Vocal harmony Christmas music from around the world

You knew that Christmas is celebrated in many countries, but did you know how much Holiday music comes out of those countries? You do now. Whether the groups are singing the Holiday music well-known around the planet, or the lovely music indigenous to one particular country, the music is wonderful and the message is communicated in any language. Some of these songs are indicative of centuries-old traditions that predate the birth of America; take the chance and explore a beautiful-sounding history!

African Children's Choir: African Christmas

Friends in the West International, sponsors of East Africa's African Outreach Academy, have a new CD by the African Children's Choir, and a new Christmas musical (which we are encouraged to perform in our communities to raise money for African children), The First African Christmas, songs from which are the first 8 tunes: the reggae-flavored "Message for Africa," "God's promise from long ago," "The Wise Men rap, " "The gifts," "Shepherd's carol," "Philip's song," "Gift for the King," and the music from "Gift for you to sing." Following are 6 more Christmas tunes, the a cappella "Betelehemu," "Go tell it on the mountain," "Have you any room for Jesus?", "Bed of straw", "Drummer boy" and "Silent Night." Most songs are accompanied. New energy and spirit for a timeless story from a talented Choir.

Anuna: Christmas Songs

Mixed-voice Irish folk ensemble Anuna, founded in 1987 by Dublin composer Michael McGlynn to explore the music of the ancient Celts, have recorded a self-titled debut album--and after recording a short choral piece called Cloudsong used by Riverdance, toured with the dance troupe and recorded the album "Riverdance the Show." Most of the 13 cuts on "Christmas Songs" were arranged by Michael McGlynn, and "Codhlaim Go Suan," the lovely "Christmas Day Is Come," "Pie Jesu" and "Hymn to the Virgin" were written by McGlynn. "Winter, Fire and Snow" is also a group original. The haunting, surreal harmonies of Anuna lend a surprising flavor to carols like "Away in a Manger," "The Wexford Carol," "Riu Riu," "Silent Night" and "The Coventry Carol." Unique and startlingly beautiful. Some light accompaniment.

Aquabella: Kykellia

Bremen, Germany-based 5-woman World a cappella group Aquabella, after impressing us with "Nani Dschann" and "Aquabella," bring us a unique Christmas CD, "Kykellia, or the Story of Christmas." 19 songs, some favorites are the rhythmic "Breaths," the spirited "Sneig Sniedzinis Putinaja," the chant-like "Vila Moma," a nicely-arranged "Wexford Carol," a latin-flavored "Los Reyes Magos" (with drum accompaniment), a bluenote "Noel nouvelet" that seques into a dance rhythm, the ringing chant "Schen char wenachi," the Maori song "Nga iwi e" (also with drums), and the moody "Shalom Aleikhem" and "Kling no, Klokka." Exotic, beautiful music in different languages, and from different cultures, that relates to the celebration of Christmas. Another winner from the sweet, harmonic voices of Aquabella!

Two venerable and ancient Christian musical traditions—the Byzantine and the Slavic—come together on this CD, along with traditional Orthodox carols from Ukraine, Lebanon, and... America. The musical richness of the Eastern Orthodox Christmas services has inspired a number of modern-day Orthodox composers to create new compositions and arrangements, 35 of which are recorded here for the first time, entirely in English.

Bulgarian Voices: Chants de Noel

The Choir of Sofia, conducted by Ludmila Dimova, interprets the songs of Christmas in the tradition of the Bulgarian polyphonies. Between classical music and folk-world music of the eastern countries; like the successful Mysteries of the Bulgarian Voice with its antique, pre-Christian and Hellenistic roots, the Choir interprets with grace the songs of Western heritage: Silent Night, Tino Rossi’s Petit Papa Noel, Jingle Bells, Schubert’s Ave Maria and more. A new discovery of these Christmas songs’ heritage for every age.

Bulgarian Voices - Angelite: Angels Christmas

Singing is an important tradition in Bulgaria, especially at Christmas, whether at church or caroling in people's homes. There is a unique sonority specific to Christmas within the incredibly rich musical palette. This recording contains Bulgarian folk carols, Orthodox Church music and more familiar Christmas tunes, such as "Silent Night." The simple melodies and sincere lyrics of these songs will bring joy and peace to your Christmas celebration.

Choral Arts Northwest: A Scandinavian Christmas

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 English all 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.

Cor Madrigal Vocal Ensemble: Catalan Christmas Carols

Since 1967 the Cor Madrigal commissions from a different composer each year the harmonization of a traditional Catalan Christmas carol. After many years this initiative has allowed the choir to compile an important archive of scores and has contributed to the updating and regeneration of these beautiful songs. The carols that make up this recording are all traditional Catalan melodies and presents a varied range from well-known carols and popular melodies to more elaborated compositions which, without losing the traditional essence, treat the works in a more modern setting. A very interesting and enjoyable recording!

