Mixed Voice Christmas Choral Recordings

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 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

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 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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

RIAS - Kammerchor : Christmas!

Review: On this new holiday album of choral favorites, Hans-Christoph Rademann leads the world-famous RIAS Kammerchor in a musical retelling of the Christmas Story. With music ranging from Mendelssohn to Part, this collection leads the listener to the heart of Christmas Night and to rejoicing at the Savior's birth.

Songlist: O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf, In der Christnacht, Ave Maria, Virga Jesse floruit, Ich lag in tiefer Todesnacht, Nun liebe Seel, nun ist es Zeit, Ubers Gebirg Maria geht, Ave Maris Stella, Die Nacht ist vorgedrungen, Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Frohlocket, ihr Volker auf Erden, Magnificat, Quatre motets pour le temps de Noel, Salve Regina, In dulci jubilo, Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen, Hodie Christus natus est

RIAS - Kammerchor : Stille Nacht

Review:

RIAS - Kammerchor : Stille Nacht - German Carols

Review: 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.

Songlist: Tristet mein Volk, Macht hoch die Tur - Lasset uns frohlocken, Unser lieben Frauen Traum, Es kommt ein Schiff geladen, Das Volk, das im Finstern wandelt, Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, Ehre sei Gott in der Hohe, Kommt und laBt uns Christum ehren, Un dulci jubilo - O freudenreicher Tag, LaBt uns das Kindelein wiegen, Mein Herz will ich dir schenken, Schlaf, mein Kindelein, Das Wort ward Fleisch, Kommet, ihr Hirten - Auf, auf, ihr Hirten, Herbei, o ihr Glaub'gen, Kindelein zart - O Jesulein suB, Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Frohlocket, ihr Volker auf Erden - O du frohliche

Robert Shaw Chamber Singers : Angels On High

Review: The more modern and esoteric of Shaw's Christmas recordings, featuring the "Ceremony Of Carols," a modern suite by Benjamin Britten, comprising 11 tracks, and highlighting two soloists and harp. The contemporary composer, Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" is also included; its simple and graceful melody floats ethereally by. Biebl's "Ave Maria," with its distinctive major/minor tension, Praetorius' "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming," and Howell's "Sing Lullaby" are other gems, most of which are arranged by Shaw and Alice Parker. The sprightly "Allon, Gay Bergeres" and "While By My Sheep" suggest caroling from door-to-door, the crisp crunch of snow underfoot and rosy-cheeked smiles for all!

Songlist: O Come, Emmanuel, Alleluia, The First Nowell, The Carol Of The Birds, Allon, Gay Bergeres, A Hymn To The Virgin, O Magnum Mysterium, Rejoice and Sing, from "Christmas Oratorio", Ave Maria, What Is This Lovely Fragrance?, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Sing Lullaby, While By My Sheep, Break Forth, O Wondrous Heavenly Light, from "Christmas Oratorio", Heavenly Light, Adeste Fideles, Ceremony Of Carols

Robert Shaw Chamber Singers : Songs Of Angels

Review: Twenty-nine carols arranged by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker, and sung by the forty-nine member Robert Shaw Chamber Singers. Many English, but some French, Spanish, Italian, German and the occasional American carol are included. In broad terms, carols were popular songs, and the original definition referred to a type of dance; remember, too, that Christmas was an adaptation of various pagan celebrations, an influence that can certainly be discerned in carols such as "Masters In This Hall," the sprightly rhythms of which are not meant to be listened to sitting down. Robert Shaw's various classical vocal ensembles are considered to be some of the finest in the world, and under his direction, earned many Grammy's and international acclaim.

