Zagalejo, Romance: Llegan los quatro al portal, Romance: Sea para bien el Hijo Divino, Este Nino se lleva la flor, Naci tamboriler y sustentar me quiero, Oy la musica del cielo, Un relox a visto Andres, Antiphona: Dominus dixit ad me, Responsorium: Pastores, dicite, quidnam vidistis?, Responsorium: O Magnum mysterium, Responsorium: Beate viscera Mariae Virginis, Oy, Joseph, se os da en el suelo, Motetus: Ad tantae Nativitatis, Hymnus: Crudelis Herodes; V. Ibant Magi quam viderant; V. Gloria tibi, Domine, Antiphona: Magi viderunt stellam, Los Reyes siguen la' strella, Ensalada: La Trulla

Lawrence Children's Choir : Sing We Now of Christmas

Review: Considered to be one of the finest children's choirs in the country we expect a high standard and director Janeal Crabb Krehbiel delivers with a fine collection of carols and songs in celebration of the season.

Songlist: Solstice, Come, Join the Angels' Song, A Cuckoo Flew Out of the Woods, Prayer, Gaudete! Gaudete!, Dashing Through the Snow, In the Bleak Mid-wainter, Russian Candle Carol, Gesu Bambino, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Patapan, Weinachtsglocken, Huron Carol, He Came Down, Three Catalonian Carols, Sing We Now Noel!, Night of Silence

London Children's Choir : Britten: Ceremony of Carols / Friday Afternoons

Review: This album brings together some of Britten's most celebrated music for treble voices, accompanied and unaccompanied, ranging in period from 1929 (when the composer was still in his mid teens and a pupil of Frank Bridge) to 1967. " A triumph of the realist Britten" (Redlich) drawing largely on texts from Walter de la Mare's collection Tom Tiddler's Ground, Friday Afternoons (1933-35), the first of Britten's many works for children, was written for his schoolmaster brother, Robert and the boys of Clive House preparatory school, Prestatyn: choir practice used to take place on Friday afternoons. The twelve settings, with their witty piano accompaniments, belong to an England between two world wars, to an age of innocence, to a childhood time of Meccano sets and Hornby trains, of model boats and Arthur Ransome. These " enchanting fresh songs," Pears says, " a performance of which, given by well-trained boys and girls with their intelligent teacher at the piano, once heard is never forgotten". Their imagination and economy remains extraordinary. All are beautiful. Most are short. The last -Old Abram Brown - aspires to Wunderhorn Mahler (the slow movement of the First symphony). Together with Hymn to Saint Cecilia and Rejoice in the Lamb, A Ceremony of Carols, written "at sea, MS Axel Johnson March 1942" en route from New York to Liverpool via Boston and Halifax, Nova Scotia, helped establish Britten "as a master of English song"

Songlist: Friday Afternoons, Op. 7, Sweet was the Song, King Herod and the Cock, The Oxen, Fancie, The Birds, Three Two-part Songs, A Wealden Trio: Christmas Song of the Women, A Ceremony of Carols

Luther College Nordic Choir : Christmas 2004

Review: 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.

Songlist: Gracious Spirit Dwell With Me, The First Noel, Gloria from the Masque of Angels, Hodie, Christus Natus Est, The Moon of Wintertime, Little Lamb, Choral Fanfare for Christmas, Farandole from L'Arlesienne, Suite No. 2, Machet die Tore weit, Christmas The Morn, Svete tihiy, Natus est Emmanuel, A Nata Lux, O Come, Little Children, Lux Aurumque, A Child is Born in Bethlehem, Angels We Have Heard on High, Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain, Toccata from Orgel Partita Opus 8 No. 2, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

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As Lately We Watched

Luther College Nordic Choir : Christmas at Luther 2005

Review: The magnificent 4-day Christmas Festival at Decorah, IA's LutherCollege tells the story of Christmas in song and narration, andfeatures the 85-member Symphony Orchestra and hundreds of members of Luther's Nordic Choir, Pike Kor, Cathedral Choir, Norsemen and Cantorei. 26 cuts, all accompanied: "For Unto Us A Child Is Born" from Handel's "Messiah," Leonard Bernstein's dramatic "Chichester Psalms," John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol," Bach's "Gloria," the joyous "Cantemos a Maria"-it's all wonderful!

