Male Christmas Choral Recordings

All-American Boys Chorus : A Little Christmas Magic

Review: "A Little Christmas Magic" is just yuletide carols being sung by a choir, but not just any choir! For decades now, Costa Mesa, CA-based All-American Boys Chorus has prepared for months in pointed preparation for its busy Christmas concert season of more than 30 performances. The 9 to 15-year-old boys add their youthful vitality and energy to marvelous arrangements and understated orchestral accompaniment to produce a full, beautiful, yes indeed - magical sound! 10 standards, from "We Need A Little Christmas" medley to "O Holy Night." Orchestrally accompanied

Songlist: We Need A Little Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Waltz, Silent Night, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, Do You Hear What I Hear?, White Christmas, O Holy Night

All-American Boys Chorus : The Best Gift Of All

Review: The joy and excitement of the holidays come to life as the boys tell the story of Christmas. Beginning with the season's earliest hearkenings of candy canes, Santa Claus, and toys, the narrative continues with the warmth and glow of home and hearth, and concludes with the spellbinding tale of the magic night itself.

Songlist: It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, Silver Bells, Here Comes Santa Claus/ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Jingle Bells, The Best Gift Of All, Angels We Have Heard On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, What Child Is This?, The First Noel, Ave Maria, A Medley Of Carols/ Joy To The World/ Hark! Herald Angels Sing/ O Come, All Ye Faithful

Benedictine Monks of the Abbey of Einsiedeln, Switzerland : Gregorian Chorals

Review: The Shrine of Our Lady of Einsiedeln is an important Catholic shrine in the village of Einsiedeln, which is about 20 miles southeast of Zurich in Switzerland. The famous shrine incorporates the relics of a saint, a miraculous Black Madonna statue, and a Benedictine monastery. The village is also home to the world's largest nativity scene, the Diorama Bethlehem.

Songlist: Ringing of the Bells, Alma redemptoris, Kyrie, Servus tuus, Basse et des-sus de trompette, Regina coeli, Sanctus Benedictus, Plein jeu, Salve Regina, Grand jeu, Choir Concerto in the Dome of Aachen, Audi dulcis, O Maria vernans rosa, Ave Maria, Assumpta est Maria, Magnificat, Kyrie, Fugue, Cromorne, Trio, Dialogue sur les Grand Jeux

Cantabile - The London Quartet : Christmas with Cantabile

Review: Founded as an a cappella group at Cambridge and one of our favorite British male quartets, Cantabile's pure, bright, spirited harmonies have won them many fans over the years. With most arrangements done by the group, we could expect some of the group's trademark humor, which comes in spades on their a cappella "Twelve Days of Christmas," featuring silly and rude barnyard sound effects that underline the absurd problems associated with having an impossibly generous "true love." Other favorites are the spirited, a cappella "Gaudete!," a romantic "Winter Wonderland," a very Bing Crosby-like take on "White Christmas," the lovely a cappella "Wexford Carol" and "Coventry Carol," "The Jimmy Brown Song," which has added lyrics which may or may not be tongue-in-cheek; and a Doo-Wop "Lonely This Christmas," (ditto). Tom Lehrer's quintessentially sarcastic "A Christmas Carol" has no such ambiguity, nor does the silly "The Carol Singers." "Silent Night," also sung in German a la The Comedian Harmonists," one of Cantabile's favorite influences, attempts to make amends for the craziness, but the surprising musical collage "Carol" and the bonus track "Les Trois Cloches," which is, as far as we can tell, "Jimmy Brown" sung sweetly and dramatically in French, are certainly non-traditional and may be parodies. There is piano accompaniment on several cuts. "Christmas with Cantabile" is a beautifully sung and arranged, eclectic, often silly and unexpected collection that we totally enjoyed, and we bet that you will too!

Songlist: Winter Wonderland, The Little Road to Bethlehem, Gaudete!, Tua Bethlem Dref, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Wexford Carol, White Christmas, Susser die Glocken nie Klingen, Coventry Carol, The First Mercy, The Jimmy Brown Song, Lonely This Christmas, A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Song, The Carol Singers, Silent Night, Carol, Les Trois Cloches

CenturyMen : Beautiful Star

Review: Established in 1969, the CenturyMen is an auditioned men's chorus of professional musicians who are directors of music in Baptist churches across the country. The group has extensively toured the US, and has performed in churches, concert halls and on nationwide telecasts. Concert tours in foreign countries include Brazil, Russia, China, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Israel and Turkey. "Beautiful Star" is a Christmas album, heavily accompanied by piano, Hammond and pip organ, electric piano, mandolin, guitar and percussion, that features 21 songs. Many of the songs are beautifully-arranged standards such as "O Holy Night," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Wexford Carol," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Rise Up Shepherd/Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Silent Night," "Joy to the World" the spirited round "This Little Babe" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," are all wonderfully done by this veteran chorus. A few are new to us, the joyous "O Jerusalem in the Morning," the lovely, waltz-like "O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," the dramatic "What You Gonna Name Your Pretty Little Baby" and the rhythmic "Ain't That a-Rockin'," and these are the hits of the album. The CenturyMen have a powerful, rich harmonic sound (which we would love to hear unaccompanied) that rivals that of the best Barbershop Harmony Society choruses, and "Beautiful Star" is a joy from beginning to end!

Songlist: O Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard On High, Mosaic Noel 1 "Fear not: for, behold...", Wexford Carol, Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, Mosaic Noel 2 "...I bring you good tidings of great joy..., O Jerusalem in the Morning, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, Mosaic Noel 3 "...which shall be to all people..., What You Gonna Name Your Pretty Little Baby, This Little Babe, Mosaic Noel 4 "...For unto you is born this day..., Ain't That a-Rockin', O Come All Ye Faithful, Mosaic Noel 5 "in the city of David a Savior..., Rise Up, Shepherd/Go Tell It on the Mountain, Silent Night, Christmas Triptych, Mosaic Noel 6 "...which is Christ the Lord.", Joy to the World, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Digital Reflection

Chanticleer : A Chanticleer Christmas

Review: One of our all-time favorite groups since their founding in San Francisco in 1978, 12-man professional a cappella vocal ensemble Chanticleer has gained an international reputation, performing over 100 concerts a year around the world. But they have been most sought after at Christmas. In its extensive discography, which includes several Grammy winners, Chanticleer's Christmas recordings are best-sellers. To us, "A Chanticleer Christmas is a particular treat because it was recorded live at Stanford University's magnificent Memorial Church. The soaring, glorious harmonies (including some of the purest and cleanest male soprano leads we've heard) are simply stunning. The 15-tune songlist includes classical music like Handl's "O Admirabile Commercium," Giovanni Nanino's "Hodie Nobis Caelorum Rex" and Michael Praetorius' "En! Natus Est Emanuel/Psallite;" traditional carols such as "Caroling, Caroling/Bright, Bright the Holly Berries," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Un Flambeau, Jeannette Isabella," "Away in a Manger," "O Holy Night" and "The First Nowell;" and goodies such as Peter Warlock''s "Bethlehem Down" the Plainsong "Hodie Christus Natus Est" and Robert Young's "There is No Rose of Such Virtue." A powerful, joyous collection by Chanticleer, who are clearly in their element, and we, well, we are fortunate enough to be listening to them do their wondrous thing!