Songlist: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Angels We Have Heard on High, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, How Unto Bethlehem?, The Boar's Head Carol, O Tannenbaum, Masters in This Hall, My Dancing Day, Away in a Manger, Good Christian Men, Rejoice, The Holly and the Ivy, Good King Wenceslas, Wassail Song, Bring a Torch, Jeannete, Isabella, Fum, Fum, Fum, Mary Had a Baby, Hacia Belen va un borrico, Christ Was Born on Christmas Day, March of the Kings, Coventry Carol, Deck the Halls, The Cherry Tree Carol, We Three Kings of Orient Are, Touro-louro-louro!, So Blest a Sight, I Saw Three Ships, What Child Is This?, Susanni, In the Bleak Midwinter

Robert Shaw Chorale : A Festival of Carols

Review: The remastered A Festival of Carols by the Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra, originally recorded in 1957 and 1963, is a timeless classic. It includes four of Robert Russell Bennett's medleys and beautiful a cappella versions of holiday favorites many of which are by Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. Selections include, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "My Dancing Day" and "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." This CD will keep your spirits up all season long.

Songlist: Medley - Good Christian Men, Rejoice; Silent Night; Patapan; O Come, All Ye Faithful, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Shepard's Carol, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Medley - O Sanctissima; Joy To The World; Away In A Manger; Fum, Fum, Fum; March Of The Kings, I Wonder As I Wander, We Three Kings, My Dancing Day, Medley - What Child Is This?; Hark! The Herald Angles Sing; Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella; Angles We Have Heard On High, Coventry Carol, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming, Carol Of The Bells, Medley - Break Forth, O Beauteous Heaventy Light; The First Nowell; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; I Saw Three Ships; Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly

Rodolfus Choir : A Choral Christmas

Review: A leading light in the world of youth choral music, the Rodolfus Choir is made up of choristers from ages 16-25 who are past and present participants of the Eton Choral Courses, begun by the choir's director Ralph Allwood in 1980. This new Christmas programme mixes the familiar with pieces not usually heard in carol services - such as Tomas Luis de Victoria's stunning eight-part 'Ave Maria' (from an edition prepared by John Rutter), and more recent works like Chris Chivers' 'Ecce Puer' and Eric Whitacre's 'Lux Aurumque'. Such a programme is well-suited to a group with the versatility and enthusiasm of the Rodolfus choir.

Songlist: Lully, lulla, The Oxen, Lullaby, my sweet little baby, The Lamb, Ecce puer, O magnum mysterium, The truth sent from above, Lux Aurumque, Lullay my liking, O magnum mysterium, O, Do not move, Alma redemptoris mater, Welcome, Yule!, Remember, O thou man, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, Ave Maria, The Crown of Roses, Bethlehem Down, Today the Virgin

San Francisco Choral Artists : Star of Wonder - Music For The Season

Review: Founded in 1984, Director Hooper and the well-chosen, balanced 24 voices immediately displayed a fresh and elegant sound, using on this first Christmas recording, for example, as wide a palette of moods, colors, rhythms and textures as possible. So although we've heard practically all of these tunes before, the bright arrangements and surprising accompaniment (harp, flute, organ and "The Ringmasters" bellringers) adds to our appreciation of this 21-song collection. Favorites are a Stephen Paulus-arranged "We Three Kings," Heinrich Schutz' beautiful "Cantate Domino," Tomas Luis de Victoria's "Gloria from Missa O Magnum Mysterium," Praetorius' "Gaudete Omnes," Roger Nixon's a cappella "Green Growth the Holly," Kirke Mecham's lovely "Christmas Carol," Francis Poulenc's "O Magnum Mysterium," Anton Bruckner's soaring, angelic "Virga Jesse" and ""Noel Nouvelet" and "Deck the Hall," both arranged by our friend Ken Malucelli. "Star is a special treat, to be kept in a safe place, so that it can be savored and enjoyed with the coming of the holidays!