Don Cossack Choir: In Dulci Jubilo

The Christmas concert, with Russian and German Christmas carols, was recorded in one of Germany's most beautiful Baroque churches. In addition to the well known sacred songs such as "In dulci jubilo" and Russian pieces like "Gospodie Pomuli", Wanja Hlibka delved deeply into the ways of both cultures. The a cappella version of "Es ist ein Ros entspungen", for example, enchanted the 1700 concert goers with the Kosaken's Russian melancholy..... a moving and grandiose experience. The church's interior, when one considers the basilica's dimensions, presents a challenge to a vocal ensemble. With a depth of over eighty meters, it requires the vocal power of the Russian operatic soloists comprising Wanja Hlibka's choir to elicit the necessary charisma from the vocally sophisticated arrangements and to captivate the audience in the way that they did. The atmosphere of the concert, dependent on the desired expression and dynamic, ranges from a peaceful, quiet, almost gentle honoring of the child in the manger to an enormous room-filling song of praise proclaiming the joy at the birth of the Redeemer.

Grupo Canto Coral: Convidando esta la Noche

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!

Kitka: Winter Songs

This recording showcases material ranging from rousing Slavic folk carols and lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox sacred choral works, to pre-Christian incantations for the longest nights of the year and Hebrew folk songs for Chanukah. Highlights include Tec Peleite Zernju Zogtu, an ancient Latgalian (Eastern Latvian) Winter Solstice song invoking the god of the heavens and the goddess of the Sun; Koledni Pesni, a medley of Bulgarian folk carols recalling the nativity sung in the traditional antiphonal village style; and Byla Cesta, a poignant 19th-century Moravian carol. Other pieces include the sublime 12th-century Georgian hymn to the Virgin Shen Khar Venakhi; and a collection of joyful Shchedrivki, songs sung for the traditional Ukrainian New Year festival of Malanka. Wintersongs was recorded in the world-famous acoustic environment of the Skywalker Studios in Marin County by Leslie Ann Jones, and was produced by Grammy-nominated Bay Area vocalist and band leader Linda Tillery.

Lingonberries: Winter - Swedish Christmas Songs

Swedish 3-woman, 1-man folk quartet The Lingonberries bring us their second sweet, melodic CD, "Swedish Christmas Songs." Twelve songs, (which has always seemed to us the best number for a Christmas CD) all sung in Swedish. But listening to "Jul, Jul" we realized that the language difference means very little here. There are a couple of carols we know, "Det Ar En Ros Utsprungen" (the traditional German carol "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming") and "Stilla Natt/Silent Night." Listening to "Nar Det Lider Mot Jul," "Hosianna," ""Goder Afton," "Lusse Lella," "Nu Tandas Tusen Juleljus" or "Bereden Vag For Herran"--for the first time out of context, we would still know from the phrasing, and the feeling that comes through the singers that they are Christmas songs. Invite The Lingonberries and add an international flavor to your Christmas celebration!

Moscow Boys Choir: Christmas Around The World

This internationally renowned boys choir performs Christmas music from around the world. Led by Ninel Kamburg, listeners are transported to far away places as the choir showcases classics. Featured on this disc are such favorites as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Jingle Bells" and their beautiful rendition of "Silent Night" plus moving classical standards as Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria." This group will warm your hearts this holiday season.

Quink Vocal Ensemble: Carols Around The World

A Dutch quintet, Quink performs both classical works and lighter, contemporary material. The 26 carols featured here are, as the CD's title implies, indeed culled from many Western traditions, though primarily English, French and German, and include the contemporary, as well as the timeless. Charles Ives' "A Christmas Carol" is a quietly lilting 3/4; Walton's "What Cheer" is a herald of joyous news, a musical announcement. The Polish "Berceuse" has a rocking motion, derived from its repeating major second interval. Favorites include "Deck The Hall," "In The Bleak Midwinter" and "The Cherry Tree Carol." Two delicate Bach works round out this understated and soothing CD.