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : A King's College Christmas

Review: Stephen Cleobury directed the choir with this fine collection of the many of the choir's classic Christmas repertoire.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, Rejoice And Be Merry, What Sweeter Music, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, A Spotless Rose, Heer Jezus Heeft Een Hofken, King Jesus Hath A Garden, The Lamb, Bogoroditze Dyevo, Infant Holy Infant Lowly, Illuminare Jerusalem, While Shepards Watched, Quittez Pasteurs, In Dulci Jubilo, The First Nowell, Coventry Carol, Personet Hodie, O Come All Ye Faithful

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : Christmas-time Carols

Review: The earliest 15th century carols were based on simple folk melodies, with texts added representing Christmas ideas, but it was a long gap then until the Victorians, followed shortly by great 20th Century composers (Vaughan Williams, Holst etc), developed the wonderful catalogue of choral enjoyment that we enjoy here today.

Songlist: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Invitatory, While Shepherds Watched, Adam Lay Ybounden, Once in Royal David's City, I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing By, Gabriel's Message, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Sussex Carol, In Dulci Jubilo, Away in a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste fideles), Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen, Come Thou Redeemer, Twas in the Year that King Uzziah Died, Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding, A Spotless Rose, I Sing of a Maiden, Remember O Thou Man, On Jordan's Bank, Up! Awake!, King Jesus Hath a Garden, The Blessed Son of God, O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Chor Leoni : Carols & Lullabies

Review: This renamed and repackaged version of Chor Leoni's first Christmas recording (Magnificat) presents three substantial and endearing seasonal works. The sunny Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa derives from the folk music of Hispanic America, and sets the Holy birth in the context of a Southwestern pinata party. Italian composer Ottorino Respighi was an early twentieth-century composer who looked to the past for inspiration and musical materials, e.g., in his well-known Ancient Airs and Dances. This tendency can also be heard in the Laud to the Nativity of Our Lord, Respighi's self-described "personal Christmas card to the world." The disc also includes the premiere recording of a Chor Leoni commission, Magnificat by Vancouver composer Rupert Lang. Using the unusual combination of mezzo-soprano soloist and male chorus, Lang seeks to express Mary's personal, human response to the formal biblical text, with wonderful results. Special guests for this recording include mezzo-soprano Mariateresa Magisano (winner of the 1998 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), soprano Lambroula Maria Pappas (winner of the 1999 Metropolitan Opera Auditions), and Elektra Women's Choir (four-time consecutive First Place winners in the CBC Competition).

Songlist: Oh, mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A la Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana Sobre Campana, En Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirriquitin, El Rorro, Lauda per la Nativita del Signore, Magnificat, Recitative, Mary's Song, Magnificat, Quia Fecit, Fecit Potentiam, Suscepit Israel, Gloria

Chor Leoni : Yuletide Fires

Review: Vancouver BC's finest, Chor Leoni Men's Choir has delighted us in previous CDs, particularly with Folk tunes and sea shanties. Here we have a sumptuous, rich collection of 22 Christmas songs that show off CL's range, talent and feeling. From the Gregorian chants "Hodie Christus Natus Est," "Veni, Veni Emanuel," "Lux Aeterna," and "Alma Redemptoris Mater," the English carol "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen," and the Canadian "Huron Carol," to Diane Loomer's title tune, the Sarum chant "Veni Redemtor Gencium: and the Austrian carol "Still, Still, Still," this is great stuff. There is some light accompaniment such as organ on a few cuts, but basically this is just a great male chorus showing off its chops on Christmas music ranging from the traditional and well-known to unknown and eclectic. Highly recommended.

Songlist: Hodie Christus Natus Est, God Rest You Merry, Huron Carol, Letabundus, As Joseph Was A-Walking, Es ist ein Ros' entspungen, Le sommeil de l'enfant Jesus, Veni, Veni Emanuel, Yuletide Fires, Nouvelle agreable!, The Lord at First, Lux Aeterna, Quelle est cetter odeur agreable, Veni Redemptor Gencium, Dostoyno Yest, Svete Tihiy, Alma Redemptoris Mater, Stille Nacht, Drei Konige, Rise Up Shepherd, Christmas Angel, Still, Still, Still

Cincinnati Boychoir : Gift Vol 2

Review: Founded in 1965, the Cincinnati Boychoir is divided into three groups; the Training Choir, Resident Choir, and the elite Touring Choir. Their Christmas CD, "Gift," is exactly that! Beginning with Josef Rheinburger's "Messe in A, Op. 125 and Benjamin Britten's 12-part "Ceremony of Carols," we proceed to 5 Christmas Carols, including "Joy to the World," the Sicilian hymn "O Sanctissima," and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Then we have 4 "Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir," "Riu, Riu, Chiu," "Children's Song of the Nativity," "Nino Querido" and "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High; followed by 6 "Holiday Favorites," which include the German tune "Kling, Clockchen," "The Little Drummer Boy," "Toyland" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." All songs are accompanied by piano, harp and other instruments. As Christmas is about one special child, we particularly love beautiful Christmas music sung by a fine, well-directed children's choir like the Cincinnati Boychoir - it's a Gift!

Songlist: Messe in A, Op. 125, Gloria, A Ceremony of Carols, Processional, Wolcum, Yule!, There Is No Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, The Little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recessional, Christmas Carols:, Joy the the World, O Sanctissima, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, O come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Children's Song of the Nativity, Nino Querido, Ding, Dong, Merrily On High, Holiday Favorites, Kling, Glockchen, The Little Drummer Boy, Toyland, We Need a Little Christmas, and more

Collegium Regale : Christmas with

Review: The incomparable sound of the men of King's College is unleashed on everything from chant to Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer. Close harmonies, impeccable tuning, and perfect programming make this a "must-have" CD for connoisseurs of the very best in choral singing. 22 songs: Handl's "Ante luciferum gentus," Byrd's "O magnum mysterium," "Puer natus est," "Ecce advenit," "The Coventry Carol," "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen," "There is no rose of such virtue," "Beata es, Virgo Maria," "Quem vidistis, pastores?," "Hodie Christus natus est"... the Scholars make each song a lovely gem.