Songlist: Silent Night, Nativity Carol, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Come Dear Children, Cantate Domino, Gloria, Gaudette Omnes, Caroling Caroling, The Nativity, Green Growth The Holly, Christmas Carol, Sir Christemas, Interlude From Ceremony Of Carols, Lo How A rose E'Er Blooming, O Magnum Mysterium, Virga Jesse, We'll Dress The House, What Child Is This?, Noel Nouvelet, O Come All Ye Faithful, Deck The Hall

Santa Fe Desert Chorale : Christmas in Santa Fe

Review: Recorded live at Santa Fe's Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, the Chorale's latest CD inlcudes beloved carols from around the world, the majestic O Holy Night, John Rutter's lilting Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Steven Heitzeg's charming setting of the e.e. cummings poem, little tree, and much more beautiful music of the season. Christmas in Santa Fe is colored by the Mexican influence. Little lanterns adorn some of the adobe buildings and the candlelight processions known as posadas wend thru the town. The program of 20 separate selections was recorded live during two nights' performances at a Winter Festival last year in the historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. The intent was to capture some of the inspiration and job of this time of the year.

Songlist: Seven Joys of Christmas, Christmas Lullaby, Lullay, This Little Babe, What Sweeter Music, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, Little Tree, Alegria, Hiney Mah Tov, Duermete, Nino Lindo, O Holy Night, Allelia, Dies Sanctificatus

Seattle Children's Chorus : A Candlelight Christmas

Review: Founder and artistic director of the SCC Kris Mason directs her talented charges in a lovely, sumptuous holiday collection, "A Candlelight Christmas." Approximately 200 choristers are enrolled in the Chorus, which offers choral training on several different levels. These 16 live songs are performed by the Training Chorus ("O Come Little Children," "Once in Royal David's City," "Dormi, Dormi"); the Intermediate Chorus ("Little Red Bird," "Riu, Riu Chiu," "The Little Drummer Boy"); the Chamber Singers ("Hodie, Christus natus est," Clean as the Wind," "Rocking" and "Sussex Carol"), and the Combined Choruses ("Candlelight Carol," "Hallelu!," "The Lord Bless You and Keep You"). The other 13 songs are performed by the Performing Chorus. Some favorites are "A Ceremony of Carols," "Procession," "There is no Rose," "That yonge Child," "Balulalow," "This little Babe," "In Freezing Winter Night" and "Deo Gracias." What could be better than listening to the sweet voices of finely-trained young singers to celebrate the birth of the Christ child?

Songlist: A Ceremony of Carols, O Come, Little Children, Once in Royal David's City, Dormi, Dormi, Hodie, Christus natus est, Clean as the Wind, Rocking, Sussex Carol, Little Red Bird, Riu, Riu Chiu, The Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Lullaby, Song of the Crib, Candlelight Carol, Hallelu, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Seattle Children's Chorus : Voices Of Christmas Past

Review: 200 young voices raised in harmony, committed to musical excellence in rehearsals, performances, at festivals and on tour all over the globe-this is what the SCC is all about. "Voices" is a best-of Christmas collection of 20 songs, recorded from 2001 to 2004, by the elite smaller groups within the Chorus, Arioso, Intermezza, Camerata, and the combined Choruses. Favorites, hard to pick, are the sweet "Petit Enfant" and the lilting "Noel Nouvelet" by Arioso, "Ho Ro Ho Ro," "Arise Now, You Shepherds" and "Christmas Time is Here" by Intermezzo, Camerata's "O Magnum Mysterium," "Betelehemu" and the nice medley "Christmas Pudding," and "The Lamb" and "Hodie Christus Natus Est" by the combined Choirs. There is something wonderfully right and appropriate about a talented children's choir singing classic Christmas music! All tracks are lightly accompanied.

Songlist: Arioso:, Magnificat, Petit Enfant, Noel Nouvelet, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Intermezzo:, He Shall Feed His Flock, How Far is it to Bethelem?, Ho Ro Ho Ro, Arise Now, You Shepherds, Christmas Time is Here, Combined Choruses:, The Lamb, Arioso:, Come, Dear Children, Ziemas svetki sabraukusi, Gloria from Mass No. 6, Camerata:, Gloria, O Magnum Mysterium, Betelehemu, Christmas Pudding, Gloria, Combined Choruses, Hodie Christus Natus Est, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Seattle Pro Musica : Weihnachten - A German Christmas

Review: This large (76 mixed voices) award-winning (ASCAP Chorus America Award for 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!

