2000-2009: Working List of Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings

2000-2009: Working List of Classical Choral Christmas Recordings

Working List

All descriptions below are not the editor reviews, but label descriptions. Edited for typographical errors and grammar.

Updated: November 1, 2024

Recorded by world-renowned harpist Sylvia Woods, these lovely Christmas carols are performed on three special harps: a nylon-strung Neo-Celtic harp, a wire-strung ancient Celtic harp, and a triple-strung harp. Each carol is performed by Sylvia on 1, 2, or 3 harps, with no other accompaniment. This volume (#1) contains 28 traditional carols.

1 Medley: Angelican Hymn/Twelfth Night Song
2 Medley: Coventry Carol/While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks/The First Noel
3 Medley: Lo How a Rose/O Sanctissima
4 Medley: I Saw Three Ships/Chirst Was Born/Glouchestershire Wassail
5 Medley: Angels We Have Heard on High/Ding Dong Merrily on High
6 Medley: Oxen and Sheep/O Come Emmanuel
7 Medley: Up on the House Top/Jingle Bells/We Wish You a Merry Christmas
8 Medley: Away in a Manger/O Come Little Children
9 Medley: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful/Joy to the World
10 Medley: He Is Born/Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella
11 Silent Night
12 What Child Is This?
13 Medley: Twelve Days of Christmas/Deck the Halls

2007

1 Adeste, Fideles! 2 I Wonder As I Wander (I) 3 Nowell: Dieus Wous Garde 4 Es Sungen Drei Engel 5 Stille Nacht 6 Sing We the Virgin Mary 7 The Darkest Midnight in December 8 Serafin, Que Con Dulce Harmonia 9 The Queen's College Boar's Head Carol 10 Als Ich Bei Meinen Schafen Wacht 11 Carol of the Green Branches 12 Watt's Cradle Hymn 13 Angelus Ad Virginem 14 While Shepherds Watch'd 15 Swete Was the Song the Virgine Soong 16 Christemas Hath Made An End 17 I Wonder As I Wander (II) Sony

Situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, St Cuthbert’s was the first parish church in Scotland to hold candlelit services on Christmas Eve. The two-thousand-strong congregation was regularly joined by people standing in the aisles! Today, the organ continues to combine its role of supporting the singing with solo performance of varied repertoire. Director of Music Thomas Laing-Reilly has at his hands an instrument seemingly able to speak any language. Its vast colour palette is demonstrated with striking clarity on this disc, in a range of repertory which crosses national borders with disarming ease.

Adeste Fideles: Organ music for Christmas - Delphian Records

2007

Re-release of 1977 album.

The Gemini Series features an impressive roster of singers, conductors, soloists, and ensembles of international renown, all from the incomparable EMI Classics stable. EMI's rich legacy of recording expertise comes to the fore in performances from the 1960s to the 1990s. 

Gemini titles are predominantly collections of single composers and fantastic value with well over an hour of music on each CD, making them the ideal place to start or develop a collection of classical music. Each 2-CD set contains over two hours of music for a fantastically low price. Attractively designed and packaged in space-saving brilliant boxes, each set includes three-language booklets with detailed notes on the music.

This release of 10 new Gemini titles will bring the total number of titles in the series to 175. As with previous Gemini releases, this installment includes many recordings new to CD and as well as recordings that have been transferred from Double Forte. Among the excellent releases in this new set are performances by Plácido Domingo, Natalie Dessay, Deborah Voigt, Janet Baker, Jean-Philippe Collard, Simon Rattle, Michel Plasson, Claudio Abbado, and others! These titles have been digitally remastered to the highest standards at the world famous Abbey Road Studios.

1 Jauchzet, frohlocket!:- Christmas Oratorio
2 Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit:- Christmas Oratorio
3 Nun wird mein liebster Bräutigam:- Christmas Oratorio
4 Bereite dich, Zion:- Christmas Oratorio
5 Wie soll ich dich empfangen:- Christmas Oratorio
6 Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn:- Christmas Oratorio
7 Er ist auf Erden kommen arm:- Christmas Oratorio
8 Grosser Herr und starker König:- Christmas Oratorio
9 Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein!:- Christmas Oratorio
10 Sinfonia:- Christmas Oratorio
11 Und es waren Hirten:- Christmas Oratorio
12 Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht:- Christmas Oratorio
13 Und der Engel sprach:- Christmas Oratorio
14 Was Gott dem Abraham verheissen:- Christmas Oratorio
15 Frohe Hirten, eilt:- Christmas Oratorio
16 Und das habt zum Zeichen:- Christmas Oratorio
17 Schaut hin!:- Christmas Oratorio
18 Sp geht denn hin!:- Christmas Oratorio
19 Schlafe, mein Liebster:- Christmas Oratorio
20 Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel:- Christmas Oratorio
21 Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe:- Christmas Oratorio
22 So recht, ihr Engel:- Christmas Oratorio
23 Wir singen dir in deinem Heer:- Christmas Oratorio
24 Herrscher des Himmels:- Christmas Oratorio
25 Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel:- Christmas Oratorio
26 Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem:- Christmas Oratorio
27 Er hat sein Volk getröst't:- Christmas Oratorio
28 Dies hat er alles uns getan:- Christmas Oratorio
29 Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen:- Christmas Oratorio
30 Und sie kamen eilend:- Christmas Oratorio
31 Schliesse, mein Herze:- Christmas Oratorio
32 Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren:- Christmas Oratorio
33 Ich will dich mit Fleiss bewahren:- Christmas Oratorio

Disc: 2

1 Und die Hirten:- Christmas Oratorio
2 Seid froh dieweil:- Christmas Oratorio
3 Herrscher des Himmels (rpt):- Christmas Oratorio
4 Fallt mit Danken:- Christmas Oratorio
5 Und da acht Tage:- Christmas Oratorio
6 Immanuel, o süsses Wort!:- Christmas Oratorio
7 Flösst, mein Heiland:- Christmas Oratorio
8 Wohlan! Dein Name soll allein:- Christmas Oratorio
9 Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben:- Christmas Oratorio
10 Jesus richte mein Beginnen:- Christmas Oratorio
11 Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen:- Christmas Oratorio
12 Da Jesus geboren:- Christmas Oratorio
13 Wo ist der neugeborene König der Jüden?:- Christmas Oratorio
14 Dein Glanz all' Finsternis verzehrt:- Christmas Oratorio
15 Erleucht' auch meine finstre Sinnen:- Christmas Ortorio
16 Da das der König Herodes:- Christmas Oratorio
17 Warum wollt ihr erschrecken?:- Christmas Oratorio
18 Und liess versammeln alle Hohenpriester:- Christmas Oratorio
19 Ach! Wann wird die Zeit erscheinen?:- Christmas Oratorio
20 Mein Liebster herrschet schon:- Christmas Oratorio
21 Zwar ist solche Herzensstube:- Christmas Oratorio
22 Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde:- Christmas Oratorio
23 Da berief Herodes:- Christmas Oratorio
24 Du Falsche, suche nur den Herrn zu fällen:- Christmas Oratorio
25 Nur ein Wink:- Christmas Oratorio
26 Als sie nun den König:- Christmas Oratorio
27 Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier:- Christmas Oratorio
28 Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum:- Christmas Oratorio
29 So geht! genug, mein Schatz:- Christmas Oratorio
30 Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde:- Christmas Oratorio
31 Was will der Höllen Schrecken nun:- Christmas Oratorio
32 Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen:- Christmas Oratorio

Warner Classics / EMI

2003

1 Part 1 - Chorus 2 Part 1 - Recitative 3 Part 1 - Recitative (Alto) 4 Part 1 - Aria (Alto) 5 Part 1 - Chorale 6 Part 1 - Recitative Evangelist 7 Part 1 - Chorale (Sopranos) with Recitative (Bass) 8 Part 1 - Aria 9 Part 1 - Chorale 10 Part 2 - Sinfonia 11 Part 2 - Recitative Evangelist 12 Part 2 - Chorale 13 Part 2 - Recitative Evangelist 14 Part 2 - Recitative (Bass) 15 Part 2 - Aria (Tenor) 16 Part 2 - Recitative Evangelist 17 Part 2 - Chorale 18 Part 2 - Recitative (Bass) 19 Part 2 - Aria (Alto) 20 Part 2 - Recitative Evangelist 21 Part 2 - Chorus 22 Part 2 - Recitative (Bass) 23 Part 2 - Chorale 24 Part 3 - Chorus 25 Part 3 - Recitative Evangelist 26 Part 3 - Chorus 27 Part 3 - Recitative (Bass) 28 Part 3 - Chorale 29 Part 3 - Duet (Soprano & Bass) 30 Part 3 - Recitative Evangelist 31 Part 3 - Aria (Alto) 32 Part 3 - Recitative (Alto) 33 Part 3 - Chorale 34 Part 3 - Recitative Evangelist 35 Part 3 - Chorale 36 Part 4 - Chorus 37 Part 4 - Recitative Evangelist 38 Part 4 - Recitative and Arioso Recitative (Bass) 39 Part 4 - Aria (Soprano and 2nd Soprano) 40 Part 4 - Recitative and Arioso 41 Part 4 - Aria (Tenor) 42 Part 4 - Chorale 43 Part 5 - Chorus 44 Part 5 - Recitative Evangelist 45 Part 5 - Chorus with Recitative (Alto) 46 Part 5 - Chorale 47 Part 5 - Aria (Bass) 48 Recitative Evangelist 49 Part 5 - Recitative (Alto) 50 Part 5 - Recitative Evangelist 51 Part 5 - Terzetto 52 Part 5 - Recitative (Alto) 53 Part 5 - Chorale 54 Part 6 - Chorus 55 Part 6 - Recitative Evangelist 56 Part 6 - Recitative (Soprano) 57 Part 6 - Aria (Soprano) 58 Part 6 - Recitative Evangelist 59 Part 6 - Chorale 60 Part 6 - Recitative Evangelist 61 Part 6 - Recitative (Tenor) 62 Part 6 - Aria (Tenor) 63 Part 6 - Recitative (Quartet) 64 Part 6 - Chorale Archive

Christmas Never Sounded So Good!