Songlist: Ante lucifeum genitus, O Magnum Mysterium, Puer natus est, Ecce advenit, Coventry Carol, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, There is no rose of such virtue, Beata es, Virgo Maria, Quem vidistis pastores, Hodie Christus natus est, Once In Royal David's Coty, Deck The Hall, Silent Night, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Hark! the hearld angel sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Rudelph the red-nosed reindeer, White Christmas, Wonderful Christmastide, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Don Cossack Choir : Christmas in Russia

Review: Christmas Eve of the Russian Orthodox Church (January 6) is traditionally celebrated with the Christmas Vigil (vsenoschnoye bdeniye), a Vespers service lasting hours with much singing and illuminated processions. The present recording contains chants from the Christmas Vigil and works by Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian composers, performed by the eminent Don Cossacks Choir under the direction of Marcel Verhoeff.

Dresden Boys' Choir : Singt Die Schonsten Weihnachtslieder (Singing the Christmas Carols)

Review: The top-notch children's choir sings traditional Christmas carols including works by Brahms, Max Reger, Anton Bruckner, Handel and Mendelssohn.

Songlist: O Heiland Reif Die Himmel Auf, Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, Es Kommt Ein Schiff Geladen, Tauben Weif, Ave Maria, Ubers Gebrig Maria Geht, Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging, Tochter Zion Freu Dich, Warum toben Die Heiden, Maria Auf Dem Berge, Joseph Lieber Joseph, Schlaf Mein Kindelein, Laft Uns Lauschen, Ihr Kinderlein Kommet, Angelus Ad Pastores Ait, In Dulci Jubilo, Es Ist Ein Ros Entprungen, Leise Riesel Der Schnee, Lieb Nachtigall Wach Auf, Frohlich Soll Mein Herze Springen, Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht

Dresden Boys' Choir : Unto Us A Child Is Born

Review: Dresden's famous Kreuzchor, one of the most traditional boys' choirs in the world, embarks on a new project! This recording marks the launch of a spectacular CD series oriented towards the great Ecclesiastical festivals and high days, capturing the mood and religious background of the church calendar in musical form. The selected works are all taken from the choir's popular repertoire, with special emphasis on composers of Saxony.

Songlist: Machet die Tore weit, Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit, Freut euch un jubiliert, Uns ist ein Kind geboren, Das Wort ward Fleisch, Verbum caro factum est, Wie schon singt uns der Engel Schar, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, Virga Jesse floruit, Joseph, lieber Joseph mein, Sei wilkommen, Jesulein, Jerusalem gaude gaudio magno, Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobis, Singet und klinget, ihr Kinderlein, Das neugeborne Kindlein, Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein

Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Review: For many years Waring and his Pennsylvanians entertained America with radio and tv broadcasts, as well as stage shows and a multitude of recordings. Culled from the Waring archives, the spontaneity and energy of these live recordings comes through from the first cut. Featured are famous Pennsylvanian soloists and the incomparable Waring Glee Club on these 21 wonderful (all big band accompanied) songs of Christmas. We can't really pick favorites here. The jazzy "Jingle Bells" perhaps, or the Teen Trio's solo on "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer" that segues into manic sound-effect silliness." Certainly the "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow Medley," Frank Davis' soulful solo on "One for the Little Bitty Baby," and Jack Best and Gordon Goodman on "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Oh, and we have to include Jane Wilson's solos on "Away In A Manger" and "Cantique De Noel" (Oh Holy Night). The bottom line is, this is great, classic entertainment by, in our opinion, the premier choral organization of all time. Christmas music just doesn't get any better than this!

Songlist: Opening: I Hear Music, Jingle Bells, Christmas Was Meant For Children, Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, One For The Little Bitty Baby, Medley (Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, The Sleigh, Winter Wonderland), White Christmas, The Christmas Song, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, Medley (Adeste Fidelis, The First Noel, Carol Of The Bells), Beautiful Savior, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Rise Up Shepard And Foller, Oh Gathering Clouds, Behold That Star, Medley Of English Carols (Suzzani, Coventry Carol, Gloucestershire Wassail), Away In A Manger, Cantique De Noel (Oh Holy Night), Silent Night/Come Unto Him, Closing Sleep

Harvard Glee Club : Christmas With

Review: The oldest college chorus in America, the 60-voice, all-male Harvard Glee Club was essentially a social club on campus after its founding in 1858, performing college songs and glees to the accompaniment of banjos and mandolins. It was not until 1912, under the dynamic leadership of its new conductor, Dr. Archibald Davison, that it began to develop a repertoire of distinction and earn a national reputation. Under conductor Jameson Marvin since 1978, the HGC has been invited to perform at 5 national conventions of the ACDA, and recently they have appeared at Boston's Symphony Hall and Kennedy Center, and at the Lincoln Center in New York. "Christmas With" is a finely-crafted, mostly a cappella Christmas collection of 13 songs. Favorites are the 13th Century Georgian wedding song "Shen khar venakhi," the Gregorian chant "Salve Regina," Josquin des Prez' "Gloria," Michael Pretorius' lovely "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming," the traditional carol "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," the organ-accompanied "Three Kings of Orient," Leonard Bernstein's "Almighty Father," Hildegard von Bingen's haunting "Caritas abundat," Thomas Tallis' "Sanctus," Randall Thompson's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," based on the Robert Frost poem, Hans Leo von Hassler's exquisite "Cantate Domino" and Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria." "Christmas With the Harvard Glee Club" is a richly harmonic gift to yourself or your loved ones that will add to your celebration and joy of Christmas!

Songlist: Shen Khar Venakhi, Salve Regina, Kyrie, Gloria, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Three Kings Of Orient, Almighty Father, Caritas Abundat, Sanctus, Stopping by Woods On A Snowy Evening, Cantate Domino, Ave Maria

Heartland Men's Chorus : A Song For Christmas

Review: HMC's first holiday recording, this wonderful CD is being re-released in 2005 in celebration of the Chorus' 20th anniversary after having been out-of-print for several years. Conducted by Reuben M. Reynolds, III.

Songlist: A Winter Triptych, Din Don Merrily On High, O Holy Night, Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Gloria, The Christmas Song, Silent Night, Holy Night, The Holly and the Ivy, A New Year's Song, Water Under Snow is Weary, Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine, White Christmas, A Song For Christmas

Heartland Men's Chorus : New December

Review: HMC's third holiday disc, this recording includes an exceptionally wide and diverse range of music--yet reflects on the quiet of winter as we await the emergence of new life in the spring. A timely thought as we hurry through the holidays and deal with a sometimes chaotic world.