Songlist: Resonet in Laudibus, Puer natus in Bethlehem, Wie Schon leuchtet der Morgernstern (Nicolai), Wie Schon leuchtet der Morgernstern (Praetorius), Wachet auf (Nicolai), Wachet auf (Praetorius), In Dulci Jubilo (Berlin Codex), In Dulci Jubilo (Praetorius), Deutsches Magnificat, Der Englische Gruss, Marias Kirchgang, Der jager, Ave maria, Wihnachten, Am Neujahrstage, Im Advent, Ave maria, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Das Roslein, das ich meine, Meine Seele erhebt Gott, den herren, Das Blumelein so kleine, Die hirten zu der Stunden, Lob, her sei Gott, dem Vater, Si subgeb wir all Amen, Stille Nacht

Singing Sergeants : Caroling

Review: Caroling is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years as a joyful part of the winter holiday season. Since the Eisenhower administration, the Singing Sergeants have been caroling at the White House each December for guests from around the country and throughout the world. In the spirit of that tradition, this album contains some of the group's favorites, including songs that tell the Christmas story, celebrate the Hannukah tradition, and inspire hope, peace and joy. All of the songs are performed in the a cappella tradition. Caroling, directed by Captain Chad A. Steffey, is dedicated to all of the men and women of the United States Air Force who are away from home during the holiday season.

Songlist: Fum, Fum, Fum, O Tannenbaum, S'vivon, Somerset Wassail, Adam Lay Ybounden, Ya Viene la Vieja, The Lute Carol, Carol of the Bells, Away in a Manger, The Holly and the Ivy, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Still, Still, Still, Up! Good Christian Folk and Listen, There is a Flower, Ave Maria, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, A Merry Christmas, Alleluia

Sixteen : A Ceremony of Carols

Review: Britten's A Ceremony of Carols is a masterpiece composed on board ship as Britten returned to England from the U.S.A. in 1948, a touching evocation of boyhood lost but never forgotten. A Boy was Born is a work that first made Britten famous, based on a theme and variations of astonishing ingenuity. The Missa Brevis, written for the boys of Westminster Cathedral, is a gem that in some ways looks forward to the War Requiem which came two years later. 69 minutes.

Songlist: A Ceremony of Carols, Missa Brevis in D, A Boy Was Born

Sixteen : A Traditional Christmas Carol Collection

Review: The definitive album of household favorite carols, beautifully and expertly sung. This collection of well-loved traditional Christmas carols is perfect for creating a warm seasonal atmosphere, and to sing along with. The Sixteen is one of the jewels in the musical crown of Britain, and enjoys a worldwide reputation. Founded in 1977 by director Harry Christophers, its eighty CDs have received nearly every major prize of the recording industry, including the prestigious Gramophone Award for Early Music. The Sixteen's special reputation for early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, and a diversity of twentieth century music is founded on a naturalness of performance, a revealing clarity and beauty of sound, precision, and a dramatic intensity of delivery.

Songlist: The First Noel, Once in Royal David's City, The Sussex Carol, While Shepherds Watched, I saw Three Ships, Angels from the Realms Of Glory, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Rocking, In Dulci Jubilo, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, In the Bleak Midwinter, Good King Wenceslas, Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, The Holly and the Ivy, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, See Amid the Winter's Snow, Coventry Carol, O Come all Ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels

Spivey Hall Children's Choir : Christmas with the Spivey Hall Children's Choir

Review: Some great arrangements of holiday classics by this top notch children's choir. Britten's "Ceremony Of Carols" is a stand out as is Rutter's "Angels' Carol" with the beautiful Bob Chilcott's "Mid-Winter".