Rajaton: Joulu

"Joulu" contains new and old Finnish Christmas music in Finnish only. All the liner notes and song titles are in Finnish, but the music speaks for itself quite eloquently. On this double album the first disc is a studio album with six new songs and five new arrangements of well known Christmas carols. Three of them are known globally: Jingle Bells, Christmas Song (by Mel TormÈ) and Silent Night. The second album was recorded in a church and contains both classical Finnish Christmas choral pieces by Sibelius, Madetoja, Palmgren and others and contemporary music as well as new arrangements of two traditionals. The three men and three women of Rajaton have a bright, smooth, confident, infectious sound that leaves us wanting to hear more. From the vocal trumpets on the opening cut "Joululaulu" and marvelous vocal percussion on "Pukki tietaa," to the sweet, soaring "En etsi valtaa, loistoa" and "Jouluhymni," each song is a perfect, harmonic jewel. We have been very impressed with previous Rajaton CDs, and "Joulu" is another recommended winner! Nice full-color individual photos of the group in the liner notes.

The Real Group: Julen Er Her

The Real Group, glorious, award-winning mixed-voice a cappella vocal quintet from Sweden, has expanded the boundaries of vocal music. In Sweden they represent the highest of musical and artistic quality, regardless of genre, and have collaborated with many of Sweden's finest musicians, and with international names including Bobby McFerrin, Sir George Martin and Jon Hendricks. Year after year, the Group ranks among our best sellers. "Julen," the group's second Christmas album, is simply marvelous, all the better because it features three tunes, including a great live 8-minute medley, sung in English: John Lennon/Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas," "American Christmas Medley" ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells," "White Christmas" and a swinging, jazzy "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), and a bluesy "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" with a sweet whistling solo. 14 tunes in all, with a bonus 5-minute video (MPG) at the end of the live tune "Clown of the Jungle," which must be seen to be believed! Beautiful color pictures of each group member in winter garb around a roaring fire on the ice. "Julen" is a highly recommended gift!

Christmas has always been a feast of particular importance in German tradition. A large number of works have been written specially for the occasion, right up to the twentieth century. This anthology offers a specific choice of Romantic and post-Romantic pieces for a cappella choir.

Rose Ensemble: Slavic Holiday

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.

Seattle Pro Musica: Weihnachten - A German Christmas

This large (76 mixed voices) award-winning (ASCAP Chorus America Award fo Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music) brings us a sumptuous collection of sacred Christmas music by composers from the 16th century (Praetorius, Philipp Nicolai, Heinrich Schutz), to the 19th century (Brahms, Mendelssohn, Bruckner, Franz Gruber's "Stille Nacht") to the 20th century (the seven movements of Hugo Distler's "Chorale Motets from Die Weihnachtsgeschichte," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria"). Biebl's "Ave Maria." A timeless piece like Praetorius' "In dulci jubilo," with its beautiful, ringing harmonies, soars and amazes as it did when first performed four hundred years ago!

St. Petersburg Chamber Choir: Russian Christmas

The Orthodox Christians of Russia have long celebrated the great mid-winter feast of the Nativity, a time of intense fasting and prayer followed by feasting. The St. Petersburg Chamber Choir brings us little-known choral music by composers such as Aleksandr Grechaninov (1864-1956) "Voskliknite Gospodevi vsya zemlya, Op. 19 No. 2," and Pavel Chesnokov (1877-1944) " No. 1 "Presvyataya Bogoroditse" and anonymous composers ("Dobr'ii vechir Tobi," "Pavochka khodit" and "Nova radist' stala") that tell the Christmas story from the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. There are 20 beautiful, intense, soaring selections here, especially from mezzo-soprano soloist Olga Borodina.

Tapiola Childrens Choir: Tapiola Choir Christmas

Over three decades have passed since the founding of the Tapiola Choir, then known as the Tapiola Children's Choir. Shortly after their founding, in 1973 they released "Tapiolan Joulu" ("Christmas With Tapiola"). If you have ever heard that classic album you can't help but be moved by the bell-like chime and purity of the children's voices. On this new Christmas recording the Tapiola Choir, long since recognized as an international treasure, creates a richer, more mature sound with the addition of a couple of dozen young adult voices belonging to the 'seniors.' The choir's founder, Prof. Erkki Pohjola wished to share the experience of creating this recording with former members because this is to be his last as conductor and director of the choir. Additionally, the breadth of the arrangements was enhanced by use of orchestration which never occludes the beauty of the choir and special guest Jorma Hynninen, the celebrated Finnish operatic baritone. The recording begins with an a cappella version of the Australian folk song, "Mary, Handmaiden of the Lord" which was the first three part song ever sung by the original "Choir of the Lower Forms of Tapiola Secondary School." Progressively the song list increases in festivity, youthful fun predominates, and then imperceptibly the feeling returns to the original spirit of Christmas until, finally the choir closes the recording with the a cappella "At Christmas, God Came on Earth." This beautiful recording is not only a testimonial to the young singers of Tapiola but a superb passing of the musical baton to the new conductor, Kari Ala-Pollanen.