Songlist: Sing We Now of Christmas, Lux Aurumque, A New Decamber, A La Nanita Nana, Bogoroditse Devo, An Angel Gets Its Wings, Deck The Halls in 7/8, The Sleigh (a la Russe), Hodie, Ose Shalom, The Bells, Nativity Carol, Angel's Blessing, Ding Dong Merrily on High

King's Singers : Christmas Songbook

Review: World-renowned a cappella group The King's Singers follow their recent Great American Songbook album with the Christmas equivalent, on a disc that pays homage to the group's roots whilst acknowledging their current passion for swing. Traditional favourites such as ", "In the bleak midwinter," and the beautiful Austrian carol "Still, Still, Still," jockey for position amongst modern-day classics like "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Sleigh Ride." All are presented in new arrangements by some of the group's favourite arrangers: Berty Rice, Keith Roberts and Alexander L'Estrange.

Songlist: Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Arr. Alexander L'Estrange), In the Bleak Midwinter (Arr. Alexander L'Estrange), It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Still, Still, Still, Carol of the Bells, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Frosty vs Rudolph, the Re-Boot, White Christmas, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, The First Nowell, Sleigh Ride, The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot, Silent Night, Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

King's Singers : Joy to the World

Review: The first new Christmas CD from the King's Singers since their popular 2004 release "Christmas", this new disc sets an eclectic assortment of modern Christmas classics with special arrangements of some much loved favourites. "Precise intonation, instinctive articulation, a downy, luxuriant tone, all captured in an excitingly lifelike recording" - International Record Review. "The King's Singers' style is beautifully detailed, and even the most familiar carols sound fresh." - Classic FM Magazine

Songlist: Rise up, shepherd, and follow, Gabriel's message, Noel nouvelet, What child is this?, The crown of roses, O little one sweet, Lullay my liking, Stille Nacht, The quiet heart, There is a flower, Joy to the world, Serenade d'hiver, The twelve days of Christmas, Gaudete, God rest you merry gentlemen, The little drummer boy, Jingle bells, Deck the hall with boughs of holly

King's Singers : King's Singers Christmas

Review: Started in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from King's College in Cambridge, the group quickly became a musical force in the UK, and the rest of the world soon followed. Since then they have been delighting audiences with incomparable musicianship, from mediaeval to renaissance, romantic to contemporary, folk and pop. The Singers looked into the music that most touched them to hear and sing in their own childhoods, and "Christmas" is the result-the quintessential classical Christmas CD. 25 perfectly performed songs, some favorites: the traditional Veni, veni Emmanuel" and "This is the truth sent from above," Praetorius' "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen," Bo Holten's "Nowell sing we now," Phillip Lawson's "Lullay my liking," Tchaikovsky' "The Crown of Roses," John Rutter's "There is a flower," Ramirez' "La Peregrinacion," and Gruber's "Stille Nacht." Extensive, multilingual liner notes with all lyrics. Incomparable, trademark King's Singers and soaring vocals throughout.

Songlist: Veni, veni Emmanuel, Angelus ad Virginem, This is the truth sent from above, Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern, Es ist ein Ros' ensprungen, There is no rose, Coventry Carol, Nowell sing we now, Remember, O thou man, In dulci jubilo, Lullay my liking, Bogoroditsye Dyevo, The Lamb, Maria durch ein Dornwald ging, O little one sweet, Bethlehem Down, The Crown of Roses, To us in Bethlem City, Szezo to za prediwo, There Is a Flower, La Peregrinacion, Away in a manger, Noel nouvelet, Stille Nacht, Born on a New Day

Knabenchor Capella Vocalis : Christ ist Geboren

Review: Founded in 1992 and not associated with any religion or institution, Holzgerlingen, Germany-based Capella Vocalis performs religious and secular music in churches as well as in other venues. "Christ ist Geboren" (Christ is born) is a nice collection of 25 Christmas songs (sung all in German, and by mostly German composers, with some light accompaniment) that feature the angelic voices of this talented boys' choir. J. Heinrich Lutzel's "Machet die Tore weit," Michael Praetorius' "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen," W. Herrmann's "O schlafe, schlafe, gottlinger Knabe" and Franz Gruber's "Stille Nacht, heilage Nacht" give us a sweet taste of what the spirited young voices of Capella Vocalis can do.

Songlist: Three angels sang a sweet hymn, Machet die Tore weit, Mary went through thorny wood, O Saviour, tear open the skies, Now come the heathens' Saviour, There comes a ship, laden, The morning star has risen, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Komm, du Heiland aller Welt, O Schlafe, Schlafe, Gottliche Knabe, Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Kolenden, Polnische Weihnachtslieder, Christus est geboren, Triumphe, Gestern abend, Bruder, Shepherds travelled with, Solitude is all around, Lulaley, sweet Jesus, Let us all go, In the manger, Shepherds, rest a while, In Bethleh, Jesus, boy child, On the day, The New Year is a-coming

Land of Lakes Choirboys : Home For Christmas

Review: "Minnesota's Singing Boys" had humble beginnings in 1976 when 18 Elk River, MN boys gathered for their first choir practice under director Craig Carmody Anderson. Today the Choir has grown to an organization of 120 boys making up 6 different choirs of varying levels, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years, that draws boys from all over the Twin Cities. The Choirboys have a rich history of travel and concert appearances, especially the Viking Choir, which is featured on this recording. The group has an international reputation for its pure and hauntingly-beautiful sound. "Home for Christmas" is a lovely Christmas collection of 18 songs, of which "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "In Dulci Jubilo," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "Leise rieselt der Schnee," "O Salutaris Hostia," and the Caribbean spiritual "De Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy," all a cappella cuts that emphasize the beautiful voices of these talented boys! This is a wonderful album for yourself and your family, or as a gift that will sure to be treasured.

Songlist: Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, O Holy Night, What Child is This / Greensleeves, In the Bleak Midwinter, Hark, Now O Shepherds, In Dulci Jubilo, Heilige Nacht, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Angels from the Relms of Glory, Leise rieselt der Schnee, O Slutaris Hostia, Panis Angelicus, De Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy, I am so Glad Each Christmas Eve, White Christmas, Hallelujah Chorus (live)

Libera : The Christmas Album

Review: Libera is as close as a boyschoir could ever be to be called a pop sensation but in a way that's exactly what this group is. With millions of CDs sold and touring world wide this ensemble has taken choral music to whole new audiences to great success. The singers of Libera who are aged seven to sixteen attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band. This Christmas release, their first holiday album, is superb and you will listen to this recording season after season.