For more than a decade, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have shared the Joy of Christmas with the world. The ethereal sound of perfectly blended voices, singing the most beautiful seasonal music ever composed never fails to touch the heart or lift the spirit. This year, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have assembled a NEW collection – compiled from the archives, including FOUR NEVER BEFORE RELEASED TRACKS! This is a holiday feast you will NOT want to miss!

1 The holly and the ivy (arr. H. Walford Davies)* 2 Blessed be that maid Mary (arr. David Willcocks) 3 Somerset Wassail (arr. John Rutter) 4 Shepherds, in the fields abiding (French, arr. Willcocks)* 5 The Infant King (Basque, arr. Willcocks) 6 What is this lovely fragrance? (French, arr. Healey Willan) 7 Gabriel's message (Basque, arr. Willcocks)* 8 Still, still, still (German, arr. Rutter) 9 Quittez, pasteurs (French, arr. Rutter) 10 Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (French, arr. Rutter) 11 Personent hodie (German, arr. Rutter) 12 The shepherds' farewell (Hector Berlioz) 13 O holy night (Adolphe Adam) 14 O magnum mysterium (T. L. de Victoria) 15 Hodie Christus natus est (J. P. Sweelinck) 16 For unto us a child is born (G. F. Handel) 17 In dulci jubilo (Samuel Scheidt) 18 Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child (Kenneth Leighton)* 19 A New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten) 20 Balulalow (Peter Warlock) 21 I saw a fair maiden (Peter Warlock) 22 The Lamb (John Tavener) 23 Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Ralph Vaughan Williams) 2007 A connoisseur's Christmas! Clarion Records is thrilled to present one of the most exciting new seasonal CDs to come around in a LONG time! Featuring the artistry of the world acclaimed Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, Cantate Hodie features an imaginative program of originals and arrangements that are sure to warm the heart and treat the ears! A sure-fire hit is the Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas arranged by Craig Courtney, and transcribed by Brady Allred & Daniel Shaw. 1 Joseph Willcox Jenkins: Cantate Hodie (Sing Forth This Day), Op. 197 - World Premiere Recording 2 Harold Darke/arr. by Carol Barnett : In the Bleak Midwinter 3 Settings by Joseph M. Martin: Two Movements for Advent: Comfort Ye My People 4 Settings by Joseph M. Martin: Two Movements for Advent: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star 5 Mack Wilberg: Two Carols - Lullee, lullai, lullo, lullabye (O, Who Will Come and Listen This Night?) - World Premiere Recording 6 Mack Wilberg: Two Carols - Gloria tibi domine (A Little Child There Is Ybore) - World Premiere Recording 7 Setting by Leo Nestor: All My Heart This Night Rejoices 8 Glenn L. Rudolph: The Dream Isaiah Saw - World Premiere Recording 9 Setting by Leo Nestor: Silent Night 10 Stephen Paulus: We Sing Thy Birth: So Hallow’d is the Time (William Shakespeare) - World Premiere Recording 11 Stephen Paulus: We Sing Thy Birth: This Happy Morn (John Milton) - World Premiere Recording 12 Stephen Paulus: We Sing Thy Birth: Sing, Hevin Imperial, Most of Hicht! (William Dunbar) - World Premiere Recording 13 Kieren MacMillan: Wither’s Carol - World Premiere Recording 14 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - A Partridge from 6th century Rome 15 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Two Turtle Doves from 15th century France 16 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Three French Hens from 16th century Italy 17 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Four Calling Birds from 17th century Italy 18 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Five Gold Rings from 18th century Germany 19 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Six Geese a-Laying from 18th century Austria 20 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Seven Swans a-Swimming from 19th century France 21 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Eight Maids a-Milking from 19th century Germany 22 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Nine Ladies Dancing from 19th century Austria 23 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Ten Lords a-Leaping from 19th century Italy 24 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Eleven Pipers Piping from 19th century Russia 25 Craig Courtney: Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas - Twelve Drummers Drumming from 19th century United States of America 26 Arr. by David Willcocks: Jingle, bells Clarion Records 2006 1 The Bells of Dublin - Christmas Eve - The Chieftains 2 A Breton Carol - The Chieftains 3 The First Nowell - Emily Mitchell 4 Silent Night - Richard Stoltzman/The Boys Choir Of Harlem 5 The Holy Boy - James Galway 6 Noel Eight - Michala Petri 7 Silver Bells - The Hampton Str Qt 8 Winter - Richard Stoltzman/Guildhall Str Ens 9 Sussex Carol - Michala Petri/The Westminster Abbey Chor 10 Carol of the Drum - Emily Mitchell 11 Short Fantasy on a Basque Carol - Emily Mitchell 12 Winter Wonderland - Hampton Str Qt 13 Deck the Halls - Richard Stoltzman 14 Ding Dong! - Richard Stoltzman RCA Legacy

2007

Following their highly successful releases on Signum (the Hymns Album and Handel’s Messiah conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras) the Huddersfield Choral Society is back in force with a magnificent collection of Christmas carols. This CD will be a perfect Christmas gift or glorious self-indulgence, absorbing the sacred and profane alike, beautifully performed and recorded for the festive season.

Huddersfield Choral Society

Joseph Cullen conductor

Darius Battiwalla organ

1. Hark! the herald-angels sing

2. Gaudete

3. Gabriel’s Message

4. O little town of Bethlehem

5. Coventry Carol

6. In excelsis gloria

7. Silent night

8. Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing

9. Angels from the realms of glory

10. Ave Maria

11. Joy to the world

12. Little Jesus, sweetly sleep

13. Unto us a boy is born

14. Love came down at Christmas

15. O come, all ye faithful

16. The holly and the ivy

17. O holy night

18. In the bleak midwinter

19. Ding dong! merrily on high

20. It came upon the midnight clear

21. Hail! smiling morn

22. Sussex Carol

23. Of the Father’s heart begotten

24. Away in a manger

25. I saw three ships

26. Christians awake

https://signumrecords.com/product/the-carols-album/SIGCD108/

2003

A fine recording made by the world-famous boys' choir of New College, Oxford in the 14th century college chapel with it's superb acoustics. Familiar carols intermingle with beautiful choral music to create one of our best Christmas albums yet!

1 Once in Royal David's City (Arr. D. Willcocks)
2 A Boy Was Born, Op. 3
3 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: Balulalow
4 In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 608
5 Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child, Op. 25, No. 2, "Coventry Carol"
6 Joseph Est Bien Marie
7 Joseph, Lieber Joseph Mein
8 Messe de Minuit Pour Noel, H. 9: Kyrie Eleison
9 Wassail Carol, Op. 26, No. 1
10 4 Motets Pour Le Temps de Noel: No. 2. Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite
11 In the Bleak Mid-Winter
12 A Christmas Carol, Op. 21: What Sweeter Music Can We Bring
13 Ou S'en Vont Ces Gais Bergers?
14 There Is No Rose
15 As Dew in Aprille
16 All-Night Vigil, Op. 37, "Vespers": Magnificat: My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
17 Das Orgelbuchlein, BWV 599-644: Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon, BWV 611
18 On Christmas Night, "Sussex Carol"
19 Unto Us Is Born a Son
20 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
21 Or, Nous Dites, Marie
22 The Holly and the Ivy
23 Of the Father's Heart Begotten

The Gift of Music

1	Prelude: In Dulci Jubilo
2	Introit: In Dulci Jubilo
3	Processional Hymn: Adeste Fideles
4	Sentences From Scripture And Invocation
5	The First Lesson - Isaiah 35: 1-10
6	Canite Tuba
7	Come Rejoicing, Praises Voicing
8	Ein Kind Ist Uns Geboren
9	Hymn: Personent Hodie
10	The Second Lesson - Luke I: 26-38
11	Ave Maria
12	Mary Had A Baby
13	Riu, Riu, Chiu
14	In The Ending Of The Year
15	The Third Lesson - Luke 2: 1-20
16	In The Bleak Mid-Winter
17	And All In The Morning
18	Sing Lullaby
19	To Us Is Born Immanuel
20	Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
21	Hymn: Silent Night
22	Prayers And The Lord's Prayer
23	Hymn: Joy To The World
24	Benediction And Choral Amen
25	Postlude: Paean On 'Divinum Mysterium'

Label: Gothic

2001

Qualiton

2001

https://www.sonoluminus.com/dorian/a-choral-christmas

2006

1 Chapel Bell 2 Rorate Caeli 3 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 4 O Sapientia 5 A Tender Shoot 6 A Spotless Rose 7 Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending 8 O Adonai 9 Vox Dicentis: Clama 10 O Radix Lesse 11 The Clouded Heaven 12 O Clavis David 13 There Is a Flower 14 This Have I Done for My True Love 15 O Oriens 16 Lullay My Liking 17 O Rex Gentium 18 Bethlehem Down 19 O Emmanuel 20 O Magnum Mysterium 21 O Come, All Ye Faithful 22 Hodie Christus Natus Est Hyperion

2008
1 O Magnum Mysterium
2 Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite
3 Videntes Stellam
4 Hodie Christus Natus Est
5 Ave Rex Angelorum
6 Alleluya, a New Work Is Come on Hand
7 There Is No Rose of Such Virtue
8 Sir Christã..Mas
9 Ave Rex Angelorum
10 The Shepherd's Carol, for Chorus
11 The Three Kings, for Chorus
12 Joys Seven (Joshua Himes's Millennial Harp, 1842)
13 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night)
14 I Saw Three Ships
15 The Little Road to Bethlehem
16 Ave Rex Angelorum
17 Alleluya, a New Work Is Come on Hand
18 There Is No Rose of Such Virtue
19 Sir Christ Mas
20 Ave Rex Angelorum

HYPERION

2000

1 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Adapted By w. H. Cummings from Mendelssoh
2 Once in Royal David's City
3 Ding Dong! Merrily on High (French)
4 Coventry Carol (2): "Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child"
5 Away in a Manger (Tune: Cradle Song) (New English Hymnal 22)
6 O Little Town of Bethlehem
7 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night)
8 In the Bleak Midwinter
9 O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fidelis)
10 Zither Carol (Czech)
11 Joy to the World
12 In Dulci Jubilo (Pi Cantiones)
13 Good King Wenceslas (Piae Cantiones, 1582)
14 I Saw Three Ships
15 I Wonder As I Wander (American)
16 We Three Kings of Orient Are
17 The First Nowell (English)
18 The Three Kings
19 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree (The Apple Tree Carol)
20 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Adapted from Handel)
21 We Wish You a Merry Christmas (English)

