Gaudete [Import]

Track Listings

1. All Around My Hat

2. Gaudete

3. Sum Waves

4. Bachelor's Hall

5. Alison Gross

6. Thomas the Rhymer

7. Bach Goes to Limerick

8. Cadwith Anthem

9. Dance With Me

10. Gone to America

11. Black Jack Davy

12. Let Her Go Down

13. Long Lankin

14. Wife of Ushers Well

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Budget price collection from Disky featuring 14 tracks including 'All Around My Hat', 'Sum Waves', 'Dance With Me' & 'Gone To America'. 2003.

Tracks:

The Holly & The Ivy
Gaudete
L'Amour De Moi
Salva Nos
Glass Window
There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu
Kinderly
In Dulce Jubilo
Love Me Broughte
I Am Eve
Quan Vey La Lauzeta
The Coventry Carol
Undrentide
Ecce Mundi Gaudium
Blow Northern Wind

Customer Reviews:

buy this one first.......2006-06-29

This is not really a Christmas, or even a seasonal, album, more of a best of the Babes. yYs, they lead off with "The Holly and the Ivy" (and do it beautifully) but do not buy this as a "holiday music album"... or do... you won't regret buying it whatever your reasons!
This was my introduction to this band and I was absolutely floored. It lived in my car CD player for 2 months straight, and still is in the first section of my CD storage unit.... a rare honor for *any* Cd. It is also responsible for causing me to go out and try to buy every other CD the band has out, and I have not been disapointed in any of the ones I have gotten so far.
Speaking as a former music major, religious student, and medieval re-creationist, I know I can be pretty nit picky when it comes to "medieval" music; all too often it is neither medieval, nor (in my opinion) music! This is one of those rare exceptions that can manage to get you out of a chair to dance, while singing at the top of your lungs in Olde Englishe, Latin, or whatever. There isnt a bad voice in the lot (although some of the harmonies can be a bit odd if you arent used to medieval music) and the instrumental backings are pure gold.

Great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes.......2006-02-27

This CD has many songs from previous albums and a few new songs. It is a great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes music and serves as "best of" type of collection. It is billed as a "holiday" collection but I listen to it year round and quite often. The Mediaeval Baebes have a very unique and wonderful sound.

Great choral versions of ancient songs.......2005-11-19

I first heard the Mediaeval Baebes on a UK double CD (Best carols in the world ever) featuring three of their trackss (Guadete, Coventry carol, Adam lay ibounden), all of which can also be found on their debut album, but my curiosity only became aroused when that UK double CD was updated and repackaged with a different title (Best Christmas carols ever) and all the Mediaeval Baebes tracks were omitted with other choirs replacing them. My research showed that they have become an established group (albeit with line-up changes) and are now very successful in their chosen style, which some may regard as classical but (since they sing with their natural voices rather than operatic voices) seems more like traditional folk music to me.

This is not a Christmas album in the true sense of the word although there are some recognizable Christmas carols here - rather it is a compilation of music taken from their earlier albums together with a couple of re-recordings and two completely new recordings. I would have liked some liner notes giving some detailed information about the songs but very little information is actually provided. Apparently, much more information can found in the booklets provided with the original album releases. Still, it's the music that counts and, when it comes to choral music, this is as good as it gets.

The set opens with The holly and the ivy, set to the tune that everybody is familiar with. I seem to remember reading somewhere that this tune, although old, is not the original tune written for the song. This is where liner notes would be useful - and as this is one of the new recordings, their original albums won't help. Given that the Mediaeval Baebes aim to re-record very old songs, it would have been nice to hear them sing it to its original tune if it really was different from the current one. I suppose it doesn't matter since they sing the song superbly anyway.

Other Christmas carols that you are likely to recognize are Gaudete (revived most famously by folk-rockers Steeleye Span), In dulce jubilo (a new recording for this album, it was recorded in the seventies by Mike Oldfield, who had a UK hit with his instrumental version) and The Coventry carol. The other songs are unfamiliar to me but the group perform them all brilliantly. The other song of theirs on that UK carols compilation (Adam lay ibounded) is not included, but there's plenty else to make up for that omission.

The instruments used to back the group (mostly played by members of the group) are interesting. They include a zither, a hurdygurdy, a citern, a glockenspiel, an astrowheel and three different types of recorder - not the kind of instruments to be heard regularly on pop and rock albums. I was particularly pleased to find the recorders here. Like many Brits of my generation, I was forced to learn to play the recorder at school (I did so very badly) and so the recorder has never had a great reputation, but when played well and in the right setting (as here), it sounds wonderful.