Songlist: Nimrod, Narration, Fanfare For A Festival, For Unto Us A Child Is Born, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Gloria, As Lately We Watched, Mbiri Kuna Mwari, Gloria, Chichester Psalms, Cantemos A Maria, Candle Light Carol, Sing Nowell Sing Gloria, All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Wake Awake, Vom Himmel Hoch, Agincourt Song, O Magnum Mysterium, A Christmas Alleluia, Still Still Still, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Epilogue, Jerusalem, Narration, Infant Holy Infant Lowly, Silent Night

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Hail Christmas Day!

Luther College Nordic Choir : Christmas at Luther 2007

Review: Docorah, Iowa's Luther College's huge annual 4-day Christmas pageant, which features Luther's Nordic Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Cantorei, Christmas Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Cathedral Choir and Pike Kor, Collegiate Chorale and Norsemen and the Christmas Ringers. "Arise, Shine" brings us the triumphant sounds of this incredible event in 30 parts, from the Norsemen's performance of Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque" to the Combined Choirs and Symphony Orchestra's "Coronation Te Deum." With stirring narrations interspersed, lovely carols such as "Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow," "Patapan," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Come Adore the Infant Holy" join with magnificent choruses from Handel's "Messiah," "Chorus: And the glory of the Lord" and "Chorus: Glory to God." Listening to the beautifully recorded "Arise, Shine" is surely the next best thing to being in the audience to experience "Christmas at Luther 2007."

Songlist: Lux Aurumque, First Movement, Concerto Grosso, Canticle of Joy, Precessional: Arise, O God, And Shine, Narration, Arise, Shine (From What Child Is This), Hark! A Herald Voice Is Calling, Hail Christmas Day!, Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow, Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, Sing We Now Of Christmas, Patapan, Carillon on a Ukrainian Bell Carol, Marche, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Narration, This Christmastide, Heroic Entry, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Come, Adore the Infant Holy, A Light Where Jesus Lay, To Him We Sing, Narration, Narration, Coronation Te Deum

Luther College Nordic Choir : Christmas at Luther 2008

Review: Every Christmas season, the wonderful music groups at Decorah, Iowa's Luther College, including Nordic Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Cantorei, Christmas Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Norsemen and Luther Ringers, present their massive "Christmas at Luther" festival, which tells the story of the Nativity in narration and music. The music is always magnificent and amazing, with the various groups performing individually and combined, and the story moving and timeless. Very hard to pick favorites, but Colin Marnach's solo on "Comfort Ye My People" from Handel's "Messiah," Cathedral Choir's a cappella "Arise, Shine!," Nordic Choir's "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones," Collegiate Chorale's "Weihnachten," Norsemen's "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow," and the final cut, Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Nation Shall Not Lift UP a Sword Against Nation (from Dona Nobis Pacem)" by the combined choirs, Symphony Orchestra and organ, will have to do. Every year "Christmas at Luther" outdoes itself in magnificence and beauty.

Songlist: Fanfare of the Kings, Narration, Child of Peace, Sinfonia (from Messiah), Comfort Ye My People (from Messiah), Processional: Angels, from the Realms of Glory, I Was Glad, Arise, Shine!, Candlelight Carol, As Dew in Aprille (from A Ceremony of Carols), This Little Babe (from A Ceremony of Carols), Carol of the Birds, Sing We Now of Christmas, I Saw Three Ships, Weihnachten, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, Winds Through the Olive Trees, Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (from An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts), Joy to the World, Gloria (from Lord Nelson Mass), Il est ne, Le divin Enfant, Ding! Dong! Merrily on High, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Before the Marvel of this Night, Farandole (from L'arlesienne, Suite No. 2), Silent Night, Narration, Wonderful Peace, Nation Shall Not Lift Up a Sword Against Nation (from Dona Nobis Pacem)

Luther College Nordic Choir : Christmas at Luther 2009

Review: Once again Iowa's Luther College's Department of Music has called upon its renowned Nordic Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Cantorei, Christmas Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Aurora, Norsemen and Luther Ringers to create the magnificent 4-day musical story of Christmas, "Christmas at Luther 2009, Joy to the World." These combined music ensembles are joined by the audience on the opening cut, "Processional: Joy to the World," and on the next to last cut, "Silent Night" (with narration). There are other traditional carols such as "Joy, Joy, Joy," "Wexford Carol," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel;" classical songs like Felix Mendelssohn's "Thanks Be to God" and Guy Forbes' "O Magnum Mysterium," and pieces by contemporary composers, Quittez, pasteurs" and "Gloria" by John Rutter, "There is No Rose" by Rene Clausen, "Nowel" by Randall Thompson, Jackson Berkey's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," and F. Melius Christiansen's lovely "Praise to the Lord." There is an organ solo of Claude Balbastre's "Ou s'en vont ces gais bergers," and "Agincourt Song" by the wonderful Symphony Orchestra. In terms of pure musical magnificence, celebration, wonder and beauty, there really is nothing that compares with "Christmas at Luther!"

