Each December, we find ourselves surrounded by winter’s darkness at the fulcrum between the old year and the new. In the shadowy stillness of these short, cold days, December is the darkroom that focuses our gaze squarely on the bright promise and growing light of the imminent new year.
Into the Light was recorded in the dark, uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the process was imbued with optimism and hope for brighter days ahead.
In its first holiday recording in more than a decade, chamber vocal ensemble Cantus offers a thoughtful selection of old and new favorites, each sung with the group’s trademark warmth and virtuosity.
The album reflects Cantus’ commitment to diversity of repertoire. Its selections span five languages and feature works by a broad range of composers and arrangers: from John Jacob Niles and Kenneth Jennings, to Joni Mitchell and B.E. Boykin. The album also offers six pieces created specifically for Cantus, including two new arrangements from Reginald Bowens and Christopher H. Harris.
After two successful albums on Signum Records, the American vocal ensemble Cantus present their first christmas album, Into The Light.
The “engaging” (New Yorker) low-voice ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century.
[1] Angels We Have Heard On High – Trad. French Christmas, arr. Saunder Choi
[2] O Little Town of Bethlehem – Kenneth Jennings
[3] I Wonder As I Wander – John Jacob Niles, arr. Paul John Rudoi
[4] River – Joni Mitchell
[5] Alleluia! Into The Light – Cheryl Camm
[6] Love, the God Eternal – Chris Foss
[7] O Magnum Mysterium – B.E. Boykin
[8] Glory Hallelujah to Duh Newbo’n King – African-American Spiritual arr. William C. Powell
[9] Mensaje de Paz – Francisco Grau Vegara
[10] Children Go! – Traditional, arr. Joe Gilbert and Eddie Brown
[11] I Saw Three Ships – Traditional, arr. Reginald Bowens
[12] Aguinaldo Carols – Trad. Filipino Christmas/Jerry Brandy, arr. Saunder Choi
[13] Still, Still, Still – Austrian Carol, arr. Aaron Humble
[14] Noel Nouvelet – Traditional French Carol, arr. Sofia Söderberg
[15] Silent Night – Franz Gruber, arr. Christopher H. Harris
[16] Twas the Night Before Christmas – Chris Foss
[17] We Toast the Days – Linda Kachelmeier
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