Robert Evett (1922-1975) was a highly esteemed American composer who was a major contributor to the cultural life of Washington, DC. A student of Roy Harris and Vincent Persichetti, Evett was nominated for Pulitzer prizes not only in music but also for his literary contributions: he was critic and editor for the New Republic, Atlantic Monthly and Washington Star. Evett composed in many genres, including orchestral and chamber music. His devout and personal choral pieces for the Catholic liturgy are undiscovered gems that deserve a wide hearing, not just on Sundays. The works on this disc, some a cappella, some with organ accompaniment, span music for Christmas and Lent, as well as the daily offices of Prime, Vespers and Compline. Masterfully sung by the 19 voices of Musikanten, the oldest choral chamber ensemble in the nation's capital, the music is given sublime interpretations in the warm environment of the Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, Bethesda, MD. Conductor and founder of the group, Kerry Krebill, directs the expressive and precise performances that led Musikanten's previous CD to be nominated Choral CD of the Year by Chorus! Magazine.

Dr. Logan directs Bemidji, MN's Bemidji State U's Bemidji Choir, Chamber Singers and MusiKanten in this lovely Winter/Christmas collection. Beginning with 16 selections by the Choir, including Andrea Gabrieli's 'Magnificat,' Thomas Weelkes' 'When David Heard,' the 3-part 'Nocturnes' by Hildor Lundvvik, Edwin Fissinger's 4-part 'Prairie Scenes,' Eric Whitacre's 'A Boy and a Girl' and Benjamin Britten's 'A Hymn to the Virgin;' 'Snow' continues with 3 pieces by MusiKanten, Tomas Luis de Victoria's 'Judas, Mercator Pessimus,' Lauridsen's 'Dirait on' and Biebl's 'Ave Maria;' and concludes with 6 selections by the Chamber Singers, including Wm. Hawley's 'Siepe, Che Gli Orti Vaghi' and 'Dolcissimi Colori,' David Conte's 'Ave Maria' and Orlando di Lasso's 'Bonjour, mon Coeur.' The beautiful, highly-trained voices easily handle this difficult, sometimes eclectic material. 'A Diamond Glint on Snow' is a very special collection of sacred and secular music from the longstanding, excellent tradition (founded in 1937) of the Bemidji Choir, Chamber Singers and MusiKanten.