Songlist: Joy to the World, Eventide, Thanks Be To God, Narration, Joy, Joy, Joy, There is No Rose, Nowel, Angels We Have Heard on High, Wexford Carol, On This Day, Earth Shall Ring, Fanfare, Quittez, pasteurs, O Magnum Mysterium, Fantasia on a Ukranian Carol, Ou s'en vont ces gais bergers, Suo-Gan, Agincourt Song, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, S nami Bog, Gloria In Excelsis Deo!, Praise to the Lord, Silent Night, Gloria

Luther College Nordic Choir : Christmas at Luther 2010

Review: In the jewel box, behind the "Christmas at Luther 2010" CD is a panoramic photograph, with a bird's eye view of the annual event held at Iowa's Luther College-showing the giant pipe organ, the huge, colorful mural, and the massed music groups: The Symphony Orchestra, Nordic Choir, Cantorei, Cathedral Choir, Aurora, Norsemen and Luther Ringers. One of the largest collegiate music programs in the world, the Luther campus is alive with the sounds of six choirs, three bands, three orchestras, two jazz bands and more than 1,000 student musicians! Here are 20 live cuts, most of them accompanied, that tell the story of the Nativity in music. The spoken narration notable in past events has given way to some of the most beautiful choral Christmas music imaginable: just listen to the dramatic, wonderful "Hope for Resolution," Vivaldi's "Gloria in Excelsis," Mendelssohn's "There Shall a Star From Jacob Come Forth," "The First Nowell" and "Gloria," all sung by the combined choirs, Symphony Orchestra (sometimes with organ). This is music that rivals Handl's "Messiah" in pure, beautiful power. The Cathedral Choir's lovely spiritual "I Believe This Is Jesus," John Rutter's "Angel's Carol," aptly performed by Aurora, Cantorei and the Symphony Orchestra, the Norsemen's rhythmic, harmonic performance of the traditional Kenyan carol "Wana Baraka"-this is great stuff! "Christmas at Luther" is one of the greatest annual musical traditions in the United States, come join in the celebration!

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hope for Resolution, Gloria In Excelsis (from Gloria), Angel's Carol, Masters in This Hall, I Believe This Is Jesus, Sanctus ( from Messe en Sol Majeur), There Shall a Star From Jacob Come Forth (from Christus, Opus 97), Nocturne (from Incidental Music to A Midsummer Nights Dream), Choral Fanfare for Christmas, Veni, Veni Emmanuel, Sanctus-Benedictus (Mass No. 6), Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Ring Out, Wild Bells!, What Shall We Give?, Wanna Baraka, What Sweeter Music, The First Nowell, Fanfare and Toccata on Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding, Gloria

Luther College Nordic Choir : Unto Us A Child Is Born

Review: Singing is a very big part of the campus of Luther College by being alive with the sound of its seven choirs. Music is considered to be an integral part of the community of faith and learning at the College and ever since it's founding Christmas has always been a very special time of year. The Christmas concerts are legendary and in 2006 celebrated the 25th anniversary of the combined musical ensembles including the Nordic Choir, Cantorei, the Norsemen and the Symphony Orchestra.

Songlist: I Wonder as I Wander, Fantasia on "Greensleeves", Processional: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Break forth, O beauteous, heavenly light (from the Christmas Oratorio), Glory Be to God, There is No Rose, Out of the Orient Crystal Skies, On Christmas Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Fanfare for a New Millennium, Quoniam tu solus sanctus (from Mass in C majjjor), Love Came Down at Christmas, A Child, My Choice, The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy, O Day Full of Grace, Silent Night, Carillon (from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1), The Little Drummer Boy, Noel Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel), Noel: Votre Bonte Grand Dieu, Narration, The Many Moods of Christmas (Suite Three)