Griffin

2002

2002

2004

1 Unto Us a Boy Is Born!
2 Ding Dong! Merrily on High
3 Balulalow
4 The Holly and the Ivy
5 In the Bleak Mid-Winter
6 Sussex Carol
7 I Sing of a Maiden
8 Shepherd's Pipe Carol
9 Silent Night
10 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
11 O Little Town of Bethlehem
12 God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
13 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
14 Good King Wenceslas
15 There Is No Rose
16 I. Greawdwr Nef a Daear Lawr
17 II. Pan Fo'r Stormydd Garwa'n Curo
18 Away in a Manger
19 O Come, All Ye Faithful

Chandos

2009

1. God Rest you Merry, Gentlemen, 

2. Ding Dong! Merrily on High, 

3. O Little Twon of Bethlehem, 

4. Unto Us a Boy is Born!, 

5. Good King Wenceslas, 

6. The Holly and the Ivy, 

7. I Sing of a Maiden, 

8. Two Welsh Carols, 

9. Silent Night, 

10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, 

11. Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, 

12. In the Bleak Mid-Winter, 

13. O Come, all ye Faithful, 

14. Shepherd's Pipe Carol, 

15. On Christmas Night, 

16. Away in a Manger, 

17. There is no Rose, 

18. Balulalow

Chandos

2005

You'll remember Joel Brown from all those wonderful discs with the late Bill Crofut from Albany's "early years."


Now he's back with a delightful Christmas disc with his celebrated friends and family. This album was inspired by a concert and TV show featuring Brown's arrangements of Christmas tunes for a student guitar ensemble. It was such a success that he was encouraged to create this recording. All right, it took more than a decade but it was worth the wait!

As with those great Crofut albums, the arrangements are jazzy, folksy and often times plain-old traditional. Of course, you've heard these tunes a lot of times in the past, but they've never sounded so fresh as they do here.

As Joel writes, "Christmas music has always been my favorite part of the holiday season. I still feel a flood of excitement and joy when I think of standing in our little hometown church singing in unison with family and friends. I hope the music on this recording will bring some of that same feeling to you. Merry Christmas!"

You'll remember Joel Brown from all those wonderful discs with the late Bill Crofut from Albany's "early years." Now he's back with a delightful Christmas disc with his celebrated friends and family.

This album was inspired by a concert and TV show featuring Brown's arrangements of Christmas tunes for a student guitar ensemble. It was such a success that he was encouraged to create this recording. All right, it took more than a decade but it was worth the wait!

As with those great Crofut albums, the arrangements are jazzy, folksy and often times plain-old traditional. Of course you've heard these tunes a lot of times in the past, but they've never sounded so fresh as they do here. As Joel writes, "Christmas music has always been my favorite part of the holiday season.

I still feel a flood of excitement and joy when I think of standing in our little hometown church singing in unison with family and friends. I hope the music on this recording will bring some of that same feeling to you. Merry Christmas!"

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy0789/

2009

CD1

A programme of music spanning a thousand years of Christmas celebrations, from the evocative meideval plainchant of the Sarum rite to the warmth and joy of modern Christmas carols. Ethereal choirs from Oxford and Cambridge contrast with robust organ music and some famous and well-loved carols such as 'Away in a manger'.

CD2

A musical view of Christmas and the time of snow with contributions from choirs, orchestras, children, instrumentalists and carol singers.

CD3

An inspiring anthology of great poetry and prose read by the BBC's Margaret Howard, and Bernard Palmer, and music ancient and modern sung by the Harlow Chorus. An album all the family will enjoy.

Gift of Music

2006

The tracks are: 1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, 2. Two Chorales, 3. Once He Came In Blessing, 4. Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen, 5. Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, 6. Dong Dong! Merrily On High, 7. Jesus, Call Thou Me, 8. The Little Road To Bethlehem, 9. Nun Deid Ihr Wohl Gerochen, 10. Brightest And Best Of The Sons Of The Morning, 11. Mary;s Lullaby, 12. Ave maria, 13. What Child Is This?, 14. Dem Wir Das Heilig Itzt, 15. Good Christians All, Rejoice, 16. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, 17. See Amid The Winter's Snow.

2007

The Counterpoint Chorale and the Vermont Symphony Brass Quintet gave their first holiday concert in 2003 and, after countless requests, here is their first CD. It begins with a 50th anniversary performance of the late Daniel Pinkham's marvelous Christmas Cantata and continues through a bright and joyful collection of traditional tunes and discoveries. Christmas in Vermont is a feast for your ears and a gift for your heart.

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy0985/

2008

The joy we feel in anticipating the sun's return after the winter solstice is greatly magnified by the spiritual light that comes with Christmas. This recording, Christmas Joy in Latvia, is a collection of new musical works to enrich the season's array of colors. The essence of the CD is expressed by its title: it highlights age-old values in a contemporary fashion. The old world and its traditions change with each new year.

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1040/

2006

A mere 16 years after Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops recorded their now-classic Christmas with the Pops, Christmastime Is Here is their 2006 follow-up. It sticks to the same basic formula: a mix of orchestral, choral, and solo numbers performed by the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers (a Kunzel favorite, succeeding the original's May Festival Chorus), the School for Creative and Performing Arts Children's Choir (who sang on the original, though presumably with a different roster), and an entirely new crop of soloists.

While the original relied on classic veterans such as Rosemary Clooney and Doc Severinsen, Christmastime Is Here makes use of hip jazz vocalists (and, not coincidentally, Telarc recording artists all) Ann Hampton Callaway ("I Wonder as I Wander"), Tierney Sutton ("I'll Be Home for Christmas"), Tony DeSare ("The Christmas Song"), and John Pizzarelli (""Silver Bells") as well as British sextet the King's Singers ("Silent Night"). --David Horiuchi

1 Sing with Us of Christmas
2 Precious Moments
3 I Wonder As I Wander
4 Christmastime Is Here
5 It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
6 Silent Night
7 Little Drummer Boy
8 We Need a Little Christmas
9 The Christmas Song
10 Caroling Fun
11 Jingle Bell Rock
12 I'll Be Home for Christmas
13 It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
14 Silver Bells

Telarc

2008

When I started piecing together the repertoire for this recording I wanted it to be more than a solo harp recording of Christmas standards. I wanted to select pieces that had meaning for me. 

I wanted to share my favorite music of the Christmas season with the listener. The carols range from those that I learned as a girl in southern France to those I encountered as an adult in Ottawa, Canada, to one that I found in the past year. 

The common thread is that each carol brings in focus for me an aspect of the Christmas season. In addition to Christmas carols, two major choral and harp pieces that are the seasonal standards for classical harp performers have been included. 

I perform Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten with choral groups each year. The piece is in the center of this recording as it is in the center of the harp repertoire for the Christmas season. The second choral piece is "Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day" by John Rutter. The title, A Christmas Story, is taken from the solo harp piece written by Alphonse Hasselmans. The composition is rarely performed or recorded, but has such beauty and spirituality. 

I hope that I have introduced a new Christmas composition to you that will bring meaning to your holiday season. I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and in the words of John Rutter, "the music of Christmas is always perfect, and so I love to remember and celebrate Christmas in music and song." Merry Christmas! - Caroline Léonardelli 

Caroline Léonardelli, classical harpist, has an accomplished career at as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and teacher. Born in France, Caroline graduated with first prize in harp from the Paris Conservatoire under the guidance of Jacqueline Borot at the age of 18. Caroline went on to advanced study with Judy Loman at McGill University. During her youth Caroline studied in France with Lily Laskine, one of the most celebrated harpists of the 20th century. Caroline is Principal Harpist with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, and the Gatineau Symphony. Caroline recordings include Impressionisme - Para Arpa Harp Duo, Panache with soprano Julie Nesrallah, and Eldoardo.

1 Carol of the Bells
2 Little Drummer Boy
3 Noels Pour Harpe, Op. 32: No. 1
4 Noels Pour Harpe, Op. 32: No. 3
5 Noels Pour Harpe, Op. 32: No. 6
6 I Wonder As I Wander (Appalachian Carol)
7 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 1, Procession
8 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 2, Wolcum Yole
9 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 3, There Is No Rose
10 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 4A, That Youge Child
11 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 4B, Balulalow
12 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 5, As Dew in Aprille
13 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 6, This Little Babe
14 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 7, Interlude
15 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 8, in Freezing Winter Night
16 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 9, Spring Carol
17 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 10, Deo Gracias
18 A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 11, Recession
19 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
20 Conte de Noel (A Christmas Story), Op. 33
21 Entre Le Boeuf Et L'Ane Gris
22 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

2001

CRD

20 Gabriel's Message
21 Silent Night

1 Joy To The World 2 Hodie Christus Natus Est 3 Angels' Carol 4 Ding Dong! Merrily On High 5 Twas In The Moon Of Winter Time 6 Personent Hodie 7 Sussex Carol 8 In Dulci Jubilo 9 Somerset Wassail 10 For Unto Us A Child Is Born 11 O Holy Night 12 What Sweeter Music 13 O Magnum Mysterium 14 Still, Still, Still 15 Coventry Carol 16 What Child s This? 17 The Shepherd's Farewell 18 The Infant King 19 Quem Pastores Laudavere 20 A New Year Carol 21 Silent Night Colligium Records 2006 The Dale Warland Singers make their debut on Gothic with a beautiful new Christmas CD, featuring imaginative arrangements of carols from around the world. The sound is incomparable! 1 Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant (He Is Born) 2 The Virgin's Cradle Hymn (Dormi, Jesu!) 3 Susanni 4 Prepare the Way 5 Fum, Fum, Fum! from Seven Joys of Christmas 6 Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang 7 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing 8 Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine 9 The Holly and the Ivy 10 This Endris Night 11 Wonder Tidings 12 O Little Town of Bethlehem 13 Ai, Nama Mamina from Three Latvian Carols 14 The Friendly Beasts 15 Carol of the Bells 16 Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen (Lo, How a Rose) 17 Huron Carol ('Twas in the Moon of Wintertime) 18 Patapan from Seven Joys of Christmas 19 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Gothic Records

2007

The critically acclaimed Toronto Children's Chorus performs traditional and contemporary arrangements of Christmas carols. The work of Healey Willan, Violet Archer, John Rutter and Ruth Watson Henerson are featured on this beautiful Christmas CD.

Founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle, C.M., O.Ont., the Toronto Children's Chorus has flourished over twenty-two years and has become one of the world's premiere choral ensembles for children, whose exceptional artistry inspires audiences, critics and children's choirs everywhere.

Over 300 voices, ages 7-17 and placed by level of training in the Toronto Children's Chorus and Training Choirs I, II and III, learn to sing each year with heart, mind and one shared aspiration: choral excellence. Offering its children unique musical, educational and life-enhancing experiences through the finest repertoire - especially Canadian works and world premiere commissions - the Toronto Children's Chorus stands as an international role model in the children's choir movement and celebrates a rich tradition of touring, recording and award-winning performances.

1 Dancing Day, Part I: Prld - Hp Solo - Judy Loman
2 Dancing Day, Part I: Angelus Ad Virginem - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
3 Dancing Day, Part I: A Virgin Most Pure - Jessica Riley
4 Dancing Day, Part I: Personent Hodie - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
5 Dancing Day, Part II: Interlude - Hp Solo - Judy Loman
6 Dancing Day, Part II: There Is No Rose - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
7 Dancing Day, Part II: Coventry Carol - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
8 Dancing Day, Part II: Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day - Jessica Riley
9 Angels' Carol - Judy Loman
10 Noel Nouvelet - David Hetherington
11 The Robin - Joaquin Valdepenas/David Hetherington/Jacob Korenblum
12 Donkey Carol - Richard Dorsey
13 Carol - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
14 Promptement Levez-Vous - Hilary Cameron
15 Mary And Joseph - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
16 Noel Des Enfants - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
17 Christmas - Joaquin Valdepenas/Judy Loman
18 The Huron Carol - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle
19 D'ou Viens-Tu, Bergere? - Richard Dorsey
20 Stille Nacht - Judy Loman
21 The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Toronto Children's Chor/John Ashworth Bartle

Marquis Records

2002

The Dream of Herod features music for Advent, anthems for the Mother & Child, music for Christmas, and The Dream of Herod, a semi-dramatic contemporary work with a particular resonance at Christmas.


1. Alleluya Peter Wishart

2. O Radix Jesse Anon.

3. A Spotless Rose Herbert Howells

4. Rorate Coeli Anon.

5. Of The Father’s Heart Begotten Piae Cantiones (Arr. Willcocks)

6. Ave Maria Anon.

7. I Sing of a Maiden Patrick Hadley

8. Puer Natus Est Nobis Anon.

9. A Flower Given To My Daughter Bob Chilcott

10. Silent Night Franz Gruber

11. Sussex Carol Trad.

12. Away In A Manger Kirkpatrick

13. Adeste Fideles Anon.

14. O Come All Ye Faithful Trad.

The Dream of Herod

Nigel Short

15. Herod’s Despair

16. The Visit Of The Magi

17. The Chorus Of The Voiceless Infants

18. The Chorus Of The Parents Of Judea

19. Mary and joseph Appear To Herod

20. Jesus Appears To Herod

https://signumrecords.com/product/the-dream-of-herod/SIGCD046/

1991

Composer arr. D. Willcocks
John Wade
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Traditional
Composer arr. A Carter
French Traditional
Composer
Sir David Willcocks
Composer
Reginald Jacques
Composer
John Rutter
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Piae Cantiones
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Henry John Gauntlett
Composer
William Mathias
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Franz Xaver Gruber
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
James Pierpont
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Felix Mendelssohn

https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%206671

2006

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

2008

Admired for the sheer beauty of his meditative and mystical music, John Tavener writes of his "Ex Maria Virgine," which was dedicated to HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall in joyful celebration of their marriage: "I have set both.

1 Verbum Caro
2 Nowell! Nowell! Out of Your Sleep
3 Remember O Thou Man
4 Sweet Was the Song
5 Ave Rex Angelorum
6 There Is No Rose
7 Ding! Dong! Merrily on High
8 Rocking
9 Unto Us Is Born a Son
10 Verbum Caro

2006 1 Sing Lullaby 2 Fear and Rejoice O People 3 Unto Us Is Born a Son 4 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day 5 The Truth from Above 6 There Is a Flower 7 On Christmas Night (Sussex Carol) 8 As Dew in Aprylle 9 Remember O Thou Man 10 A Little Hymn to Mary 11 Hereford Carol 12 Totus Tutus 13 Benedicamus Domino 14 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree 15 Wassail Song 16 Out of Your Sleep Arise 17 Here Is the Little Door 18 Magnificat in F 19 A Hymn to the Mother of God Nimbus Records

EMI Classics

2004

Arranged by Classic FM’s Hall of Fame 2004 ‘top-ten-composer’ Karl Jenkins, sung by crack professional choir – Tenebrae – Gaudete is released on SignumClassics both with drums and percussion and as a pure, unadulterated, a cappella version

Founded as recently as 2001, Tenebrae has been embraced by the public and critics alike as one of the most innovative and gifted groups in Britain. Tenebrae’s motto is “passion and precision”, but they also believe in accessibility, performing various different types of music as long as it’s good music, sung well.

Gaudete (“rejoice”) is an anonymous composition that was first published in 1582 in a collection of carols and other religious songs called Piae Cantiones. This collection, made by a Scandinavian called Peter Nyland, included a huge number of other Christmas melodies that have since become ‘standards’, but it only gives music for the chorus of Gaudete; the verses, which tell of the wonder of God’s arrival on earth in human form, have been taken from a Czech medieval song about the Virgin Mary, Ezechielis Porta.


1. Gaudete arr. Karl Jenkins

2. Apres un Reve Faure arr. Alexander L’Estrange

3. The Lamb John Tavener

4. Gaudete (a capella) arr. Karl Jenkins

5. Canon Pachelbel arr. Alexander L’Estrange

6. Mother and Child (extract) John Tavener

7. Clapping Music Steve Reich

https://signumrecords.com/product/gaudete/SIGCD050/

2009

A Gentle Christmas is a wide selection of Christmas music ranging from 15th Century polyphony to new arrangements of traditional carols and popular classics. The majority of the arrangements have been written by current and former members of The Gentlemen of St John's (affectionately known as The Gents), and have proved firm favourites at their famous set at The Maypole and at their annual Christmas concert at St John's. 

In addition to these, the disc also includes several new commissions. The first five tracks comprise sacred music which one might hear in services at St John's, featuring two contrasting settings of "O Magnum Mysterium," taken from the Christmas rite of Matins. 

"Nesciens Mater," a quadruple canon composed by Jean Mouton - said to be the first master of eight-part composition - was, in 2007, voted 'the second best Christmas track of the year' by Gramophone Magazine. 

Such a rich vocal texture is complemented with the beautifully simple setting of the medieval "Coventry Carol" and "Lute-book Lullabye," a carol commissioned for the disc from David Bevan. 

The following six tracks feature arrangements of traditional Christmas carols alongside a setting of Daniel Terry's poem "The Winds Whistle Cold" by Herbert Howells, acting Director of Music of The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge during the Second World War. Former Directors of Music, Dr David Hill and Dr Christopher Robinson, have written beautiful arrangements of "Silent Night" and "The Christmas Song" especially for this recording. 

Completing the set is Timothy Noon's arrangement of the traditional Irish 12th Century "Wexford Carol," and two cradle-songs, arranged and composed by current and former members of the group - Andrew Gant and James Burton; "Away in a Manger" and "Balulalow." 

The second half of the disc is an assortment of Christmas close-harmony. There are arrangements written by recent members of The Gents, from Peter Morton's lively and eccentric collection, including "Let it Snow," to warmer numbers such as Léon Charles's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" along with Peter Gritton's "Winter Wonderland." 

There are also a number of arrangements written especially for the recording - Robert Rice, along with his arrangement of "Wonderful Christmastime," has written a passionate rendition of the WHAM! Classic, "Last Christmas," which complements Gordon Langford's bouncy setting of "Jingle Bells" and Ben Parry's sparkling new arrangement of "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day."

1 O Magnum Mysterium
2 Nesciens Mater
3 Coventry Carol
4 O Magnum Mysterium
5 Lute-Book Lullaby
6 Balulalow
7 Away in a Manger
8 The Winds Whistle Cold
9 Wexford Carol
10 Silent Night
11 The Christmas Song
12 Let It Snow
13 Merry Xmas Everybody
14 Jingle Bells
15 Winter Wonderland
16 I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
17 When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney
18 Wonderful Christmastime
19 Last Christmas
20 I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
21 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Dargason Music

2009

Composers: Praetorius × Scheidt × Altenburg × Hammerschmidt × Buxtehude × Schütz × Lübeck × Schein ×Tunder

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/dulci-jubilo-deutsche-barock-weihnacht

2009

Performances of carols both ancient and modern have become central to the celebration of Christmas. The choral music on this disc includes Holst' surprisingly neglected Christmas Day, as well as music by Leighton, Joubert, Mathias, Gardner and Rutter.



1 Christmas Day
2 There Is No Rose, Op. 14
3 Sir Christemas
4 Here Is the Little Door
5 A Spotless Rose
6 In Terra Pax, Christmas Scene, Op. 39
7 No. 1. Tyrley, Tyrlow
8 No. 2. Balulalow
9 No. 3. As I Sat Under a Sycamore Tree
10 A Hymn of the Nativity
11 What Sweeter Music
12 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
13 A Babe Is Born, Op. 53
14 I. Children's Christmas Song
15 II. Wassail Song
16 III. in Bethlehem City
17 IV. God Bless the Master

Naxos

2008 

The three Christmas cantatas brought together here seem to belong to the same period, notably the first months after J.S. Bach's assumption of his new duties as Cantor of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. 