Songlist: Joy to the World, Still, still, still, Carol of the Bells, Veni, Veni Emmanuel, Once in Royal David's City, O Holy Night, White Christmas, Corpus Christi Carol, In Dulci Jubilo, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Sing the Story, Coventry Carol, The First Nowell, Jubilate Deo, While Shepherds watched their Flocks, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

Memphis Boychoir : Our Dancing Day

Review: Founded in 1988 and 89, Memphis' Boychoir and Chamber Choir have recorded a number of CDs that have earned them international acclaim. "Dancing Day" is a Christmas CD, about half accompanied by strings, drum, tambourine, flute and brass. Familiar tunes like John Rutter's "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," Britten's "A Shepherd's Carol," Praetorius' "Psallite Unigenito," "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night," and the traditional French carol "Ding Dong! Merrily On High!"; and lesser known ones like Mathias' "Sir Christemas," Belcher's "Lutebook Lullabye," and Waters' "I Sing of a Maiden" create an impressive mix. This is a generous, beautifully performed Christmas CD!

Songlist: Psallite Unigenito, Once in royal David's city (Irby), A Carol of Adoration, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, A Shepherd's Carol, While Shepherd's Watched Their Flocks by Night (Winchester Old), Ding Dong! Merrily on High!, Cradle Song of the Infant Jesus, Christmas Cantata (Sinfonia Sacra) Movement III á, Sleep, Holy Child, I Sing of a Maiden That is Mateless, Nova! nova!, Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child Opus 25b, Sir Christemas, Adam lay ybounden, A Child is Born in Bethlehem, There is no Rose of such Virtue, O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste fideles), In the Bleak Midwinter, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Op 75, No 2

Men of the Musicians of Melodious Accord : And Glory Shone

Review: Hymns and Carols for the Christmas season all composed or arranged by Alice Parker. Includes favorites such as Touro-louro-louro, In the Bleak Midwinter, The Friendly Beasts, Silent Night, and more. Introduces While Shepherds Watched, The Little Cradle, Sweet Coming, In Bethlehem, Magnificat, We Sing, and others. Performed by The Musicians of Melodious Accord conducted by Alice Parker.

Songlist: While Shepherds Watched, Sweet Coming, Let Our Gladness Banish Sadness, The Little Cradle, Touro-Iouro-Iouro, Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes, In the Bleak Midwinter, Il Est N, Magnificat, We Sing, Ya Viene la Vieja, La Virgen Lava Pa Ales, Hacia Bel N Va Un Borrico, In Bethlehem, I Saw a Stable, Shrill Chanticleer, My Dancing Day, Silent Night, The Friendly Beasts, We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Minnesota Boychoir : Winter Wonderland

Review: Building their excellent reputation since 1962, the Minnesota Boychoir applies their rich, youthful sound to 11 piano-accompanied Christmas standards. Favorites such as "Winter Wonderland," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," a rich a cappella arrangement of "I Saw Three Ships," "Riu, Riu, Chiu" and "Once in Royal David's City" are here, as well as more unexpected gifts: Keith Hampton's spiritual medley "True Light," Bob Chilcott's lovely "Mid-winter," John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol," Carolyn Jennings' "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain" and the rhythmic gem, "African Carol." "Wonderland" is exactly that, a sweet gift to all from Minnesota's talented Boychoir.

Songlist: Winter Wonderland, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, I Saw Three Ships, True Light, Mid-Winter, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Candlelight Carol, African Noel, Climb To The Top Of The Highest Mountain, Once In A Royal David's City, Christmas Time is Here

Northwest Boychoir : 'Tis the Season

Review: Released in November 1999, Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle's fourth Christmas album: 'Tis the Season! The repertoire for this album includes a mix of traditional sacred music and favorite popular tunes. The traditional, sacred pieces were recorded at Bastyr University's chapel (formerly St. Thomas Center) with musicians from Seattle's professional orchestra and chamber groups. The popular pieces were recorded at Triad Studios in Redmond.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Come Leave Your Sheep, Tomorrow Shall Be Your Dancing Day, Deck The Halls, Personent Hodie, How Far Is It To Bethlehem, When Christ Was Born, Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, Sleigh Ride, Christmas Time Is Here, Let It Snow, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Jingle Bells

Northwest Boychoir : Our Finest Gifts

Review: This splendid recording of 15 traditional Christmas songs and carols displays the impressive vocal talents of the members of the Northwest Boychoir and the young men and women of Vocalpoint! Seattle. Released in 1994, this is the third holiday album recorded and produced under the direction of Joseph Crnko with Nathaniel Papadakis. With this album, the choirs have worked to recreate the splendor and magic of their annual Festival of Lessons & Carols presentations. To capture the distinct quality of the boychoir sound, the choirs recorded on location at West Seattle's beautiful Holy Rosary Church. Every effort was taken to retain the breathtaking resonance of Holy Rosary. To add to the beauty of this recording, the choirs are accompanied by musicians from Seattle's leading orchestras and chamber groups. The result is a rich, vibrant recording that fully reveals the talents of these ensembles.

Songlist: Carol Of The Drum, Do You Hear What I Hear, Sussex Carol, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, The Birds, Carol Of The Bells, Past Three O'clock, Adam Lay Ybounden, We Three Kings, Silent Night, There Is No Rose, Christmas Lullaby, Joys Seven, O Holy Night, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Notre Dame Glee Club : In Dulci Jubilo

Review: The 71-strong male voices of the NDGC presents this fine collection of Christmas musical landmarks in "the hope of reawakening that mystery and wonder" of the Christmas seasons of their childhood. A noble purpose, and beautifully realized, from the opening cut, the lovely title song, and a marvelous "Gloucestershire Wassail," Steven Sametz' "Noel," and "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming to Handl's "O Magnum Mysterium," Monteverdi's "Hodie Christus natus est," a ringing "Riu, riu, chiu" and "Here We Come A Wassailing," this is as rich, smooth, melodic and harmonious as any Christmas collection we've heard. We particularly enjoyed the spiritual "Mary Had A Baby" and the joyous West Indian song "De Mornin' Come." One of the best of the year!