Michigan State Children's Choir : A Classic Christmas

Review: The MSU Children's Choir program began in 1993 with the founding of the MSU Community Music School. The program now has 145 singers representing 23 different school districts and communities. The Choir has been honored to perform at the 2002 6th World Symposium on Choral Music as the representative of the US, and at numerous conventions of the ACDA. Mary Alice Stollak directs the talented Choir in 12 exquisite (mostly organ accompanied) Christmas carols and a pair of sacred pieces, Bach's sublime "Ave Maria" and "Alleluia." There's some rarely heard French carols, "Manger Carol" and "Oh, Leave Your Sheep," English and Irish traditional carols, "Wexford Carol" and "Sussex Carol," and traditional German, "Still, Still, Still;" in additional to "Joy to the World," "Silent Night" and others. The Choir has a sweet, bright sound that makes "A Classic Christmas" a very special album.

Songlist: Joy To The World, Manger Carol, Ave Maria, Wexford Carol, Oh, Leave Your Sheep, Silent Night, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Alleluia, Sussex Carol, Angels We Have Heard On High, Still, Still, Still, O Come, All Ye Faithful

Michigan State Children's Choir : What Sweeter Music

Review: "Music" is an excellent collection of Christmas Songs by Conductor and Founder Stollak's sweet-singing MSUCC, all lightly piano (and sometimes flute) accompanied. Classics like "I Saw Three Ships," "Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella," "Wassail Song," "Pat-a-Pan," "Ding Dong, Merrily on High" and "White Christmas" segue nicely into lesser-known tunes like Paul Carey's "A Cradle Song," Nancy Cobb's "Hodie," and Eleanor Daley's title tune. John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" are icing on a very tasty Christmas cake!

Songlist: I Saw Three Ships, Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella, A Cradle Song, La Bonne Nouvelle, Wassail Song, Hodie, Cantate Domino, Pat-A-Pan, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, What Sweeter Music, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, White Christmas, The Christmas Song, On Christmas Morn

Milwaukee Children's Choir : Christmas Suite

Review: This festive suite by acclaimed composer Mark Brymer is scored in a Holiday Pops style for orchestra, choir and soloist. This 30-minute work is divided into nine sections, each titled for a letter in the word C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. This performance by the Milwaukee Children's Choir features mezzo-soprano Christine Thomas and is accompanied by the Indianapolis Recording Orchestra. This is a charming piece which weaves together holiday favorites with newly composed songs. It is a fresh new work which will delight this season.

Songlist: It Must Be Christmas, Hark! Hear the Children Sing, Rejoice! Rejoice!, I Hear the Bells, Snow!, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Merry, Merry Christmas, Angels We Have Heard On High, Savior!

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Hodie

Milwaukee Children's Choir : Mid-Winter Night's Dream

Review: Good cheer comes from the Milwaukee Children's Choir on this recording of Christmas music. This album features Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols as sung by the Cantorei Choir, led by Emily Crocker and accompanied by harpist Stephen Hartman. This is one of the great Christmas pieces for treble voices. The CD also contains performances by the Concert Choir and Prelude Choir and includes pieces by Emily Crocker: "In dulci jubilo" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Wonderful performances by all.

Songlist: Cantorei Choir:, Good Cheer, Cantate, Carol of the Bells, Concert Choir and Prelude Choir:, Orion, The Birch Tree, Antiphonal Gloria, In dulci jubilo, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Cantorei Choir:, In dulci jubilo, Ask the Moon, Path to the Moon, The Sleigh (a la Russe), Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Ceremony of Carols, Hodie, Wolcum Yole, There Is No Rose, That Tonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, This Little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Adam Lay Ybounden, Hodie

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The Boar's Head Carol

Milwaukee Children's Choir : Winter's Night

Review: This is wonderful program of holiday music from the Milwaukee Children's Choir. The recording features performances by the Cantorei Choir with additional selections by the Concert Choir, Youth Chorale and Prelude Choir. Conducted by Emily Crocker, the Cantorei Choir sings selections from Henry Purcell's Come Ye Sons of Art and John Rutter's suite, Dancing Day, with Stephen Hartman on harp. These spirited performances will bring joy to your holiday season.

Songlist: Winter's Night, Old Fox Wassail, Chrissimas Day, The Boar's Head Carol, Winter Holiday, Al Shlosha D'Varim, S'vivon, Come Ye Sons of Art, Come Ye Sons of Art, Strike the Viol, Sound the Trumpet, Laudate Pueri Dominum, Dancing Day, Prelude, Angelus and virginem, A Virgin Most Pure, Personent Hodie, Interlude, There Is No Rose, Coventry Carol, Dancing Day

Mormon Tabernacle Choir : Christmas With

Review: Well-produced recording makes the Choir sound better than ever! interesting liner notes by Donald Ripplinger rounds out this fine disc.