Christum wir sollen loben schon and Sehet, welch' ein Liebe were composed for the second and the third days of Christmas in 1723 respectively, whilst Ich freue mich was composed for the third day of Christmas in 1724. 

This third cantata is stylistically the latest of the three and is clearly separate from the first two with their traces of earlier styles, although the three cantatas nevertheless have one thing in common: all three make use of the cornet and the trombone, instruments that Bach rarely employed in his cantatas.

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/bach-weihnachtskantaten

2008

A Christmas Festival [Audio CD] Rutter, John; John Rutter; Royal Philharmonic...

1 A Christmas Festival
2 Gaudete Christus Est Natus (Piae Cantiones 1582)
3 The Shepherd's Carol, for Chorus
4 Nos Galan (New Year's Eve), Carol (Welsh)
5 I Wonder As I Wander (American)
6 Ave Maria, for Chorus & Orchestra
7 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (English)
8 Rejoice and Be Merry, for Chorus & Orchestra
9 El Noi de la Mare, Carol (Catalan)
10 A Christmas Overture, for Orchestra
11 Born on a New Day (After You Are a New Day)
12 Magical Kingdom, for Children's Chorus & Orchestra
13 Mary's Little Boy Child, Song
14 Esta Noche Nace Un Ni O (Spanish)
15 Norwegian Sleigh Ride, RT Ix/3
16 De Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
17 New Year, for Chorus & Orchestra
18 I Wish You Christmas, for Children's Chorus, Mixed Chorus & Orchestra
19 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Adapted By w. H. Cummings from Mendelssoh
20 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (For the Film Meet Me in St. Lou

Collegium Records

2007

This disc is sure to delight those who love the sounds of Christmas and are looking for artful arrangements that enhance the familiar with innovative quality. The ensemble’s performance creates a balance and sonority rarely found in a combined choir and orchestra. These are big, creative, highly orchestrated arrangements executed by first-rate professionals. Highly recommended!

Well, the forces really are big here – 44 singers and 48 players – and the sounds they cultivate are lush indeed. The vocal blends are rich and smooth, like the creamiest tomato bisque, and are beautifully supported by the orchestra. The arrangements are stunning, with just the right instrument at the right moment to add the touch that makes it perfect.
—New Classik


1. Angels We Have Heard on High - [ 3:49 ]
2. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - [ 4:31 ]
3. Sussex Carol - [ 2:32 ]
4. Still, Still, Still - [ 6:13 ]
5. I Wonder As I Wander - [ 3:27 ]
6. Pat-a-Pan - [ 2:28 ]
7. Star Candles - [ 4:05 ]
8. Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head - [ 4:31 ]
9. Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella - [ 2:20 ]
10. Suo Gan - [ 4:51 ]
11. Carol of the Bells - [ 2:51 ]
12. Silent Night - [ 4:41 ]

https://www.gothic-catalog.com/Joyous_Day_Utah_Chamber_Artists_p/clcd-928.htm

King’s Singers Christmas comprises 24 carols for each day of Advent, and a bonus 25th track which pays homage to one of their famous songs. Featured on the disc are such celebrated carols as Away in a Manger, specially arranged for the group and other traditional carols performed in their original versions.

Even though nearly every piece on this disc could be heard in an English church carol service, the variety of musical styles covered is immense. Five centuries of music are represented here including works from various different countries.

“As a group that spends much of its life on the road, we are fortunate to be able to gather music from many cultures and traditions beyond our own” says Gabriel Crouch. “Several pieces collected on our travels have found their way onto this playlist, including La Peregrinaçion by the Argentinian Ariel Ramirez, and the Polish-Ukranian song Szczo to za Prediwo, which we first heard performed by a choir from Warsaw at a King’s Singers workshop”.

In addition to the choice of traditional Christmas carols we have chosen pieces by Peter Warlock, John McCabe, John Rutter, Bo Holton and our own Philip Lawson, as representative of the living tradition amongst English institutions for commissioning new carols. A King’s Singers Christmas album would not be complete, however, without a little musical twist or two. These are delivered in the form of Tchaikovsky’s The Crown of Roses which has been arranged by the great jazz arranger Jeremy Lubbock and a new version with Christmas words by Philip Lawson of the perennial King’s Singer’s favourite You are the New Day, sung to the accompaniment of a String Quartet.

1. Veni, veni Emmanuel Trad, arr. Lawson

2. Angelus ad Virginem Trad, arr. The King’s Singers

3. This is the truth sent from above Trad, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams

4. Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern Praetorius

5. Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen Praetorius

6. There is no rose Anon, ed. Stevens

7. Coventry Carol Anon

8. Nowell sing we now Bo Holten, arr. The King’s Singers

9. Remember, O thou man Ravenscroft

10. In dulci jubilo Trad, harm. J.S.Bach

11. Lullay my liking Philip Lawson

12. Bogoroditsye Dyevo Arvo Part

13. The Lamb John Tavener

14. Maria durch ein Dornwald ging Trad, arr. Lawson

15. O little one sweet Trad, harm. J.S.Bach

16. Bethlehem Down Peter Warlock

17. The Crown of Roses Tchaikovsky, arr. Lubbock

18. To us in Bethlem City John McCabe

19. Szczo to za prediwo Trad, arr. Barwinski

20. There is a flower John Rutter

21. La Peregrinacion Ramirez, arr. Knight

22. Away in a manger Melody W.J.Kirkpatrick, arr. Lawson

23. Noel nouvelet Trad, arr. Lawson

24. Stille Nacht Gruber, arr. Rutter

25. Born on a New Day David, arr. Knight/Lawson

https://signumrecords.com/product/kings-singers-christmas/SIGCD502/

2008

"Sometimes the pilgrims who were holding vigil in the church of the Holy Virgin of Montserrat wanted to sing and dance, but they were only allowed to sing respectable and pious songs". Such is the introduction provided by an anonymous hand on the several pages of music contained within the famous mediaeval manuscript in the Abbey of Montserrat. 

In this realisation by the Millenarium ensemble, the pilgrims (the Namur Chamber Choir) are greeted by the monks (Psallentes) and the choirboys (Les Pastoureaux) of the Abbey. Their songs blend with the sounds of the various instruments that lead them into the dance.

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/llibre-vermell

2008

Richard Pearson Thomas is equally at home writing works for the concert hall and the stage (including the Off-Off Broadway hit "Parallel Lives") and "Ossessione" is his modern counterpart to the "standard" repertoire of 24 Italian Art Songs, with a re-examining of the texts casting them through a modern perspective. 

The first performance with John Muriello led to a collaboration, including Thomas' unique adaptation of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," displaying Muriello's remarkable abilities as a singing actor. As a novel bonus, this CD also includes their sparkling interpretations of classic pop songs about love such as Arlen's "That Old Black Magic" and Richard Rodgers' "Bewitched."

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1007/

"A New Joy" (carols from Estonia, Russia, Ukraine)

This CD, which includes several first recordings of music by Kastalski, Izvekov & others, draws upon the rich treasury of 19th- & 20th-century liturgical hymnography and carols of the Nativity Feast, which were suppressed during the tragic events of the 20th century and which have only come to light in recent years.

Bell-ringing (St. Alexander Cathedral) (0'33) NIKOLAI KEDROV SR [1871-1940] · 

Our Father (3'01) ARVO PÄRT [1935-] · 

Rejoice, O Virgin (1'27) ALEXANDER DMITRIEVITCH KASTALSKY [1856-1926] · 

Verses before the Six Psalms No.2 (1'48) · 

Shepherds of Bethlehem (1'31) VASYL BARVINSKYI [1888-1963] · 

Oh, What a Wonder! (2'27) ALEXANDER DMITRIEVITCH KASTALSKY [1856-1926] · 

Today the Virgin Gives Birth (1'54) · 

Verses before the Six Psalms No.1 (2'28) KYRYLO STETSENKO [1882-1922] · 

The Angels Exclaimed (1'37) · 

A New Joy (1'31) YAKIV YATSYNEVYCH [1869-1945] · 

Bells Rang Early in Jerusalem (2'08) ALEXANDER DMITRIEVITCH KASTALSKY [1856-1926] · 

When Augustus Ruled Alone upon Earth (3'04) MYKOLA LEONTOVYCH [1877-1921] · 

A Song of Good Cheer (1'44) KYRYLO STETSENKO [1882-1922] · 

Throughout the World (1'31) PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY [1840-1893] · 

The Legend (2'46) GEORGIY IZVEKOV [1874-1937] · 

Christ is Born (17'17) ALEXANDER DMITRIEVITCH KASTALSKY [1856-1926] · 

Blessed Is the Man (3'15)

https://www.harmoniamundi.com/en/albums/orthodox-christmas-estonia-russia-ukraine/

2001

1 Once in Royal David's City
2 I Sing of a Maiden
3 Virga Jesse
4 A Spotless Rose
5 The Holy Boy
6 Quatre Motets Pour Le Temps de Noel: O Magnum Mysterium
7 Quatre Motets Pour Le Temps de Noel: Quem Vidistis Pastores
8 Quatre Motets Pour Le Temps de Noel: Videntes Stellam
9 Quatre Motets Pour Le Temps de Noel: Hodie Christus Natus Est
10 O Magnum Mysterium
11 Coventry Carol
12 Away in a Manger
13 Hodie Christus Natus Est
14 O Magnum Mysterium
15 Rhap Sur Des Noels
16 Unto Us Is Born a Son
17 The Three Kings
18 In the Bleak Midwinter
19 Bethlehem Down
20 O Come, All Ye Faithful

Guild

2002

1. O magnum mysterium (prima pars) 3:33
2. Quem vidistis pastores (secunda pars) 3:25
3. Ave Maria 3:43
4. Vidi turbam magnam (prima pars) 4:13
5. Et omnes Angeli (secunda pars) 3:28
6. Loquebantur variis linguis 4:14
7. Tu es Petrus 4:24

Missa O Magnum Mysterium
8. Kyrie 3:53
9. Gloria 6:20
10. Credo 9:48
11. Sanctus, Benedictus 7:33
12. Agnus Dei 4:36

https://www.sonoluminus.com/dorian/o-magnum-mysterium

2005

When an ensemble like the BBC Singers, renowned for its commitment to the music of our own time, sets out to record a Christmas CD you can be sure that the repertoire will include material rather different from the usual run of popular standards and arrangements!