This is a fine compilation in many ways but it may be that one of the original albums (which apparently have detailed liner notes) will provide an even better introduction to the music of the Mediaeval Baebes. Despite my reservations, this is still (easily) a five-star album and I'll certainly listen to more of their music eventually.

A pleasing tone.......2004-12-02

This is probably one of my new favorite Christmas albums. It is an absolute gem. It isn't an over-powering album with new or different things but they have recorded a few lesser known Latin Carols that are not given much attention anymore. Gaudete was one that stood out. The arrangement is rather simple and beautiful and the song itself is melodic in an unusual way. I have found that this CD has appealed to a fairly wide spectrum of people and would make a great album to play in the background during the Holidays. I think this would be the perfect thing to put on in the late afternoon in December while curling up with a good book or wrapping presents.

A "best of", not really a Christmas record.......2004-03-27

Potential purchasers should bear that in mind. As with the Medieval Baebes debut album it contains a small proportion of `holiday season' material, but most of it can be listened to without embarrassment at any time of the year. (In my experience, all of it can - even on a warm spring afternoon I can't bring myself to program out `In Dulci Jubilo', `The Holly...' etc).

Another thing potential purchasers should bear in mind - this compilation winds up being a better "best of" than the album of that name.

It's more representative - career-spanning and able to demonstrate the increasing ambition and complexity of the arrangements, and of Katharine Blake's compositions. (Of course, some of their experiments with modern instrumentation on the `Undrentide' album didn't work, but they don't appear here).

It's also more enjoyable on a basic musical level - there are no over-repetitive pieces, no odd song-fragments...nothing that drags. Or maybe there are a couple of weak spots - "I Am Eve" which goes on a little too long, and Audrey Evans's rendition of "L'amour de moi" which is suprisingly weak, and no substitute for the original featuring the much-missed Dorothy Carter - but these are easily forgiven.

Tracks:

Antiphona Post Evangelium - In Dulci Jubilo
Versus Alleluiatici: Adorabo - Nova Schola Gregoriana
Ordo Virtutum: Procession - Oxford Camerata
Viderunt Omnes - Tonus Peregrinus
Fines Terre Salutare Dei Nostri Jubilate Deo Omnis Terra (Plainchant) - Tonus Peregrinus
Notum Fecit - Tonus Peregrinus
Dominus - Tonus Peregrinus
Salutare Suum Ante Conspectum Gentium Revelavit - Tonus Peregrinus
Justitiam Suam (Plainchant) - Tonus Peregrinus
Gaudete Christus Est Natus - Oxford Camerata
Cantiga De Santa Maria - Michael Posch
Exiit Diluculo - Unicorn Ensemble
Humils Forfaitz - Michael Posch
Adieu Ces Bons Vins De Lannoys - Michael Posch
Non Avra Ma'Pieta Questa Mia Donna - Michael Posch
Non Ara May Pieta Questa Mia Dona - Michael Posch
Veni Creator - Tonus Peregrinus
D'Ung Aultre Amer - Capilla Flamenca
Alleluya - Capilla Flamenca
El Grillo - Shirley Rumsey
El Grillo - Capilla Flamenca
Missa 'La Sol Fa Re Mi': Kyrie - Capilla Flamenca
Le Chant Des Oiseaux - The Scholars Of London
Passe & Medio/Den Iersten Gaillarde - Capilla Flamenca
Den III Ronde, Den VI Ronde-Les Quatre Branles - Convivium Musicum Gothenburgense
Gaillarde I, II, III - Convivium Musicum Gothenburgense

Tracks:

In Nomine - Rose Consort Of Viols
In Nomine No.20 - Rose Consort Of Viols
Spem In Alium - Oxford Camerata
Sanctus - Oxford Camerata
Du Fond De Ma Pensee - Christine Morel
The King Of Denmark's Galiard - Rose Consort Of Viols
Flow, My Tears - Dorothy Linell
Greiner Zancker - Ensemble Villanella
Stat ('Tsaat) Ein Meskin - Ensemble Villanella
Tiento - Shirley Rumsey
Tribulationem Et Dolorem - Oxford Camerata
Lagrime Di San Pietro: 'Il Magnanimo Pietro' - Bo Holten
Missa 'Susanne Un Jour': Kyrie - Oxford Camerata
Beau Le Crystal - The Scholars Of London
Missa 'O Magnum Mysterium': O Magnum Mysterium - Oxford Camerata
Missa 'Papae Marcelli': Kyrie - Oxford Camerata