Trapp Family Christmas: The Sound Of Christmas

Who doesn't know the dramatic and true story of the Von Trapp Family, who escaped from their Austrian homeland under the Nazi occupation? This singing family relocated to America, where they performed and recorded for many years. No novelty act, the ensemble, under the direction of conductor Dr. F. Wasner, sings first-rate a cappella arrangements (with the exception of "Ihr Kinderlein Kommet") of European carols, such as the Italian "La Canzone Di Natale," the Tyrolean "Es Hat Sich Heut Eroffnet" and the Polish "Shepherds Come A-Running." Some of these melodies will be familiar to American audiences, but some will not, which is part of their charm. This 1950's era mono recording is clean, present, and immediate; the vocal blend of the group is so natural and perfectly pitched, it requires nothing to complete it

Vesnivka: Ukrainian Christmas Carols

Ukranian Christmas Carols - Kolyadky - (1 - 11) are sung from Christmas Eve - January 6 (according to the Julian Calendar) to Epiphany on January 19. These songs can be traced to pagan times. With the introduction of Christianity in Ukraine in 988, pagan songs were replaced by Christian carols and hymns. Shchedrivky - New Years song - (12-17) also have pagan roots and herald the New Year which starts January 14. These delightful folk songs with their charming rhythmic melodies, express wishes for health, wealth and happines.

Voz En Punto: Mexico En Navidad

Three-Man, two women a cappella ensemble from Mexico, Voz en Punto is a spirited, talented quintet with fine harmonies, arrangements and a nice, clean sound, and the extensive liner notes have all lyrics and lots of info about the group. Unfortunately for this English speaker, all this information, as well as everything on all the websites about the group we found, is in Spanish. But certain things are pretty clear: There are 18 cuts and most of the material is traditional and sacred music, for example Tomas Luis de Victoria's "Ave Maria," Hernando Franco's "Sancta Maria," "Dios Itlaconantzine," "Jesos de mi goracon," "Eso rigor e repente" and "Mano fasiquivo." Some of it is funny in a manic sort of way; examples of this are Jose Galvan's "Navidad mexicana," "El nacimiento," "Elintercambio" and Son Veracruzano's "El tilingo navideno." The bottom line is, Voz makes fine harmonies, looks young and attractive, has a good sense of humor, and judging by the number of websites about them, has a legion of appreciative fans!

Zambian Vocal Group: Christmas in Zambia

"Yesu Nafyalwa" is a tasty Christmas collection by two amazing all-male Gospel a cappella ensembles, 8-man Zambian Vocal Group and 12 man Zambian Vocal Collection. Each group sings 5 rhythmic gems, strong originals like Daniel Mwanza's spirited title tune, Jason Banda's soaring "New Born King," and nicely arranged covers of "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Silent Night," "Away In A Manger," "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and "Owenseko" (Joy to the World) that are as beautifully and harmoniously sung as we have ever heard them. Listen to "Tamani Mphamvu ya Yesu" (Praise to Jesus), the rousing Spirituals "When Was Jesus Born" and "Good News," and try to keep yourself from moving—or being moved. Treat yourself and your loved ones to "Yesu Nafyalwa!"

Bob Chilcott and Susan Knight have searched the globe for vibrant, exciting music representing a wide range of choral traditions and styles-from a powerful arrangement of an old Armenian hymn to a percussive Dominican "villancico," a carol in the style of Nigerian art music, a Polish folk carol, a new arrangement of popular Canadian carol, and much more besides. Each piece may be sung in its original language or in English, and pronunciation guides are provided for those who wish to sing the original texts. This collection will help to refresh the repertoire of choirs the world over, with most pieces suitable for choirs of all sizes and abilities. 31 carols for mixed voices.

9095 SONGBOOK $15.95
SATB

9411 SONGBOOK $15.95
SSAA

Various Arrangers: Christmas A Cappella From Around The World

Jamaican Noel (arr. Kirby Shaw)
Calypso Carol (arr John Bertalot)
Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes (France) arr. Alice Parker
Fum, Fum, Fum (Spain) arr Ed Lojeski
Pasko Na Naman (Philippines) arr. George Hernandez
Rocking Carol (Czechoslovakia) arr. Dan Kallman
Zvim Na Zemlji Mir (Croatia) arr. Dinham
Shiao Bao-Bao (China)
Vamos, Pastorcitos! (Puerto Rico)
Dzisiaj W Betlejem (Poland)

SATB a cappella

Christmastime should certainly be a time for peace around the world so add an international flavor to your holiday program by including some Christmas songs from other nations. "Jamaican Noel" is a bright and cheerful original by Kirby Shaw and will surely be heard resounding throughout the halls of your school – it's that irresistible! Noted choral arranger John Bertalot with a delightful arrangement of " Calypso Carol". The traditional Spanish carol " Fum, Fum, Fum" highlights the night of Jesus' birth in joyful celebration! Light vocal style is highlighted by the placement of an “extra” quarter rest! Fresh! The joyful Filipino Christmas Carol "Pasko Na Naman: is a welcome addition to the season. San Francisco conductor and arranger George Hernandez, has masterfully arranged a simple SATB, a cappella setting that simply works!. High school, college and community choirs will love this piece.