Songlist: O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Joy To The World, Carol Of The Birds, Angels We Have Heard On High, O Holy Night, O Tannenbaum, The First Noel, Lippai / Upon The Mountain, Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Mormon Tabernacle Choir : It's Christmas!

Review:

Songlist: Deck The Hall, Away In A Manger, O holy Night, The First Noel, I heard The Bells, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Joy to The World, Angels We Have Heard On High, Far, Far Away On High, O Come All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Mormon Tabernacle Choir : Joy To The World

Review: A Christmas classics reissued and remastered with three bonus tracks.

Songlist: Joy to the World, The First Noel, Deck the Hall, Carol of the Bells, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, O Come All Ye Faithful, O, Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Here We Come A-Caroling, O Tannenbaum, Silent Night, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song, Hallelujah Chorus

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Carol of the Drum

Mormon Tabernacle Choir : Silent Night

Review: Famous, amongst others things, for their spectacular Christmas concerts the Mormon Tabernacle Choir knows how to deliver a rousing Holiday song and this original 1981 release on Sony id a real treat.

Songlist: Joy To The World, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Come All Ye Faithful, Carol of the Bells, Hallelujah Chorus, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Carol of the Drum, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, Silver Bells, O Tannenbaum, Silent Night

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Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow!

Mormon Tabernacle Choir with The King's Singers : Rejoice and Be Merry!

Review: "Rejoice and Be Merry!" is the 2007 Christmas concert recorded in Salt Lake City by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and special guests, The King's Singers. Recorded in high-definition video and 5.1 Surround Sound, this CD is a smorgasborg for the ears. These massive concerts, given as a free gift to the community each year, and broadcast by PBS, are both joyful and reverential. This CD offers the full experience of the concert, with a 'you-are-there' viewpoint and behind the scenes interviews that can be viewed again and again. The choir is joined by the 120-member Orchestra at Temple Square, as well as The Bells at Temple Square, plus a score of dancers who perform an opening processional, and take part in the charming, complete presentation of "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" which has to be seen to be believed.

Songlist: Rejoice And Be Merry, The First Nowell, Deck The Hall With Boughs Of Holly, El Nino Querido, La Peregrinacion, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, One December, Bright And Clear, O Holy Night, Sussex Carol, Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow!, Little Drummer Boy, Jingle Bells, I Saw Three Ships, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, What Child Is This?, The Christmas Story: Luke 2, Angels, From The Realms Of Glory

National Lutheran Choir : Carols We Love to Sing

Review: This new Christmas recording of favorite carols sung by choir and congregation with choral and organ settings by Sir David Willcocks, Larry Fleming, Stephen Paulus, Paul Manz and David Cherwien entitled "Carols We Love to Sing." Artistic Director David Cherwien is at the organ, along with Rachel Brandwein (harp), and Sarah Carmack (oboe), all assisting the featured musical resources: the song of the assembly. This release completes a trio of popular recordings of hymn and carol settings

Songlist: O Come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Love Has Come, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, Once in Royal David's City, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Oh, Come, Little Children, On Christmas Night (Sussex Carol), Of the Father's Love Begotten, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Angels We Have Heard on High, In the Bleak Midwinter

National Lutheran Choir : Christ is Born

Review: The National Lutheran Choir is pleased to announce the release of their 10th Christmas album, Christ is Born! This new recording contains 18 tracks from their recent Christmas Festival concerts at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis

Songlist: Welcome All Wonders, There Is No Rose, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, A Virgin Unspotted, God's Mother Be, Pat-A-Pan, Entre Le Beouf Et L'ane Gris, What 'cha Gonna Call The Pretty Little Baby, Hush! My Dear, Lie Still And Slumber, For Unto Us A Child Is Born, Wexford Carol, O Magnum Mysterium, Go, Pretty Child, See, Amid The Winter's Snow, Incarnation, I Believe This Is Jesus, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, The Darkest Midnight In December

National Lutheran Choir : While Angels Sing

Review: 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.