Customer Reviews:

another winner from Naxos.......2007-02-21

This is another winning compilation from Naxos. My only comment is to provide a heads-up regarding the track list in the booklet. CD 1 puts the Leonin "Viderunt Omnes" on six tracks, while the booklet leaves room for only one. Thus, add five to booklet tracks five through 21 for CD1 to get them to match. (I.e., where the booklet says tracks 15 and 16 are two versions of Josquin's "El Grillo," your CD player will show them to be tracks 20 and 21.) With luck this will be corrected in later printings.

Also, I would have liked the booklet to include the words, but perhaps that is an inducement to get particular CDs from Naxos.

As for the music itself--breadth of selection, musicianship, sound quality, all are excellent. A great collection!

awesome value -- 5+ stars.......2006-07-15

I'm really enthusiastic about these CDs and booklet. I've had it for a few weeks now, in which I've explored Medieval and Renaissance music much more deeply than this little book and CD set. Yet I'm very glad I started with these.

The selection of composers gives an excellent, broad sweep across several centuries.

But the booklet contains one of the most informative essays I've found about early music, and I've spent a few dozen dollars buying books. If the booklet were separated from the CDs, it alone would be worth more than $10.

In short, if you're interested in exploring early music, this really is one of the best places to start; the best place that I know of. I'm sure, at any rate, that you can't beat the value.

A Little Chrismas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
like all but one track
Heaven is here!
A Very Mixed Bag
Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings

A Little Chrismas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers
various/traditional , Dame Kiri Te Kanawa , The King's Singers , London Sinfonia , and Richard Hickox
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Watching the White Wheat: Folk Songs of the British Isles; King's Singers
Kids' Stuff
The King"s Singers: English Renaissance
Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers

ASIN: B000002RRF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Here We Come A-Wassailing
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
The Little Drummer Boy
I Wonder As I Wander
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
Stille Nacht
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
A Little Christmas Music (Medley A La Mozart)
The Coventry Carol (Lully, Lulla)
The Boar's Head Carol
Gaudete
Joy To The World
Three Spanish Carols: Riu, Riu, Chiu
Three Spanish Carols: El Nino Querido
Three Spanish Carols: Villancico Catalan
Deck The Hall
The Wexford Carol
The Gift (Simple Gifts)
Patapan And Farandole

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-11-29

The King's Singers come to us steeped in the 500 year old English tradition of choral singing; and that's fine with me.!!!There are 6 singers in this group (the personnel change from time to time)namely: Jeremy Jackman and Alastair Hume (countertenors)- Robert Chilcott (tenor)- Bruce Russell and Simon Carrington (baritones) and Stephen Connolly (bass). They are very capably accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia and Brass Quintet conducted by Richard Hickox. An added PLUS is the great Kiri Te Kanawa who sings an arrangement by Daryl Runswick entitled "A Little Christmas Music (Medley a la Mozart)". It's a hodge-podge of Mozart melodies sewn together in a rather haphazard manner, and meant to be humorous. I guess this type of composition does not appeal to me personally, and I'm sorry that Kiri's glorious voice was wasted. However, that's only MY opinion; I am certain others may disagree.
This album is really a mixture of Christmas tunes and that's partly what makes it interesting. And, of course it is masterfully sung by the King's singers;I enjoy all their discs; especially the recording of Gilbert and Sullivan tunes. Some of the arrangements on this disc are somewhat esoteric, and I'm not too fond of the very STRANGE arrangement (again by Daryl Runswick) of the Coventry Carol, but 'to each his own'. Their opening selection:"Here We Come a-wassailing" (arr. Robert Chilcott) is a great opening number and I must say that it's the best arrangement I have ever heard of this selection.
Let's face it:the KING'S SINGERS are perfection. But don't forget our American group:Chanticleer.

like all but one track.......2006-02-02

With the exception of track 11 (The Coventry Carol, Lully lulla) I really like this CD. I personally prefer the traditional renditions of The Coventry Carol. I do not like the "modern" harmonics and arrangement of it on this CD. Otherwise, it is very fine, indeed.

Heaven is here!.......2005-10-26

Xmas carols are always touching, but this cd is beyond all you have already heard. The King's Singers plus Kiri Te Kanawa is a combination of angelical adult voices, yes, adults can also have angelical voices. Buy this cd and check yourself if it is not true!