One star at last includes eight new carols (six of them specially-commissioned by BBC Radio 3), several premiere recordings, and a selection of music – serious and light-hearted, contemplative and joyful – by some of the leading British, European and North American choral composers of the day.


1. Nowell Sing We Now Bo Holten

2. From lands that see the sun arise Steve Martland

3. Make we joy Steve Martland

4. There is no Rose of such virtue Steve Martland

5. I wonder as I wander Carl Rütti

6. Illuminare, Jerusalem Judith Weir

7. The Shepherd’s Gift Judith Bingham

8. Corpus Christi Carol Francis Grier

9. The Fayrfax Carol Thomas Adès

10. The Shepherds Sing Conrad Susa

11. Nativitas Jean Belmont

12. Seinte Mari Moder Milde James MacMillan

13. Today the Virgin John Tavener

14. Oczekiwanie (Waiting) Jerzy Kornowicz

15. Carol Richard Rodney Bennett

16. One star, at last Peter Maxwell Davies

17. O Magnum Mysterium John Harbison

18. Sleep, little Jesus, sleep Roxanna Panufnik

19. Romance of the Angels Howard Goodall

20. Mrs Beeton’s Christmas Plum Pudding John Harle

https://signumrecords.com/product/one-star-at-last/SIGCD067/

2001

Robert Xavier Rodriguez is one of the most significant and often-performed American composers of his generation. His teachers have included Nadia Boulanger, Jacob Druckman, Bruno Maderna and Elliott Carter. 

His Forbidden Fire, Cantata for the Next Millennium is scored for bass-baritone, double chorus and orchestra. The work was commissioned by the University of Miami School of Music and received its world premiere on October 17, 1998. Conceived as a companion piece to Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, it is a 22-minute exploration of dangerous or forbidden knowledge, as represented by the Promethean metaphor of stealing fire from the gods. 

Con Flor y Canto is a narrative cantata, the central portion of Rodriguez' "Adoracion Ambulante" (1994), a full-evening multi-media Mexican folk celebration. This work had its premiere in October 1994. 

Scrooge, Concert Scenes from "A Christmas Carol" for bass-baritone, Chorus and Orchestra telescopes the actions and myriad characters of Dicken's story into an 18-minute tour de force of five-short scenes featuring the single character of Scrooge accompanied by a chorus of ghosts and holiday revelers.

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy0430/

2007

BBC Music Magazine Vol 12 No 4. 

1. L'adorazione dei Magi 

2. Theme: A Boy was born 

3. Variation I: Lullay, Jesu 

4. Variation II: Herod 

5. Variation III: Jesu, as Thou art our Saviour 

6. Variation IV: The Three Kings 

7. Variation V: In the Bleak Mid-Winter 

8. Variation VI (Finale): Noel! 9. Une cantate de Noel

BBC Music Magazine

2000

"It's good to have the clean-vowelled, fresh-voiced Cambridge Singers back in action with composer John Rutter, who demonstrates once again his considerable talents as a choral director. Here, he also had his work cut out arranging 15 of the tracks (and composing one other). Divided up into various categories, such as "the Eucharist" and "folk hymns," this album will delight the confirmed hymn enthusiast, provided that he or she doesn't insist on the pure, as-written product. Rutter's reworkings range from the bold and brassy (occasionally deliciously over the top--what would Martin Luther have thought of the naughtiness in "A mighty fortress is our God"?) to those of harp-accompanied simplicity, not least in the charming lines of "Be thou my vision." Several tasteful descants are models of their kind. There are some surprises at which to chuckle. For example, not the expected brass and organ job on "We plough the fields and scatter," but a dainty, tripping harp accompaniment to the familiar melody, such as Haydn might have wedded to a Scottish folksong. Occasional numbers might be too saccharine for some tastes, but there are cunningly placed samples of Gregorian chant, Tallis, and Gibbons to provide contrast and cleanse the palate." 

--Andrew Green

Collegium Records

Collegium Records

2007

1 Milagros de Navidad, for chorus, guitar & percussion: Los Reyes de Oriente 

2 Milagros de Navidad, for chorus, guitar & percussion: Angels we have heard on high 

3 Milagros de Navidad, for chorus, guitar & percussion: A la nanita nana (Lullaby) 

4 Milagros de Navidad, for chorus, guitar & percussion: Allà en el portal (Away in a manger) 

5 Milagros de Navidad, for chorus, guitar & percussion: Noche de paz (Silent night) 

6 Milagros de Navidad, for chorus, guitar & percussion: Fum fum fum 

7 Noel Sing We!, for soloist, native American flute & chorus: Noel! To us is born 

8 Noel Sing We!, for soloist, native American flute & chorus: Interlude: Diva natalicia 

9 Noel Sing We!, for soloist, native American flute & chorus: Noel! This is the salutation 

10 Noel Sing We!, for soloist, native American flute & chorus: Interlude: Joy divine 

11 Noel Sing We!, for soloist, native American flute & chorus: Noel! Sing we both all and some 

12 Magnificat secundi toni 

13 Lo, how a rose e'er blooming, for chorus 

14 The Star, for narrator, soloists & chorus 

15 Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio), in six parts, BWV 248 (BC D7): Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht 

16 Work(s): Weihnachtslieder: Vom Himmel hoch 

17 Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio), in six parts, BWV 248 (BC D7): Ich will dich mit Fleiss bewahren 

18 Work(s): Weihnachtslieder: O Jesulein süss! O Jesulein mild! 19 Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio), in six parts, BWV 248 (BC D7): Ich steh an deiner Krippen heir

2004

Imagine yourself in the fine surroundings of the Great Hall of Christ Church, with a programme of Tudor sacred and secular music including music by Henry VIII, one of Christ Church's founders, and choral works by Taverner and others associated with Christ Church during it's first century.

1 Pastime with Good Company
2 Coventry Carol
3 Rorate Coeli
4 Consort No. 3
5 Christe Jesu, Pastor Bone
6 Consort No. 3
7 This Is the Record of John
8 Ave Maria
9 Remember, O Thou Man
10 Consort No. 12
11 While Shepherds Watched
12 From Virgin Pure This Day Did Spring
13 Consort No. 2
14 Laudate Nomen
15 O Nata Lux
16 Magnificat a 4
17 Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sung
18 Quid Petis O Fili
19 Consort No. 13
20 Hosanna to the Son of David

Gift of Music

Christmas had been a much-neglected holiday until the Victorians revived its beloved traditions - trimming the tree, hanging the mistletoe, decking the hall...and celebrating it all in songs called carols. A Victorian Christmas offers a delightful assortment of the popular carols of the time, from those still well-known today, including :The First Noel," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," "Greensleeves," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "The Wassail Song"; to a treasure trove of lesser-known gems including "The Cherry Tree Carol," "The Carnal and the Crane" and "My Dancing Day." 

Featuring the lyrical hammered dulcimer (or, as the Victorians called it, the "piano harp") of Robin Petrie in sparkling arrangements which also include different combinations of piano, strings, harp and guitar.

1	Jacob's Ladder/My Dancing Day
2	The Wassail Song/The First Nowell
3	Christmas Eve
4	The Cherry Tree Carol (2 Versions)
5	Righteous Joseph/The Sans Day carol
6	The Holly And The Ivy/All In The Morning
7	The Sussex Mummers' Carol/The Carnal And the Crane
8	The Wexford Carol/The Sussex Carol
9	The Praise Of Christmas/Greensleeves
10	The Somerset Carol/ God Rest ye Merry, Gentlemen (2 Versions)
11	Lamb Of God
12	The Furry Day Carol
13	Jacob's Ladder ( Reprise)

1	Noel Nouvelet & Patapan
2	In The Bleak Midwinter
3	Do You Hear What I Hear & Little Drummer Boy
4	Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella
5	I Saw Three Ships
6	I Wonder As I Wander
7	Silent Night Fantasy
8	Carol of the Bells & Coventry carol
9	Still, Still Still
10	Christmas Canon/ Canon in D & First Noel
11	While Shepherds Watcher Their Flocks
12	Up On A Housetop

Experience the joy of Christmas with Celtic group KILDARE. As members of the famed group IONA, they helped create some of the most memorable moments in Celtic music. In this joyful holiday offering, traditional carols and new songs of the season are featured.

Coventry Music

1	Carol of The Bells
2	O Little Town of Bethlehem
3	Silent Night
4	Angels We Have Heard On High
5	It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
6	The First Noel
7	Jingle Bells
8	The Coventry Carol
9	Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming
10	O Holy Night
11	Merry Christmas
12	In the Bleak Midwinter
13	Wind Through The Olive Trees

This is Robin's first Christmas album for solo piano and it was worth the wait! Beautifully arranged favorites for the season transport the listener to a quiet relaxing place that celebrates the very soul of Christmas. Sure to become a perennial favorite, selections include 'Carol of the Bells', 'O Holy Night', 'Coventry Carol', 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', a delightful rendition of 'Jingle Bells' and more.

Label: Play Mountain Music

1	Carol of the Bells
2	What Sweeter Music
3	Wassail
4	Do You Hear What I Hear?
5	The Lamb
6	Puer Natus Est
7	O Magnum Mysterium
8	O Little Town of Bethlehem
9	The Angels and the Shepherds
10	A La Nanita Nana
11	Stil, Still, Still
12	The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy
13	Lo, How A Rose
14	Hodie Christus Natus Est
15	The Boar's Head
16	O Come Little Children
17	God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
18	Silent Night

Rubedo Canis Musica

1	A Christmas Festival
2	Gaudete Christus Est Natus (Piae Cantiones 1582)
3	The Shepherd's Carol, for Chorus
4	Nos Galan (New Year's Eve), Carol (Welsh)
5	I Wonder As I Wander (American)
6	Ave Maria, for Chorus & Orchestra
7	Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (English)
8	Rejoice and Be Merry, for Chorus & Orchestra
9	El Noi de la Mare, Carol (Catalan)
10	A Christmas Overture, for Orchestra
11	Born on a New Day (After You Are a New Day)
12	Magical Kingdom, for Children's Chorus & Orchestra
13	Mary's Little Boy Child, Song
14	Esta Noche Nace Un Ni O (Spanish)
15	Norwegian Sleigh Ride, RT Ix/3
16	De Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
17	New Year, for Chorus & Orchestra
18	I Wish You Christmas, for Children's Chorus, Mixed Chorus & Orchestra
19	Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Adapted By w. H. Cummings from Mendelssoh
20	Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (For the Film Meet Me in St. Lou

Laserlight

In 1997, this recording became the most successful first-year release in Collegium history. Mastered from an original 1981 digital tape, once thought lost forever, it is actually the first-ever recording by The Cambridge Singers. It contains 22 Christmas songs, including "The Christmas Song," written by Mel Tormé.