Songlist: Restoration, Morning Star, In Darkest Night, Come, Awake, I Beheld Her, Magnificat, Tota Pulchra Es, A Spotless Rose, Now, O Come, My Soul's True Light, Et Incarnatus Est, A Christmas Carol, O Magnum Mysterium, Shining Stable In The Night, Maria Sat In Cattle Stall, While Angels Sing, Gloria, Born Today, Come, Return, And On That Day, Hush, My Dear, In Dulci Jubilo, Now All Poor, This Is The Christ, O Light Everlasting

Norman Luboff Choir : Songs Of Christmas / Calypso Holiday

Review: 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.

Songlist: Calypso Carnival, The Proposal, Balance, Water, Yellow Bird, Dance De Limbo, Sound De Fire Alarm, Bamboo-Tamboo, Pig Knuckles And Rice, Like My Heart, Fisherman's Song, Dansez Calenda, Joy to the World / I Saw Three Ships / We Three Kings of Orient Are / O Little Town Of Bethlehem, What Child Is This? / Twelve of Christmas / Baloo Lammy, The Holly and the Ivy / A La Nanita Nana / Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine / Whence Comes This Rush of Wings, The First Nowell / Wassail, Wassail All Over the Town / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Oh Tannenbaum / O Holy Night / Coventry Carol, The Wassail Song (Here We Come A'Wassailing? / Oh Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) / Deck the Hall With Boughs of Holly / Silent Night, Holy Night

Oxford New College Choir : Nativitas - A Celebration of Peace

Review: 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

Songlist: I Wonder As I Wander, Adam Lay Ybounden, Alma Redemptoris, The Angel Gabriel, Ave Maria, A Spotless Rose, There Is No Rose, The Little Road To Bethlehem, Once In Royal David's City, Stille Nacht, Sing Lullaby, Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen, O Magnum Mysterium, In Dulci Jubilo, O Jesulein Sul, While Shepards Watched Their Flocks By Night, Quem Vidistis Pastores, Shepards Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep, Adeste Fideles, Videntes Stellam, Rocking Carol, Here Is The Little Door, Hark The Herald Angels Sing

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Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Pacific Chorale : Christmas Time Is Here

Review: Pacific Chorale is one of America's great choirs. Internationally recognized for exceptional artistic expression, stimulating American-focused programming, and influential education programs. This is a treasured collection of some of Pacific Chorale's most requested Christmas gems. Classic seasonal pieces are heard alongside all-time favorite carols. Under the inspired guidance of Artistic Director John Alexander, Pacific Chorale has infused an Old World art form with California's hallmark innovation and cultural independence.

Songlist: A Carol Fantasy, Angels We Have Heard On High, The First Noel, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Once In Royal David's City, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, Ave Maria, The Lamb, I Wonder As I Wander, Sing We Now Of Christmas, Carol Of The Drum, Three Little Carols, Carol Of The Bells, Here We Come A-Caroling, Jingle Bells, HAve Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Silent Night, A New Year Carol, Christmas Time Is Here

Phoenix Bach Choir : A Southwest Christmas

Review: The Phoenix Bach Choir four years ago premiered Milagros de Navidad, a Christmas cycle for choir as a way of marking the holiday season in a Southwestern accent. In this recording, the choir has made Milagros the lead item in a superbly produced and packaged yuletide CD from an emerging Arizona label, Soundset. Jon Washburn conducts the ensemble of Frank Koonce, guitar; Mark Sunkett, percussion; and the choir with select soloists. In this sonically clean and vibrant recording, Milagros is a compendium of yuletide songs lovingly sung in Spanish and English, with running commentary from guitarist Koonce. Robert Tree Cody, on Native American Flute (the instrument of choice this season, it seems), is also heard here, in Washburn's own Noel Sing We, a kind of American Indian-haunted holiday landscape.

Songlist: Milagros de Navidad, Los Reyes de Oriente, Angels we have heard on high, A la nanita nana (Lullaby), Alla en el portal (Away in a manger), Noche de paz (Silent night), Fum fum fum, Noel Sing We, Magnificat secundi toni, Lo, how a rose e're blooming, The Star, I wonder as I wander, How brightly shines the morning star, Rise up, shepherd, an' follow, Weihnachtslieder

Polyphony : A Christmas Present

Review: For over a decade Stephen Layton and Polyphony have been astonishing London audiences with their Christmas concert series: 'nothing crowns the year like the annual, exhilarating Eve of Christmas Eve performance of Handel's Messiah by the choir Polyphony under Stephen Layton'. Alongside extravagant oratorio performances, the group has presented a cappella programmes of Christmas music to audiences enthralled by the range of repertoire available. This compact disc brings together music from many of these acclaimed recordings.