Songlist: In Dulci Jubilo - traditional, arr. R. L. Pearsall, adapted Patrick D. Quigley, Glouscestershire Wassail - traditional, arr. Patrick D. Quigley, Noel! (Canon) - Steven Sametz, There Is No Rose - anonymous 15th-century English, Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming - Michael Praetorius, Ave Maria - Franz Biebl, O Magnum Mysterium, Hodie Christus natus est - Claudio Monteverdi, Riu, riu, chiu - anonymous 16th-century Spanish, Here We Come A-Wassailing - traditional, arr. Daniel Pedtke, O Tannenbaum - traditional, arr. Shaw/Parker, Carol of the Bells - Leontovich, arr. Wihousky, Mary Had a Baby - Spiritual, arr. Dawson, Betelehemu - arr. Wendell Whalum, De Mornin' Come - West Indian Christmas Song, arr. Whalum, Jingle Bells - James Pierpont, arr. David Clark Isele, Winter Wonderland - Smith/Bernard, arr. Ed Waesche, White Christmas, The Christmas Song - Mel Torme/Robert Wells, arr. Gene Puerling, We Wish You a Merry Christmas - traditional, arr. Daniel Pedtke

Orphei Drangar : Christmas Music

Review: The world renowned Orphei Drangar, treats us to a variety of Christmas songs from around the world, including Scandinavia, Germany, England and France. Selections include Gustaf Nordqvist's sweet lullaby "Jul, jul stralande jul," "Ave Maria" by Franz Biebl and "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen." Conducted by Robert Sund, this wonderful choir is joined by soprano Christina Hogman and baritone Peter Mattei with Bengt Forsberg on organ. This is a simply beautiful recording.

Songlist: Hosiana, Nar det lider mot jul, Jul, jul, stralande jul, Bereden vag for herran, Psalm 24, Betlehems stjarna, Forunderligt at sige, Giv mig ej glans, Op. 1 No. 4, Hodie Christus natus est, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Die Konige, Stille Nacht, Est ist ein Ros' entsprungen, Joy to the World, O Come, all ye Faithful, How far is it to Bethlehem?, Anonymous: Ding dong! Merrily on High, Anonymous: Coventry Carol, Anonymous: A la nanita nana, Cantique de Noel, Anonymous: La Marche des rois, Anonymous: Quelle est cette odeur agrable?

Orphei Drangar : Christmas Songs

Review: Formed in 1853, the choir Orphei Drangar (OD) has constantly striven to discover and develop new directions for the male-voice choir, while not neglecting its splendid traditions. The first OD disc recorded together with the choir's new artistic director, the celebrated choral conductor Cecilia Rydinger Alin, is no exception. Described by Choir & Organ (UK) as 'a tremendous choir, with superb technique and an immense, expressive range', OD gives proof of its versatility in a highly varied program which still manages to stay within the theme of Christmas: original settings and new arrangements of Swedish folk songs and Christmas classics, English carols and Broadway songs - with Stille Nacht, a Russian hymn in praise of the Holy Virgin, and Eric Whitacre's widely admired Lux aurumque added for good measure. Supplying even more nuances to the palette is the choir's guest artist, the young Swedish soprano Ida Falk Winland, as well as a brass ensemble, supporting choir and soloist in parts of the program.

Songlist: Koppangen, Forunderligt at sige, Jul, jul, stralande jul, Hosiannah!, Madonnans vaggvisa, Vittskovlevisan, Staffansvisa fran Orust, Hodie Christus natus est, He Shall Feed His Flock, Lux aurumque, Stille Nacht, Dostoyno yest, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Joy to the World, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Oxford New College Choir : Carols from New College

Review: The University of Oxford's world famous choir performs a selection of famous and lesser-known carols.

Songlist: O come all ye faithful, Adam Lay Y Bounden, Out of your sleep, The angel Gabriel, A Spotless Rose, Ding dong merrily on high, In the bleak midwinter, The holly and the ivy, I wonder as I wander, A babe is born, Sussex carol, This is the truth, A Virgin most pure, Here is the little door, Alleluya a new work is come on hand, Lully lulla thou tiny little child, In dulci jubilo, There is no rose, Rocking carol, Wassail Carol, Once in royal David's city

Oxford New College Choir : For Unto Us A Child Is Born

Review: This recording presents a sequence of Christmas music from many different cultures and ages. It exemplifies the rich diversity of music written for the feast, which has inspired musicians with a unique enthusiasm for its colourful narrative and message of salvation.

Songlist: Hark the herald angels sing, For unto us a child is born, Silent Night, O magnum mysterium, Hodie Christus natus est, Angelus ad Virginem, O magnum mysterium, This is the truth sent from above, Quem vidistis, Videntes stellam, Noel X, Videntes stellam, Sing lullaby, Puer natus, Lute-book carol, Of the Father's Heart begotten, Hodie Christus natus est, Quem vidistis

Ragazzi Boys Chorus : A Holiday Collection

Review: "A Holiday Collection" combines traditional favorites like "God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen," "Silent Night" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" and sacred music like Mozart's "Laudate Dominum," Brahms' "Ave Maria," Dietrich Buxtehude's "Cantate Domino," and Vivaldi's "Laudamus Te," with contemporary originals like Martin Shaw's "Fanfare for Christmas Day," David Urrows' "Verbum Patris Hodie," Henryk Gorecki's "Totus Tuus Opus 60" and Daniel Pinkham's "Evergreen." Piano or organ accompaniment on most cuts. This is a soaring, lovely Christmas CD by the pride of San Mateo, CA, the Peninsula Boy's Chorus!

Songlist: Laudate Dominum, Pueri Concinite, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Ave maria, Opus 12, Verbum Patris Hodie, Cantate Domino, Laudamus Te, Fanfare for Christmas Day, Totus Tuus, opus 60, Silent Night, Evergreen, Angels We Have Heard On High

Rhos Orpheus Male Choir : Carols at Christmas

Review: The Village of RHOSLLANNERCHRUGOG ("Rhos") is situated some 4 miles south west of Wrexham in North Wales, which itself is 12 miles south of the historic Roman city of Chester. lt is a former mining village, but the last remaining pit closed in 1987. Once known as the largest village in Wales, it has a long history of producing talented performers in all areas of the arts. Over the years, it has been home to two male voice choirs, a ladies' choir, a girls' choir, a mixed choir and a championship quality Silver Band. Rhos has been the birthplace of many top class musicians, actors and singers who have made significant contributions to Welsh culture not only as performers, but also as writers and composers. Here the male choir sings some holiday favorites.

Songlist: The First Nowell, While Shepards Watched, Deck The Halls, Away In A Manger, Coventry Carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The Holly And The Ivy, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, In The Bleak Midwinter, Ding-Dong Merrily On High, We Three Kings, O, Little Town Of Bethlehem, Once In Royal David's City, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Silent Night

Schnittpunktvokal : A Cappella Christmas - Traditional Carols from Austria

Review: The Alpine folk song rests on harmony (Viergesang), and the Christmas carol in particular represents a heritage which has not only to be studied but also to be "lived." The vocal quartet Schnittpunktvokal does both, and the result is a compelling shaping of simple, penetrating, and always moving music. What makes this recording of authentic Austrian folk music so unique is not only the ensemble's very special style but also the warmth and clarity of the four male voices, which blend together without losing their individual character, with everything combined with perfect intonation.