Songlist: Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Stars Are for Those Who Lift Their Eyes, Water Under Snow is Weary, Donkey Carol, The Birds, Mid-winter, Angels' Carol, Noel des Enfants qui n'ont plus de maison, Go Where I Send Thee!, A Ceremony of Carols, - Procession, - Wolcum Yole!, - There Is No Rose, - That Yonge Child, - Balulalow, - As Dew in Aprille, - This Little Babe, - Interlude, - In Freezing Winter Night, - Spring Carol, - Deo Gracias, - Recession

St Charles Singers : Christmas In St Charles

Review: Proclaimed by classicaltoday.com to be "one of North America's outstanding choirs," the St. Charles Singers offer a bounty of Christmas music from Europe and America in arrangements by John Rutter, David Wilcocks and Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. It includes favorites such as "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Jingle Bells" and Rutter's charming "Donkey Carol." One of the less familiar pieces is a very lively setting by Arvo Part of the Slavonic Ave Maria, "Bogoroditse Djevo." Joining the choir on this CD are members of the Metropolis Chamber Orchestra and guitarist Goran Ivanovic. This is a wonderful collection for the Christmas season.

Songlist: Sans Day Carol, Away in a Manger, Nativity Carol, Quittez, Pasteurs, I Sing of a Maiden, Bogoroditse Djevo, I Wonder As I wander, Angels We have heard on High, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, While Stars Their Vigil Keep, Spanish Lullaby, Masters in This Hall, Christmas night, Little Road to Bethlehem, Donkey Carol, Jingle Bells, Ding Dong Merrily on High, El Noy de la Mare, Still, Still, Still

St John's College Choir, Cambridge : Fear and Rejoice, O People

Review: The magnificent Tavener piece headlines a collection of choral works that will make a musical companion to anyone's Advent and Christmas.

Songlist: Fear and Rejoice, O People, Hymn to the Mother of God, Carol-Anthems, Carol-Anthems, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, There is a Flower, As Dewe in Aprylle, Benedicamus Domino, Remember, O Thou Man, Unto Us is Born a Son, The Truth From Above, On Christmas Night, A Little Hymn to Mary, Come all You Faithful, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, English Folksongs, Out of Your Sleep Arise, Evening Service in F Major, Totus Tuus, Op. 60

St Martin's Chamber Choir : A Marian Christmas

Review: A Marian Christmas, the first full-length compact disc recording from St. Martin's Chamber Choir, was released in December 1998. This highly acclaimed CD collection features Hugo Distler's chorale variations on Es ist ein Ros entsprungen from his cantata Die Weihnachtsgeschlichte, and also includes a selection of Marian antiphons, English carol settings, and three wonderful settings of the text Ave Maria.

Songlist: Michael Praetorius / Hugo Distler, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen", Das Roslein, das ich meine, Wir bitten dich von Herzen, Das Blumelein so kleine, Die Hirten zu der Stunden, Lob, Ehr sei Gott, dem Vater, So singen wir all Amen, Cradle Song (C. Armstrong Gibbs), This endris night (Alfred Whitehead), When Christ was born of Mary free (C. Hubert H. Parry), I saw a fair maiden (Peter Warlock), There is no rose (David Cutforth), Ne timeas Maria, Sicut Rosa, Virgo Maria, Rise up, my love, Der englishe Gruss, Ave Marias

St. Marys Children's Choir : Angel Choir

Review: Regarded as one of Canada's finest children's choirs since its formation in 1981, the choir focuses on musicianship, personal growth and a lifelong love of music. "Angel Choir" is a joyous Christmas collection of 25 songs. Included here are songs we haven't heard, like "The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter," the Catalonian carol "Winter Heaven's Opened," "Christmas Angel," the lilting "Christ is Here," "All Winter Long," Bob Chilcott's "Mid-winter" and "This Joy," Mansel Thomas' "Christmas Star," W.H. Anderson's "Sleep, Little Jesus," Alexander Tilley's "When Christ Was Born of Mary Free," Michael Coghlan''s "December's Rose," Peter Cornelius' "The Three Kings" and others. Combine those with favorites such as "Gesu Bambino," "Carol of the Bells," "O Holy Night" and "Ring Those Christmas Bells," and you have a memorable, joyful Christmas album you will want to play year after year! Some narration, and light accompaniment, particularly piano, on most cuts.