Songlist: Silent Night, Sing Lullaby, All This Time, Ave, Maris Stella, Die Konige, O Morgenstern, Magnificat, Nativity Carol, The Sussex Mummer's Carol, A Hymn to the Virgin, Lully, lulla, tho little tiny child, Away in a Manger, O Magnum Mysterium, Bethlehem Down, A Spotless Rose, Chorale after an Old French Carol, What cheer?, Lullaby my Jesus, Shepherd's Pipe Carol

Polyphony : John Rutter - Music For Christmas

Review: The performances are uniformly excellent; Stephen Layton and his Polyphony vocal ensemble have shown a previous affinity for Rutter's work and this effort simply reaffirms their commitment to and love for this very special music. With the first notes of the joyous "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," we know that Christmas is coming and John Rutter is the man when it comes to Christmas music! And on "Music," we have 22 of Rutter's finest carols, lullabyes and other Christmas songs, sung by talented mixed ensemble Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton and accompanied on most tunes by the City of London Sinfonia. Favorites are the wistful, unaccompanied "There is a Flower," "Sans Day Carol," "I wonder as I wander," the lilting, joyful "Jesus Child," "The very best time of year," "Angel Tidings," "Christmas Lullabye," the exciting "Star Carol," "Carol of the Children," "Mary's Lullabye," "Angels' Carol" and the final cut, "Donkey Carol." A very special Christmas collection, sure to become some of your family's favorite music of the season! Beautiful, extensive liner notes, with a wonderful painting of the Three Wise Men on the cover. Outstanding.

Songlist: Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Nativity Carol, There is a Flower, Sans Day Carol, What Sweeter Music, I wonder as I wander, Jesus Child, Wild Wood Carol, The Very Best Time of Year, Away in a Manger, Angel Tidings, Christmas Lullaby, Dormi Jesu, Love came down at Christmas, Star Carol, Carol of the Children, Mary's Lullaby, Silent Night, Angels' Carol, Candlelight Carol, Second Amen, Donkey Carol

Polyphony : O Magnum Misterium

Review: O magnum misterium combines the old with the new. On this CD of English carols from the 20th century, Polyphony interpolates Sarum chant to create a magnificent Christmas program. The carols were written by various English composers such as Herbert Howells, Peter Warlock and Richard Rodney Bennett and exemplify the great connection the English have with choral music. The Sarum chant, which was used at Salisbury Cathedral in place of the traditional Roman liturgy, is used purely to relieve the ear from the indulgent sounds of the carols. This CD includes Howells "A Spotless Rose" and "Sing Lullaby" which are possibly better known, but all of the songs are equally beautiful.

Songlist: O radix Iesse, Alleluya, A new Work is come on Hand, A Spotless Rose, Out of your sleep, Of a rose is all my song, There is no rose, As dew in Aprylle, O Magnum Mysterium, Bethlehem Down, That younge child, I saw a fair maiden, Sing Lullaby, Ave Maria, Sweet Was the Song, A Hymn to the Nativity, Lullaby my Jesus, Hodie Christus natus est, All and some, An Ode to the birth of our Saviour, Susanni, Puer natus est nobis, Benedicamus Domino, A Cornish Christmas Carol, Reges Tharsis, Here Is The Little Door, The Star-song, What cheer?, Lully, lulla thou little tiny child, Verbum caro factum est

Polyphony : The Three Kings - Peter Cornelius

Review: Peter Cornelius was born to actor parents and destined from early life to have a career centred on words and music. After early influences from Beethoven and Schubert, and studies of form and the composition of sacred music in Berlin, Cornelius's musical style matured under the tutelage of Liszt in Weimar. On their first meeting Liszt encouraged Cornelius to compose sacred music, however Cornelius then turned to the composition of opera and song whilst developing his natural gift in poetry. Choral works, however, remained an important part of Cornelius's compositions - many with sacred texts. Mention the name Cornelius to most music lovers and their immediate reaction will be 'Isn't he the man who wrote the song heard at Christmas - Three Kings?' Indeed he is and this piece can be heard on track 6 (Drei Konige). However, this disc also explores the other wonderful choral music written by Cornelius. All of these pieces deserve to be heard more!