Songlist: Hiatz Kimp a Wundabare Zeit, Is Schon Still, Is Schon Kalt, Immert Amal, Was Sagg Denn Da Wind, Tiaf Eine Is Wintar, Schean Still Fallt Da Schne, Zund an Es Liacht, Liabs Christkindl Tua Wachsn, Es Bluhn Drei Rosen Auf Einem Zweig, Josef Und Maria, Vom Himmel Scheint a Liachter Schtean, Ubar Die Stapflan, Andachtsjodler, Schlaf, Schlaf, Holdseliges Jesulein, Mir Kummts Auf Da Welt Heut So Wundalalt Vur, Krumpa Haxmartin, Wo Seind Denn Heint Die Haltabuam, O Bruada, Schau Hin, Was Muass Heute Nacht Wohl Sein Gschehgn, 4000 Jahr Verflossen Sind, Werst Mei Liacht Ume Sein, Was Wird Uns Denn Bringen Das Neue Jahr

Sistine Chapel Choir : Christ Is Born

Review: "Christ Is Born" and "Christ Is Risen" were two highly-acclaimed films of the late-1950s that captured the Sistine Choir in concert within the Sistine Chapel. This album is a collection of the sacred songs recorded for the soundtracks to the films in 1957. 10 songs, starting with "Die Santificatus (Day Sanctified)," by Palestrina, who also composed "Hodie Christius Natus Est (Today, Christ Is Born)" and "Improperia (Reprove)," "Pastores Dicite (Speak, Shepherds)," by the Spanish master Morales, Vittoria's "Tenebrae (Darkness)," Gregorian chants "Rorate Caeli (Song of Advent)" and "Victimae Paschali (Easter Victim)," Bartolucci's "Ave Maria, Vergine Fiore (Hail Mary, Virgin Flower)," "Vexilla Regis (King's Insignia)," and the traditional hymn "Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)" complete the program. Some organ accompaniment. Beautiful sacred music from the Sistine Choir, celebrating the birth of Christ

Songlist: Dies Santificatus, Pastores Dieite, Hodie Christus natus Est, Improperia, Tenebrae, Ave maria, Vergine Fiore, Rorate Caeli, Vietimae Pasehali, Vesilla Regis, Adeste Fidelis

St John's College Choir, Cambridge : Christmas Carols from St. John's

Review: A fine selection of traditional English Christmas carols sung impeccable by the venerable English choir under the direction of George Guest.

Songlist: Unto Us a Boy Is Born, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Balulalow, Holly and the Ivy, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Sussex Carol, I Sing of a Maiden, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Silent Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, Good King Wenceslas, There Is No Rose, Two Welsh Carols, Away in a Manger, O Come, All Ye Faithful

Stuttgart Hymnus Boys Choir : Favorite Christmas Songs

Review: The Stuttgart Hymnus Boys Choir under the direction of Eckhard Weyand present a classical Christmas. These traditional songs transport the listener on a musical journey of Europe during the Christmas season.These beloved melodies have touched the hearts of millions for generations just put this disc on and you'll be tempted to join in singing yourself. The sound of the Stuttgart Hymnus Boys Choir will transport you to that magical Christmas kingdom where memories are made and wishes are fulfilled.

Songlist: Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Freu dich Erd und Sternezelt, Schlaf mein Kindlein, Den geboren hat ein' Magd, Es ist fur uns eine Zeit angekommen, Vom Himmel hoch, o Englein kommt, Kommet, ihr Hirten, Aus der Kantate "Singt und klingt", O du frohliche, Sei uns willkommen, Jesus Christ, Zu Bethlehem der Engel sprach (Noel), O Bethlehem, du kleine Stadt, Heut kam ein Engel, Inmitten der Nacht, Hort der Engel helle Lieder, Still, still, still, Stille Nacht

Vienna Boys Choir : Merry Christmas - Carols From North America and Europe

Review: A collection of 21 well-known carols sung impecable as always by this 500 years old and counting choir. Always at their best with Christmas music this recording is bound to please.

Songlist: Adeste Fideles, Maria Durch'ein Dornwald Ging, Heissa Buama, Ihr Kinderlein Kommet, Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, Huron Carol, Sing A Joyful Song Of Christmas, Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes, Heiligste Nacht, The First Nowell, Hark, The Herald Angels Sing, When Christ Was Born Of Mary, Deck The Hall, When Christ Was Born Of Mary Free, Deck The Hall, Joy To The World, Entre Le Boeuf et L'Ane Gris, O Tannenbaum, In Dulci Jubilo, Still Still Still, O Du Stille Zeit, Es Wird Scho Glei Dupa, Stille Nacht

Vienna Boys Choir with Placido Domingo / Hermann Prey : Christmas with

Review: This recording is a combination of two earlier releases: "Domingo and the Vienna Boys Choir" and "Hermann Prey and the Vienna Boys Choir," now out of print. The variety of tenor and bass/ baritone voices, combined with the boys' voices is outstanding. All the singers are in top form and the songs are not all the usual trite fair, though there are some familiar titles. All in all, this is a wonderful Christmas experience and highly recommended.

Songlist: Adeste Fideles, O Tannenbaum, Good Christian Men, Rejoice, Frau Nachtigallm, Wach Auf, Pueri Concinite, Stille Nacht, Von Himmel Hoch, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Ding Dong! Merrilly On High, Away In A Manger, We've Been Awhile A-Wandering, Coventry Carol, I Saw Three Ships, Once In Royal David's City, Deck The Halls, Panis Angelicus, Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen, Tochter Zion, Freue Dich, Joseph, Lieber Joseph Mein, Lied Der Hirten, O Heiland, Reiss Die Himmel Auf, Die Konige, Ave Maria

Vienna Boys' Choir : Christmas With

Review: The incomparable Vienna Boys' Choir sings two masterpieces with the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra. Led by Peter Marschik, the ensemble performs the "Coronation" Mass in C Major by W.A. Mozart and "Ich hatte viel Bekummernis," by J.S. Bach. The Coronation Mass is traditionally believed to have been written for the crowning of an image of the Virgin Mary in a church near Salzburg. Bach's cantata was written to be sung the third Sunday after Trinity. Both pieces have lovely solo moments, particularly the mournful "Seufzer, Thranen, Kummer, Not," for soprano with oboe obbligato.

Songlist: Mass in C Major K. 317 "Coronation" (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart):, - Kyrie, - Gloria, Credo, - Sanctus, - Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Cantata "Ich hatte Viel Bekummernis" (Johann Sebastian Bach):, Prima Parte:, - Sinfonia, - Corro, - Aria, - Recitativo, - Aria, - Coro, Seconda Parte:, - Recitativo, - Duetto, - Coro, - Aria, - Coro

Vienna Boys' Choir : The Christmas Album

Review: The Vienna Boys Choir is world reknowned and with good reason. This fine combination of traditional and modern Christmas selections, is one of the best Christmas albums by the Choir. Many pieces are well known standards, and have been rewritten in ways that keep the music fresh, interesting and new!