1	Good Christian Men, Rejoice
2	I Wonder as I Wander
3	All My Heart This Night Rejoices
4	Silent Night
5	Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
6	Ding Dong! Merrily on High
7	Three Kings of Orient
8	How Great Our Joy
9	Angels We Have Heard on High
10	Joy to the World
11	Away in a Manger
12	Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle
13	God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
14	What Child Is This?
15	'Twas in the Moon of Winter Time
16	O Little One Sweet
17	Go, Tell It on the Mountain
18	Away in a Manger
19	Rise up, Shepherd, and Follow
20	The Christmas Song
21	We Wish You a Merry Christmas
22	O Come All Ye Faithful

1	Christmas: The Joy and Spirit
2	Light Up the World
3	God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
4	Good King Wenceslas
5	Toyland
6	The Wassail Song
7	The First Noel
8	How Brightly Beams
9	Deck the Halls
10	Up on a Housetop
11	Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
12	Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
13	Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
14	Silent Night
15	O Little Town of Bethlehem
16	It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
17	Jingle Bells
18	Away in a Manger
19	Adeste Fidelis
20	We Three Kings
21	Gotell It on a Mountain
22	O Christmas Tree
23	Jolly Old St Nick
24	Christus Natus Est
25	Westminster Carol
26	We Wish You a Merry Christmas
27	Joy to the World

A typically intriguing and unusual programme from the Choir of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, combining English works from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries with medievally inspired carols by some of our finest living composers.

From the plangent innocence of William Sweeney’s The Innumerable Christ to the shining antiphony of Diana Burrell’s Creator of the Stars of Night, this selection will seduce and enchant. The choral singing combines polish with verve, and director Geoffrey Webber’s meticulous attention to detail is floodlit by the bathing acoustics of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Top of the British Classical Charts for 10 Weeks! Billboard Top Ten Classical Recording - December 2002! This album gathers together most of the carols I have composed over the years, plus a sprinkling of my arrangements of traditional carols, grouped to form a program which narrates, reflects upon, and celebrates the Christmas story. I have always enjoyed carols ever since I first sang them as a member of my school choir, and it was not long before I began to write carols of my own-in fact my first two published compositions were the Nativity Carol and the Shepherd's Pipe Carol. For any musician involved in choral music, Christmas is an especially joyous time, and I am indeed happy that it has played a part in my musical life for so many years- JOHN RUTTER

1 Wexford Carol
2 Jesus Child
3 There Is a Flower
4 Donkey Carol
5 Wild Wood Carol
6 Angels' Carol
7 Nativity Carol
8 Mary's Lullaby
9 Star Carol
10 Candlelight Carol
11 Shepherd's Pipe Carol
12 Christmas Lullaby
13 Dormi, Jesu
14 Love Came Down at Christmas
15 Sans Day Carol
16 I Wonder as I Wander
17 What Sweeter Music
18 Joy to the World
19 I Saw Three Ships
20 Deck the Hall
21 Very Best Time of Year
22 We Wish You a Merry Christmas
23 Silent Night

2006 1 The Holly and the Ivy (English) 2 Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep 3 Once in Royal David's City, Carol 4 The Little Road to Bethlehem 5 Ding Dong! Merrily on High (French) 6 Quem Pastores Laudavere (Hohenfurth Manuscript, 1410) 7 O Little Town of Bethlehem 8 Christmas Is Coming 9 Away in a Manger (Tune: Cradle Song) (New English Hymnal 22) 10 A Child This Day Is Born (English) 11 Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child, for Soloist & Chorus, Op 25B 12 I Saw Three Ships, Carol 13 The Blessed Virgin's Cradle Song, for Chorus & Organ 14 Walking in the Air, Song, Op. 317A (For the Film 'The Snowman') 15 Candlelight Carol, for Chorus & Organ 16 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Carol for Female Chorus & Harp (Or Piano) (From Dancing Day Cycle) 17 See Amid the Winter's Snow, for Chorus 18 King Jesus Hath a Garden (Dutch) 19 Rejoice, the Lord Is King, Hymn, HWV 286 20 Wither's Rocking Hymn ('Sweet Baby, Sleep! What Ails My Dear?'), Carol for Chorus 21 All God's Children Got a Robe 22 I Wonder As I Wander (American) 23 Friday Afternoons, Children's Songs (12) for Children's Chorus & Piano, Op. 7: 5. New Year Carol 24 Myn Lyking 25 Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night) Griffin

2009

1. Il est né le divin enfant
2. White Christmas
3. Nu zijt wellekome
4. On Christmas Night all Christians sing
5. The first Nowell
6. Sterren
7. Midden in de winternacht
8. De herdertjes lagen bij nachte
9. Adeste Fidelis
10. God rest you merry gentlemen
11. O herders verlaat uw bokskens
12. While shepherds watched their flocks
13. This endris night
14. `t Is geboren
15. Laat nu alle droefheid vluchten
16. The Lord at first did Adam make
17. Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
18. Still, still, still
19. Jingle Bells
20. Stille Nacht

Challenge Classics

https://propermusic.com/products/ralphrousseau-onchristmasnight?_pos=1&_fid=922906b3c&_ss=c

This CD was created for the glory of God and His Christmas Season! With melodious harmonies and wonderful background music, Richard Stroczynski and Danuta Wyszynski sing beautiful Polish Christmas Carols with verses that are uniquely translated into English. At the same time, a few Classic English Christmas Carols, such as 'O Holy Night' have verses which have been translated into Polish. The translations are original, and unprecedented. This CD might be especially attractive to Polish-Americans who no longer speak Polish but have nostalgic childhood memories of grandparents singing these Carols during the Christmas Holidays. All Proceeds from the sale of 'Polish-American Christmas Carols' go towards the restoration of St. Stephen's R.C. Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
1 Cicha Noc - Silent Night
2 Bog Sie Rodzi - God is Born
3 Maly Perkusista - The Little Drummer Boy
4 Dzisiaj W Betlejem - Today in Bethlehem
5 Gdy Sliczna Panna - Beautiful Virgin
6 O Holy Night - O Swieta Noc
7 Gdy Sie Chrystus Rodzi - When Christ is Born
8 Wsrod Nocnej Ciszy - In the Stillness of the Night
9 Lulaj-Ze Jezuniu - Lullaby Jesus
10 O Siano, Siano - O Hay, O Hay
11 Oj Maluski, Maluski - O Little One
12 Przybiezeli Do Betlejem - The Shepherds Came to Bethlehem

SAMUEL SCHEIDT AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES Heinrich Schtz - Christoph Bernhardt - Johann-Rudolph Ahle - Johann-Hermann Schein - Johann-Philippe Krieger Prima Pars Concertuum Sacrorum - Geistliche Konzerte Greta DE REYGHERE, soprano - Katelijne VAN LAETHEM, soprano - Agnès MELLON, soprano - Marie-Nolle DE CALLATA , soprano- Henri LEDROIT, counter-tenor - Max VAN EGMOND, bass - James WEAVER, bass

Whereas the main source of inspiration of XVIIth century composers in Central Germany was still the tradition of Lutherian chorals, they gradually fell under the spell of the new Italian music. By and by, the dramatic recitative, vocal virtuosity and the mixture of voices and instruments becomes interwoven with the polyphonic tradition.


Samuel Scheidt's collection of Concertum Sacroru is one of the most stunning illustrations of this Italian influence. This recording also comprises a selection of "spiritual concerts", which, in their own way, also highlight this surprising fusion of styles.

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/scheidt-concertuum-sacrorum

In the vast, echoing space of their medieval home the boys and men of Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum celebrate the awe and mystery of Christmas, ushering in the birth of the Christ-child with a sequence of carols from the last two centuries that combines familiar names with offerings from some of today’s foremost composers.

The Three Kings: music for Christmas from Tewkesbury Abbey - Delphian Records

2007

A Christmas album you’ll want to return to year after year, from the fabulous Swingle Singers…

There are few music lovers in this world who haven’t heard heard the name the Swingle Singers. Since the release of their ground – breaking debut album Jazz Sebastien Bach in 1963, this eight-voice a cappella group has performed in every continent and in the world’s most famous stages, sustaining over four decades a level of international popularity beyond the dreams of its founder, American born Ward Swingle. 

The current line-up of young, gorgeous and talented singers is, of course, several incarnations of “Swingles” younger than the original team. Ward Swingle affectionately refers to them as his “grandchildren”. 

What defines this unique group is not the personnel, nor even the choice of music, but the intimate, close microphone, quasi-instrumental sound with which they stunned the world all those years ago. 

They continue to do so today both live and in the studio. unwrapped will help to make Christmas an even more special occasion, Swingles-style.

1. Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.8 (‘Christmas Concerto’) Arcangelo Corelli, arr. Richard Eteson

2. In the Bleak Midwinter Harold Darke, arr. Tom Bullard (words by Christina Rossetti)

3. Christmas Song Mel Tormé & Robert Wells, arr. Alexander L’Estrange

4. River Joni Mitchell, arr. Tom Bullard

5. Walking in the Air (From ‘The Snowman’) Howard Blake, arr. Joanna Forbes

6. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Sammy Cahn & Julie Styne, arr. Richard Eteson & Alexander L’Estrange

7. O Tannenbaum Traditional, arr. Alexander L’Estrange

8. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Johnny Marks, arr. Richard Eteson

9. Santa Baby Joan Javitts, Philip Springer & Tony Springer, arr. Meinir Thomas

10. Away in a Manger Traditional, arr. Wendy Nieper

11. Carol of the Drum Anonymous

12. Amazing Grace Traditional, arr. Joanna Forbes

13. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Johnny Marks, arr. Joanna Forbes

14. Last Christmas George Michael, arr. Philip Hartley

15. Happy Christmas (War is Over) John Lennon & Yoko Ono, arr. Joanna Forbes

16. Hotaru no Kikari Traditional Scottish, arr. Joanna Forbes (words Traditional Japanese)

https://signumrecords.com/product/unwrapped/SIGCD107/

2008

Jake Heggie composed this musical play in three acts for Frederica von Stade, who has had a large influence on his composing career. Heggie was working in the press office of the San Francisco Opera when he first met von Stade. She listened to some of his songs and became so enthused that Heggie received a commission for his first opera.

Three Decembers is taken from a play titled Some Christmas Letters and tells the story of the emotional lives of three people: mother, adult daughter and son through letters and phone calls during three Decembers in three different decades of their lives.

https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1073-74/

2006

Chandos

From across the United States have come composers and arrangers whose work contributes to this collection of Christmas music. These are carols from around the world brought together in arrangements that reflect an inherently American diversity and spirit. From Virgil Thomson's camp meeting setting of "The Holly and the Ivy" and Steve Barnett's swing verson of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" to Randall Davidson's homespun "Christ Was Born on Christmas Day" and Conrad Susa's magnificent Carols & Lullabies, commissioned from Susa specifically for VocalEssence. Maestro Brunelle has chosen carols-both familiar and unfamiliar-tied to one another by their inventiveness, charm and beauty in one of the year's most exciting new holiday discs.

1-11. Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest: Conrad Susa - [ 21.47 ]
12. What Sweeter Music : Michael Fink [ 2.40 ]
13. Sussex Carol: Traditional, arr. Dale Wood - [ 2:26 ]
14. Sing Hallelu!: Stephen Paulus - [ 2:48 ]
15. Pat-a-Pan: Traditional, arr. Robert J. Batastini - [ 1.35 ]
16. Go Tell It on the Mountain: Traditional, arr. Steve Barnett - [ 4.45 ]
17. Christ Was Born on Christmas Day (:30) : Traditional, arr. Randall Davidson - [ 2.16 ]
18. O Little Town of Bethlehem: Phillips Brooks-Lewis Redner, arr. Stephen Paulus - [ 3.49 ]
19. The Friendly Beasts: Traditional, arr. Robert Farlee - [ 3.04 ]
20. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: Traditional, arr. Daniel Kallman - [ 1.53 ]
21. Ding, Dong, Merrily on High: Traditional, arr. Chester Alwes - [ 1.41]
22. 'Tis Winter Now: Traditional, arr. Monte Mason - [ 2.39 ]
23. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear: Richard Willis, arr. Philip Brunelle - [ 3.18 ]
24. Away in a Manger: W.J. Kirkpatrick, arr. Bradley Ellingboe - [ 2:20 ]

25. The Holly and the Ivy : Traditional, arr. Virgil Thomson - [ 3.43 ]

Clarion Records

https://www.gothic-catalog.com/Welcome_Christmas_VocalEssence_p/clcd-908.htm?1=1&CartID=0

 

Tenebrae is a professional chamber choir, founded and directed by Nigel Short in 2001. Often performing by candlelight, the choir creates an atmosphere of spiritual and musical reflection, where medieval chant and renaissance works are interspersed with contemporary compositions. The carefully selected team of singers use the acoustic and atmostphere of the building to enable the audience to experience the power and intimacy of the human voice.

Tenebrae has an exceptionally wide repertoire from early, through renaissance, baroque and classical music, to romantic and twentieth century works, plus a range of specially commissioned pieces, the most recent of which is Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles. What Sweeter Music is a real festive treat, with a sumptuous collection of songs and carols for Christmas – touching on traditional favourites (Silent Night, Away in a Manger), modern classics (The Lamb, What Sweeter Music) and some new light-hearted arrangements (Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas).

1. Jingle Bells Arr. Ben Parry

2. Silent Night Franz Gruber, Arr. Jonathan Rathbone

3. What Sweeter Music? John Rutter

4. A Spotless Rose Herbert Howells

5. Quem Pastores? Trad, Arr. Nigel Short

6. Veni, veni Adrian Peacock

7. There is a Flower John Rutter

8. Alleluia Peter Wishart

9. The Lamb John Tavener

10. I Wonder as I Wander Arr. Andrew Carter

11. Quelle est cette odeur agreable? French Trad, Arr. David Willcocks

12. We Wish You a Merry Christmas Arr. Nigel Short

13. The Oxen Jonathan Rathbone

14. Gaudete Arr. Karl Jenkins

15. Away in a Manger Trad, Arr. Nigel Short

16. Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day Trad, Arr. David Willcocks

17. Nativity Carol John Rutter

18. The Twelve Days of Christmas Arr. Andrew Carter

https://signumrecords.com/product/what-sweeter-music/SIGCD182/

2006

The Choral Project's fifth recording, Winter, features, appropriately enough, music with winter and holiday themes. A wide variety of nationalities and genres are represented here, from contemporary composer Eric Whitacre to pieces from Holland, Nigeria, Russia and Jamaica.

1. Gloria – Dominick Argento
2. A Child is Born in Bethlehem – Samuel Scheidt
3. Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella – arr. Neil Ginsberg
4. Ave Maria – Franz Biebl
5. In dulce jubilo – Jetse Bremer
6. Lo, how a rose e'er blooming – Michael Praetorius, arr. Jan Sandström
7. Winter – Eric Whitacre
8. Bogoroditse Djevo – Arvo Pärt
9. Bogoroditse Djevo (from "All-Night Vigil," Op. 37) – Sergei Rachmaninoff - [ 3:01 ]
10. Lullaby my Jesus – Peter Warlock, arr. Andrew Carter - [ 2:46 ]
11. The 12 Days of Christmas – arr. Gregg Smith - [ 4:57 ]
12. Jing-ga-lye-ya – Bruce Sled - [ 2:17 ]
13. Keresimesi Odun De O (Nigerian Carol) – arr. Wendell Whalum - [ 2:29 ]
14. Mary's Little Boy Child (Jamaican Carol) – Jester Hairston, adapted by Daniel Hughes - [ 5:26 ]
15. Christmas Goes Classical – David Maddux - [ 7:49 ]
16. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane, arr. Doug Andrews - [ 2:46 ]

Clarion

https://www.gothic-catalog.com/Winter_The_Choral_Project_Daniel_Hughes_p/clcd-918.htm

	1. I Saw Three Ships/Sussex Carol
2	Away in a Manger
3	Deck the Halls
4	Huron Carol
5	O Come Little Children/Ring, Christmas Bells
6	I Wonder As I Wander
7	Joy to the World
8	We Three Kings
9	Rise Up, Sheherd and Follow
10	In This Sweet Yuletide
11	Carol of the Bells
12	Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
13	Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
14	Silent Night/The Happy Christmas Comes Once More

The Cambridge Road Ensemble Kurt Heinecke Keyboards, Trumpet, Recorders, Irish Whistles, Wind Controller, Valve Trombone, Lap Harp, Percussion, Programming Kurt's background provides a broad range of musicianship.

Beginning with trumpet and piano at an early age and later adding voice and electronic music to his studies, Kurt received his B.A. in Band and Choral Education at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. 

He has toured professionally, taught general music in the Bahamas, and been a band director and director of church music. Currently he is the Director of Music for Big Idea Productions, creator of the VeggieTales video series, which has sold 50 million videos, 5 million audio units, and is currently working on their second full-length feature film, 'The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything.' For his work as a producer, writer, and arranger, he has been awarded 6 Dove Awards (Gospel Music's equivalent to the Grammy), and numerous gold and platinum albums. Paul Heinecke Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet, Cornet, Fluegelhorn, Guitars, Recorders, Mountain Dulcimer Paul started his musical training on piano and then switched to trumpet at age 10. 

In high school he also became an avid guitarist. Upon graduation from Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois in 1976 he was hired as a Director of Bands for Luther North High School in Chicago. In 1980 he and Ruth moved to the Madison, Wisconsin area to start his fund raising business. 

As an active Madison area freelance musician, Paul performs with various brass ensembles, orchestras, bands, and jazz groups. He is a featured soloist and ensemble member on two All That Jazz Big Band CDs and three Wisconsin State High School Honors Concert recordings. 

He also served as the Trumpet Section Leader for the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music 2000, 2004, and 2006 European Tours. He is currently the Director for All That Jazz Big Band, the Mount Horeb Community Band, and Verona Area High School Jazz 1 and Jazz Too Instrumental Ensembles. Mark Heinecke Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo, Ocarina, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone Mark began his musical training on piano and moved on to flute at an early age. He actively pursued jazz through flute and saxophone while in college. He graduated with a B.A. in Education from Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois in 1974. 

He has completed advanced studies in English, Norwegian, and Music at the University of Oslo, Norway where he received his degree in 1984. Mark currently teaches Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone at two Schools of the Arts in the Oslo, Norway area, and remains active as a player, performing in churches and festivals throughout Norway. 

Ruth Heinecke Piano, Keyboards Ruth was proficient at the piano at an early age. At age nine, she was named the youngest organist in the United States in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Studying piano, voice, organ and percussion in college, she received her B.A. in music and education from Concordia University, River Forest, IL. 

Ruth currently maintains a private piano studio, serves musically at her church, teaches preschool music, and has continued graduate level piano studies through the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Ruth is a popular accompanist and piano adjudicator throughout southern Wisconsin. In 2004 and 2006, Ruth served as accompanist for the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music European tour. 

In the Madison Area Piano Teachers Associated, she is the chairperson of Performers Supporting Performers. Joining the Cambridge Road Ensemble on A World of Christmas Carols are Paul and Ruth's sons - David Heinecke on bass guitar and horn, and Luke Heinecke on classical guitar and percussion. On Expressions of Christmas, we hear Luke Heinecke on classical guitar, and Kurt's daughter, Gretchen Heinecke, on horn.

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