Songlist: Requiem, Die Vatergruft, Drei Chorgesange Op 11, Der Tod, das ist die kuhle Nacht, An den Sturmwind, Die drei Fruhlingstage, Die Konige Op 8 No 3, Liebe: Ein Zyklus von 3 Chorlidern Op 18, Liebe, dir ergeb' ich mich!, Ich will dich lieven meine Krone!, Thron der Liebe, Stern der Gute, Der alte Soldat Op 12 No 1, Drei Psalmlieder Op 13, Busslied, An Babels Wasserflussen, Jerusalem, So weich und warm, Trauerchore Op 9 (men only), Ach, wie nichtig, ach, wie fluchtig, Nicht die Trane kann es sagen, Mitten wir Leben sind, Grablied, Von dem Dome, schwer und bang, Trust in Tranen Op. 14

Princeton Singers : Christmas with

Review: One of America's finest choral ensembles, the Princeton Singers offer us a collection of Christmas medieval through modern. Intertwining traditions from all over the world, this collection has carols from America, Germany, Ireland and the Ukraine; works from Brazil and Italy; as well as compositions which borrow traditions. This album features pieces such as Franz Beibl's beloved "Ave Maria," "Canite tuba" by Palestrina and the American hymn "Wondrous Love," arranged by Sametz. This diverse celebration of Christmas will surely bring you joy.

Songlist: Chace No. 3 (Sametz), O nata lux (Tallis), Canite Tuba in Sion (Palestrina), Two Medieval Lyrics (Sametz), There is No Rose of Such Virtue, Gaudete!, Ave Maria (Biebl), Del Nacimiento (Sametz), Noel! (Sametz), Irish Lullaby for the Christ Child (Aametz), Oy Koliada, Koliadnitsia (Kozytsky), A Christmas Carol (Ives, arr. Echols), Ago Lona (Nobre), Ave Maria (Mcintryre), Weihnachtsmotette (Becker), Lo How a Rose/Los Pastores (Sametz), Ofrecimiento De Los Pastores-A La Ru, Vamos Todos a Belen, Cuando Por El Oriente, La Leventada De Bartolo, Ofrecimiento De Los Pastores, Wondrous Love (Samtz)

Pro Arte Singers - Paul Hillier : Traditional & Modern Carols

Review: This CD is an assortment of Christmas songs from England and America from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries. Many of the songs are American shape-note and Shaker hymns as well as Appalachian folk songs. Some of the more familiar tunes include the "Coventry Carol: Lully, lulla, thow little tyne child," "I wonder as I wander" by John Jacob Niles and Emily Poston's sweet version of "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree." These songs are all beautifully sung by the Pro Arte Singers with the University of Indiana Children's Chamber Choir, led by Paul Hillier. This is a wonderful recording of rarely heard gems.

Songlist: This Is Jesus' Birthday, Give good gifts to one another, Remember, O thou man, Ecce, quod natura, As I out rode this enderes night (Coventry Shepherds' Carol), Lully, lulla, thow littel tyne child (Coventry Carol), Nowell, nowell: Dieu vous garde, Swete was the song the Virgine soong, Arise, arise ye mortals all, Hail happy morn, I wonder as I wander, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, The darkest midnight, To Bethlehem did they go, Shiloh, Joys Seven, I sing of a maiden, The Babe of Bethlehem, Hail the memorable morn, Sweetest music softly stealing, The Kentucky Wassail Song, To all the good children, a happy New Year

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A un ni–o llorando

Quink Vocal Ensemble : Christmas With - A Un Nino Llorando

Review: Since its first concerts in 1978 this group of five professional singers consistently ranks among the top a cappella ensembles of the world. The five versatile musicians always strive for authenticity in the way they perform the different styles of music with a repertoire that stretches from the Middle Ages to Contemporary Music. This historically accurate, vivid collection of Christmas songs ranges from the Renaissance to modern times and are sung (and recorded) exquisitely. Well known in Europe this ensemble is not so well known in the US and we hope that they will tour here more often. Their singing and arrangements are topnotch and this recording belongs in everybody's Holiday collection.

Songlist: Gloria in cielo e pace in terra, O Jesu dolce, Nino Dios d'amor herido, Pastores, si nos quereis, Oyd, oyd, una cosa divina, Virgen sancta, A un nino llorando, Celebrate This Holy One, Follow That Star, Christmas Song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, A Virgin Most Pure, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, King Jesus Hath a Garden, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Past Three a Clock, A Venezuelan Christmas Carol, 4 Dutch Christmas Carols, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger

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Vocal Harmony Christmas

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