A Very Mixed Bag.......2003-08-15

I've often admired the King's Singers' performances, and of course they are a famous and accomplished ensemble, noted for the precision of their close-harmony singing, so I was looking forward to this CD. I regret to say that I find it a very mixed bag, on the whole disappointing. Unfortunately the reliable executant skills of the King's Singers are not matched here by their judgment and taste in choosing arrangements--perhaps there was too great a push for mixing it up, adding variety, "something different." The resulting arrangements are wildly uneven, some of them unattractive and tasteless in varying degrees from mild to dreadful. They range from the very good (bands 7 and 18: straightforward a cappella close-harmony, which is what these singers do best), to exotic (band 16), to schmaltzy (band 5), to busy (band 8), to campy (bands 11 and 19), to cutesy (bands 3 and 6), to terminally cutesy-poo (bands 4, 11, and 19). "Deck the halls," for example, is done in by its arch, cutesy-poo arrangement, as is "White Christmas," which even includes a bizarre, wholly gratuitous interpolation of a bit from Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije, God knows why!

Band 12, "The Coventry Carol," the longest cut on the CD, demands special mention: it is downright awful. The annotator of this CD writes cosily, "And of course there are the old traditional English Christmas songs, all mulled wine and mince pies." Nothing could be less descriptive of what we get here, where the misguided, pretentious, weird, grotesquely ugly, far-out dissonant-modern arrangement does its utmost to pervert and spoil this lovely old English carol, twisting and distorting it into something almost unrecognizable; this cut is a real horror. (Sir David Willcocks, the famed King's College choirmaster under whom the King's Singers trained and sang as youths, would be appalled. The man responsible for this travesty, one Daryl Runswick, also arranged two other selections; his consistently tasteless arrangements comprise three of the four worst on the CD.)

The performing forces vary from the a cappella singers to accompaniments with brass ensemble or orchestra. The variable but undistinguished engineering (EMI's Abbey Road studios, 1989)--over-processed, over-bright, hard-edged, and occasionally canned-sounding--is an additional drawback. If you like traditional Christmas music (as I do) you might want to think twice before buying this CD. At least try to listen to it first. Caveat emptor.

Among My Top 10 Christmas Recordings.......2002-12-26

King's Singers maintains the highest standard for all those who aspire to create spine-tingling a cappella harmony. Somewhat akin to the small number of their peers worldwide, no style seems off limits to their abilities. But certain aspects set the King's Singers apart. Perhaps it is their early and consistent training in the English choral discipline, or the many, years of touring together in one combination or other. Their most remarkable quality is their quintessentially English sound -- the pipe-like tone produced especially in the mid- to upper registers -- that is at once remarkably free of vibrato, but still alive with overtones. If one listens closely to the solo parts, it becomes evident: the sound isn't produced merely by excellent group intervallic intonation, but by individual voices capable of producing overtones. Thus, it's the sound you can't hear that takes your breath away.

Because the recording is so excellent on the whole, one disappointment stands out: I wish that Coventry Carol had been saved for another recording. The dissonances conjure up distressing images at odds with the overall effect they seem to have been trying to accomplish with the recording, and I can certainly imagine that in another context, I might have been interested and emotionally moved, rather than unsettled and annoyed.

Tracks:

Bells
Intonazione Ottavo Tono
Canzona
Introit
Son 333
Toccata 1
Intonazione Primo Tono
Kyrie
Christe
Kyrie
Gloria
Collect
Intonazione Terzo
Epistle
Canzona
Gospel
Intonazione Settimo Tono
Offertory: Deus Qui Beatum Marcum
Preface
Sanctus & Benedictus
Fanfare Sarasinetta
Son
Pater Noster
Canzona
Intonzione Quinto Tono
Communion: O Sacrum Convivium
Postcommunion
Benedictus Dominus Deus Sabaoth
Motet: Omnes Gentes

Customer Reviews:

Andrea and Giovanni.......2007-05-10

I can only say "ditto" to all the previous reviews. This recording has to be the best one of Andrea's works, which are all too rarely performed. Love the strong, low-register, at-times-blasting brass! Surely this is how the Gabrieli's intended the music. It makes the hair stand up on the back of one's neck! McCreesh's dynamic's instincts are spot-on and are a dramatic departure from his previous efforts. I cannot praise this CD enough.....