Songlist: The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter, The Task, Book VI, Winter Walk at Noon, Gesu Bambino, Winter heaven's Opened, Christmas Angel, Christ is Here, A Merry Note, All Winter Long, Mid-winter, Christmas Star, Prepare Thyself, Zion, Sleep, Little Jesus, Luke 2 verses 1-14, When Christ Was Born of Mary Free, Love Came Down at Christmas, December's Rose, The Three Kings, This Joy, From the Bells, Kling Glockchen, Nino Lindo, Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, A Visit from St. Nicholas, Ring Those Christmas Bells

St. Olaf Choir : Dawn Of Redeeming Grace

Review: Those familiar with the works of St. Olaf's know that the choir is part of a long tradition of Scandinavian chorale singing, which often features the compositions and arrangements of the venerated F. Melius Christiansen. One of his arrangements, "O Day Full of Grace," is included here, as well as a seventeenth century spiritual, "O Savior, Throw the Heavens Wide"; a Greek vespers (evening prayer service) hymn, "Hail, Gladdening Light," and various other liturgies. There is piano accompaniment on "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and the spiritual, "Here's a Pretty Little Baby." The purity of the tones and blend is all the more amazing, as the recording was done live. Elegant and pristine.

Songlist: O Savior, Throw The Heavens Wide, Hail, Gladdening Light, Let All Mortal Flesh, There is No Rose Of Such Virtue, Benedictus, Carols & Lullabies: Christmas In The Southwest, All This Night, In Terra Pax, Cherubim Song, Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn, What Sweeter Music, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, Here's A Pretty Little Baby!, Laudate Dominum (Une Cantate De Noel), Angels' Dance, At The Manger: Carols For Choirs, Night Of Silence / Silent Night, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Day Full Of Grace, The Spirit Of The Lord, Once In Royal David's City, Nune Dimittis

St. Olaf Choir : Yule Full Of Gladness

Review: The St. Olaf Choir was formed in 1911 by Dr. F Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. So began a tradition of a cappella choral singing that continues under the present direction of Anton Armstrong, himself an alumnus of St. Olaf College. Armstrong has incorporated compositions from other cultures, which comprise a good portion of this CD's content. The Latvian "Ai, Nama Mamina," South-African "Freedom Is Coming" and Chinese Folk Song, "Peng You," among others, offer fresh contrast. Several tracks have unassuming accompaniment, such as the flute on "Water Under Snow Is Weary." The arrangements are conventional in approach and seek to calm, rather than excite. The overall vocal timbre, while grounded in the Western classical tradition, retains a natural unstudied quality.

Songlist: My Song In The Night, Freedom Is Coming, P'eng You, This Christmastide (Jesse's Carol), Jeg Er Sa Glad Hver Julekveld, The Friendly Beasts, Angel's Carol, Carol Of the Bells, Water Under Snow Is Weary, Ai, Nama Mamina, O Yule Full Of Gladness, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Star In The East: A Suite Of Carols, I Believe This Is Jesus, A La Nanita, El Nino, Go Where I Send Thee

St. Paul's Cathedral Choir : Love Came Down at Christmas

Review: A wonderful Christmas recording from St Paul's Cathedral. Malcolm Archer`s own carol gives its title to this inspiring new collection from the wonderful acoustic of this world famous Cathedral. Included also is his arrangement of "Silent Night" as well as six superb & now standard arrangements by Sir David Willcocks, alongside the beautiful setting of Christina Rosetti`s "In the bleak mid-winter". Full texts included! "Whether it is for singing along by the fireside or sitting in exhausted contentment when the guests have gone, this year`s seasonal CDs offer ample choice. The choir of St Paul`s Cathedral tops the list of new discs of traditional fare with Love came down at Christmas, conducted by the cathedral`s director of music, Malcolm Archer."- Daily Telegraph

Songlist: Silent Night, Hark the herald angels sing, In the bleak mid-winter, Es ist ein Ros, The three Kings, Of the Father`s heart begotten, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, Once in Royal David`s City, Ding, dong, merrily on high, I sing of a maiden, In dulci jubilo, God rest you merry gentlemen, The Sussex carol, Love came down at Christmas, The shepherds` cradle-song, See amid the winter`s snow, Rocking, O come, all ye faithful