9243 SHEET MUSIC $10.95

Eduardo Marzo (editor): Fifty Christmas Carols of all Nations

God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (English)
Silent Night (German)
In Bethlehem (Dutch)
Let Our Gladness Know No End (Bohemian)
Oh Sleep, Sleep On, Thou Fair Child Jesus (Alsatian)
As Lately We Watched (Austrian)
In a Manger He is Lying (Polish)
Kolyada (Russian)
O Fir Tree Dark, O Fir Tree Dear (Swedish)
Christmas Brings Joy To Every Heart (Danish)
And many more..

A most remarkable collection of traditional carols from around the world. These songs may be sung effectively in unison or in parts. English lyrics.

9366 SONGBOOK $4.95

Various Arrangers: Peace On Earth

As Lately We Watched (Austria)
The Simple Birth (Belgium)
The Huron Carol (Canada)
Going to Bethlehem (Chile)
Quickly Now, O Shepherds (Columbia)
Hear, O Shepherds (Croatia)
Come, All Ye Shepherds (Czech Republic)
A Child Is Born in Bethlehem (Denmark)
Away in a Manger (England)
Angels We Have Heard on High (France)
and many more!

144 carols from around the world including Spain, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico,Denmark, Germany, France, Chile and many others. Quality arrangements that are fun to sing.

9367 SONGBOOK $10.95

Walter Ehret & George K. Evans: The International Book of Christmas Carols

164 Carols

164 easy arrangements with chords of carols from around the world, complete with lyrics in the original language as well as English. This special collection also includes historical background information on the observance of Christmas through the years and notes about specific carols to give added understanding. Songs are included from England, Italy, Latin America, Spain, Scandinavia, Poland, Czech Republic, and more.

9612 SONGBOOK $24.95

Satis N. Coleman / Elin K. Jorgensen: Christmas Carols from Many Countries

Arranged for unchanged voices, this collection of old favorites, familiar carols with new settings, carols in original foreign languages and newly translated carols is a great resource for those who want to add a little more repertoire to their Christmas caroling. Over 50 carols with simple 2-part arrangements, easy enough for children of elementary grades and yet sufficiently interesting for the unchanged voices of Junior High School.

9592 SONGBOOK $7.95

To find a specific song on any recording (or to find recordings by group name or CD title),
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Vocal Harmony Christmas From Around The World

African Children's Choir: African Christmas

Anuna: Christmas Songs

Aquabella: Kykellia

Archangel Voices: Christ is Born. Give Glory!

Bulgarian Voices: Chants de Noel

Bulgarian Voices - Angelite: Angels Christmas

Choral Arts Northwest: A Scandinavian Christmas

Cor Madrigal Vocal Ensemble: Catalan Christmas Carols

Don Cossack Choir: In Dulci Jubilo

Grupo Canto Coral: Convidando esta la Noche

Kitka: Winter Songs

Lingonberries: Winter - Swedish Christmas Songs

Moscow Boys Choir: Christmas Around The World

Orphei Drangar: Christmas Music

Quink Vocal Ensemble: Carols Around The World

Rajaton: Joulu

The Real Group: Julen Er Her

RIAS - Kammerchor: Romantic Christmas Songs

Rose Ensemble: Slavic Holiday

Seattle Pro Musica: Weihnachten - A German Christmas

St. Petersburg Chamber Choir: Russian Christmas

Tapiola Childrens Choir: Tapiola Choir Christmas

Trapp Family Christmas: The Sound Of Christmas

Vesnivka: Ukrainian Christmas Carols

Voz En Punto: Mexico En Navidad

Zambian Vocal Group: Christmas in Zambia

Bob Chilcot (editor): World Carols for Choirs

Various Arrangers: Christmas A Cappella From Around The World

Eduardo Marzo (editor): Fifty Christmas Carols of all Nations

Various Arrangers: Peace On Earth

Walter Ehret & George K. Evans: The International Book of Christmas Carols

Satis N. Coleman / Elin K. Jorgensen: Christmas Carols from Many Countries

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