This CD won several awards .......2007-03-24

The other reviews here are spot on and i agree! This is a very special disc.
May i also add that it was awarded Record of the Year 1990 by ABC-FM Stereo
here in Australia and Gramophone (UK) 1990 Early Music Award.
I also suggest looking at abcshop dot com dot au for a superb selection of High quality classical music most of which is produced in Oz and not seen in huge quantities overseas. Amazon does have a few also. Type in ABC Classics
and browse through the selection.

Venetian Coronation CD.......2007-01-09

The item arrived in a good time and was well packed and in excellent condition. It was less than ordering it elsewhere. I learned of the music on PBS radio and was enchanted by it. Having a copy is a joy.

Wow! This is the best I've heard Gabrieli.......2005-01-19

The performance of Giovanni and Andrea Gabrieli is quite amazing. The acoustical effects of brass, organ and voices bouncing of the walls in natural stereophonic sound is really beyond description. A good mix of brass ensemble, vocals, organ and gregorian chant. I had not listened much to Andrea Gabrieli before I bought this CD and I have to admit that his contributions to this CD are very powerful.

The "omnes" at the end of the cd has extraordinary musical power. It builds to an amazing climax that has caused many a chill to go up my spine. On a personal note, I listened to this song on my way to see my alzheimer's stricken mother who had died just moments earlier. The finale to this CD represents the finale to my mother's life to me and will always be an important piece of music to my soul. I truly love this cd.

5 stars doesn't do this recording justice.......2004-12-28

There is little to say about this superlative recording that hasn't been said before. It represents the high point of the recording career of Paul McCreesh and his Gabrieli Consort and Players. This recording happens to be one of the best recordings of the music of Giovanni and Andrea Gabrieli available.

If you only ever buy one recording of Gabrieli's music, make it this one. There are a few good recordings of Gabrieli's music but none are better that 'A Venetian Coronation'. The recording 'Venetian Church Music', by the Taverner Consort & Players, is similar in quality to 'A Venetian Coronation', only Andrew Parrott did not choose to present the music as a recreation of an event.

The cornetts, Baroque violins, Baroque trombones and organs are all played with great style and panache in this recording. The choir features men's voices - from soprano to bass, and the sound blends beautifully with the cornetts and sackbuts.

Listen to 'Deus qui beatum Marcum' and you'll buy this recording.

This recording was a miracle and a wonder in its time and it is still the most impressive recording of its kind.

Average customer rating:

Gregorian Chants for All Seasons

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1
Chant
Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's
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ASIN: B000001K22
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

Introit For The 1st Sunday In Advent (Mode 8)
Introit For The 4th Sunday In Advent (Mode 4)
Communion 3rd Sunday In Advent (Mode 7)
Introit For The 3rd Sunday In Advent (Mode 1)
Offertory For The 4th Sunday In Advent (Mode 8)
Hymn For Christmas Vespers (Mode 1)
Introit For The 3rd Christmas Mass (Mode 7)
Alleluia Of The 3rd Christmas Mass (Mode 8)
Communion For The Feast Of The Holy Confessor (Mode 8)
Gradual For The Feast Of The Holy Confessor (Mode 2)
Offertory For The 2nd Sunday After Epiphany (Mode 6)
Communion For The 2nd Sunday After Epiphany (Mode 6)
Introit For Sexagesima Sunday (Mode 1)
Tract Of Sexagesima Sunday (Mode 8)
Communion For The 2nd Sunday In Lent (Mode 5)
Offertory For Palm Sunday (Mode 8)
Gradual For Maundy Thursday (Mode 5)
Offertory For Maundy Thursday (Mode 2)

Tracks:

Introit For Easter Sunday (Mode 4)
Gradual For Easter Sunday (Mode 2)
Alleleuia For Easter Sunday (Mode 7)
Sequence For Easter Sunday (Mode 1)
Offertory For Easter Sunday (Mode 4)
Communion For Easter Sunday (Mode 6)
Antiphon For Easter Sunday In Praise Of Mary (Mode 6)
Introit For Ascension (Mode 7)
Offertory For Ascension (Mode 1)
Introit For Pentecost Sunday (Mode 8)
Sequence For Pentecost Sunday (Mode 1)
Communion For Corpus Christi Day (Mode 7)
Introit For The Feast Of The Immaculate Conception (Mode 3)
Introit For The Feast Of Christ The King (Mode 3)
Communion For The Feast Of Christ The King (Mode 6)
Introit For All Saints Day (Mode 1)
Offertory For All Saints Day (Mode 1)
Communion For All Saints Day (Mode 1)
Introit For All Souls Day (Mode 6)
Antiphon For Burial Service (Mode 7)