Songlist: Sleigh Ride/Troika, Mary's Boy Child, Happy Xmas (War Is Over), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting), Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, Ukraine Bell Carol, Wexford Carol, Suo-Gan, O Holy Night, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth, Wonderful Christmas Time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Coventry Carol, Away in a Manger

Washington Men's Camerata : Masters In This Hall - Christmas Music For Men's Chorus

Review: Thomas Beveridge and the Washington Men's Camerata give glorious and joyful performances on this Christmas recording. The triumphant title piece "Masters in this Hall" begins with the chorus and a soft drum beat that eventually grows to include organ and virtuosic piano. This and most of the other pieces are arranged by Beveridge, who is very accomplished in writing for men's voices. Juxtaposing the male sound are several soprano solos sung by Rosa Lamoreaux including "The First Mercy" by Peter Warlock. Other highlights include Beveridge's arrangement of "The Shepherds' Farewell" from Berlioz's L'Enfance du Christ and Biebl's peaceful "Ave Maria."

Songlist: Carol of the Drum, The First Mercy, O Maria, Diana Stella, The Three Holy Kings, Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming, The Shepherds' Farewell, Ave Maria, O Tannenbaum/Adeste Fideles, Wassail Song, The Holly and the Ivy, Carol of the Birds, March of the Kings, O Holy Night, Carol of the Bells, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, El est ne, Quittez Pasteurs, In Dulci Jubilo/Angels We Have Heard on High

Washington Men's Camerata : Sing We Noel

Review: A delightful Christmas disc, sung by a medium-sized men's choir under the baton of their new director, Frank Albinder (formerly of Chanticleer). Daniel Pinkham's popular Christmas Cantata is the centerpiece of this program, in a rarely heard (original) arrangement for men's voices and brass.

Songlist: Benedicamus Domino, Noel!, O Come, O Come, Emanuel, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, O Holy Child, The Chanticleer's Carol, Of The Father's Love Begotten, Deck The Hall, Christmas Cantata: Maestoso, Christmas Cantata: Adagio, Christmas Cantata: Allegro, Little Lamb, Coventry Carol, Betelehemu, Of The Father's Love Begotten, A Stable-Lamp Is Lighted, The First Nowell, In Dulci Jubilo, The Glory Manger, Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : A Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols

Review: The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first held on Christmas Eve 1918. It was planned by Eric Milner-White, who at the age of thirty-four had just been appointed Dean of King's after experience as an army chaplain which had convinced him that the Church of England needed more imaginative worship. (He devised our Advent Carol Service in 1934, and was a liturgical pioneer and authority during his twenty two years as Dean of York.) The choir included sixteen trebles as laid down in King Henry VI's statutes, but until 1927 the men's voices were provided partly by Choral Scholars and partly by older Lay Clerks, and not, as now, by fourteen undergraduates. Almost immediately other churches adapted the service for their own use. A wider frame began to grow when the service was first broadcast in 1928 and, with the exception of 1930, it has been broadcast annually, even during the Second World War. Sometime in the early 1930s the BBC began broadcasting the service on overseas programmes. It is estimated that there are millions of listeners worldwide, including those to Radio Four in the United Kingdom. In recent years it has become the practice to broadcast a digital recording on Christmas Day on Radio Three, and since 1963 a shorter service has been filmed periodically for television.

Songlist: Once In Royal David's City, Bidding Prayer, Up! Good Christen Folk And Listen, The Truth From Above, First Lesson, Adam LAy Ybounden, Second Lesson, Sussex Carol, In The Bleak Mid-Winter, Third Lesson, In Dulci Jubilo, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Fourth Lesson, A Tender Shoot, The Lamb, Fifth Lesson, Joy's Seven, Gabriel's Lesson, Sixth Lesson, Dormi Jesu, Riu Riu Chiu, Seventh Lesson, The Fayrfax Carol, While Shepards Watched, Eighth Lesson, I Saw Three Ships, Illuminare Jerusalem, Ninth Lesson, O Come All Ye Faithful, Prayer And Blessing, and more

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : Classic Christmas Carols

Review: The Choir of King's College, Cambridge has always been synonymous with Christmas -- from the yearly television broadcast of their Lessons and Carols service to their numerous best-selling albums of Christmas songs and masses. EMI Classics is proud to present a 2-CD compilation of their greatest Christmas carol recordings.

Songlist: Once in royal David's city, Ding Dong! Merrily on high, O come, all ye faithful, The Holly and the Ivy, Hark! the herald angels sing, Silent Night, While shepherds watched, In the bleak midwinter, God rest you merry, gentlemen, The Lamb, Angels, from the realms of glory, Adam lay ybounden, The Three Kings, I saw a maiden, Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?, Quem pastores laudavere, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, A maiden most gentle, A Spotless Rose, Sans Day Carool, I wonder as I wander, The Cherry Tree Carol, I sing of a maiden, Gabriel's Message, Personent hodie, The First Nowell, In dulci jubilo, O little town of Bethlehem, I saw three ships, It came upon the midnight clear, and more

Choir of King's College, Cambridge : Essential Carols

Review: Another fine collection of Christmas carols from the Anglican tradition.Some albums are tailor-made for Christmas Eve listening, the cozy musical equivalent of a roaring fire, a mug of eggnog, and the bright lights on the tree. The morning of Christmas Day requires something else entirely, and that's when this set of Essential Carols from the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, will fit the bill, with the angelically pure voices of young British choristers blending to the strains of traditional carols both familiar and little-known. This is Christmas music sung the old-fashioned way, its simplicity and spiritual warmth not compromised by big operatic voices or pop personalities. Recorded under the direction of David Willcocks between 1959 and '65, these performances sound truly timeless today, and no matter how knowledgeable you are about Christmas music, you'll find some surprises among these 38 carols.

Songlist: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, The First Nowell, While shepherds watched their flocks by night, I Saw Three Ships, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, King Jesus Hath A Garden, In dulci jubilo, Unto Us Is Born A Son, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Away in a manger, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The Holly and the Ivy, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, See Amid the Winter's Snow, Past Three O'clock, Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio), Adam Lay Y Bounden, Gabriel's Message, Once in Royal David's City, Sussex Carol, Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep, Rejoice and Be Merry, The Cherry Tree Carol, The Three Kings, As With Gladness, Men of Old, A Great And Mighty Wonder, The infant King, Balulalow, Legend (When Jesus Christ was but a child), Christ was born on Christmas day, and more