Average customer rating:

The Natural State of Man is Joy

Gaudete
Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum , and Almeda Berkey
Manufacturer: Soli Dei Gloria Rec.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00000E7S2
Release Date: 1992-08-01

Tracks:

Angels We Have Heard on High, from Traditional French Carol
O Come, All Ye Faithful, Traditional English Carol
Gaudete / Rejoice
Sinfonia / In Dulci Jubilo
Lo, How a Rose Eer Blooming
Now the Word Becomes the Flesh
Gloria / Unto us a Child has Been Born Today (Paul Tranisi - Baritone solo),
Psallite / Lift Your Voice and Sing
Christ the Lord is Born Today
Let the Earth with Praise Resound
The Glory of the Father, Egil Hovland
Angelus ad Pastores Ait, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck
Ave Maria, Anton Bruckner
Salvation is Created, Paul Tschesnokoff
Ave Maria, from
Glory be to God
Jesu, Son Most Sweet and Dear, from Colin Brumby (Phyllis Noble - Alto solo; Jackson Berkey - Korg M1 Music Workstation)
How Still He Rests, Brent Pierce (Beth Asbjornson - Soprano solo; Bob Jenkins - Oboe; Jackson Berkey - Glass Windchimes)

Customer Reviews:

The Natural State of Man is Joy.......2001-01-03

Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum is a 16-member professional singing group from Omaha; it is under the direction of Almeda Berkey. She and her husband, Jackson Berkey, a noted composer in his own right, are the principal keyboardists for Mannheim Steamroller. They both sang with the Norman Luboff choir in years past; many of the harmonies in their work are (fortunately) influenced by the Luboff style. Gaudete is their second CD. Much of it consists of familiar Christmas music (done beautifully, crisply, and with precision), but the other material on this album is the reason to buy it. To put it frankly, "Jesu, Son Most Sweet and Dear" with alto soloist Phyllis Noble, is one of the most hauntingly beautiful, extraordinary things I've ever heard. I know people who set their CD player to repeat this particular track over and over again. Other standout selections are Chesnekov's "Salvation is Created," and what is listed as "Ave Maria," which is the Bogoroditste Devo from Rachmaninov's Vespers. It is absolutely smashing, especially when the basses come in at the climax. A thoroughly satisfying album, done with taste and style; I'm pleased to recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Precise performances of festive music

Medieval Carols

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Now Make We Merthe
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Medieval Christmas

ASIN: B0000013XQ
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Ave Maria - Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave/Jeremy Summerly
What tidlings bringest thou? - Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave
O viridissima virga - Rebecca Outram
Alma redemptoris matter - Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave/Jeremy Summerly
Deo gracias Angila - Jeremy Summerly/Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave/Rebecca Outram
Be merry be merry - Debroah Mackay/Jeremy Summerly/Philip Cave
Riu riu chiu - Jeremy Summerly/Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave/Rebecca Outram
There is no rose - Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave
Planctus Guillelmus - Jeremy Summerly
Eya mater Stephane - Jeremy Summerly/Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave/Rebecca Outram
Gaudete Christus est natus - Jeremy Summerly/Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave/Rebecca Outram
Hail Mary full of grace - Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave/Rebecca Outram
Now may we singen - Philip Cave/Rebecca Outram/Jeremy Summerly
Nowell sing we - Jeremy Summerly/Debroah Mackay/Philip Cave
Planctus David - Philip Cave

Customer Reviews:

Precise performances of festive music.......2006-08-11

This anthology of early Christmas music provides a refreshing alternative to traditional seasonal releases, introducing the newcomer to these works with a representative and well contrasted programme. The performances - by a much reduced Oxford Camerata - are carefully executed and well-balanced, if perhaps not authoritative, and a bargain at this price.

From a musicological viewpoint, there are, however, a few points worthy of mention. Firstly, it must be admitted that there is a certain degree of artistic licence with the title "Medieval Carols" given the inclusion of 2 Renaissance works in the programme - 'Riu, riu, chiu' (from 'Villancicos de diversos autores' [1556] but here craftily attributed to "traditional") and 'Gaudete!' (correctly indicated as of 15th century origin, but in fact here performed as in the extant version from 'Piae Cantiones', 1582). In addition, whilst the 'Agincourt' carol may draw attention to the varying functions served by the Medieval carol, it is textually at odds with the rest of the programme (commemorating Henry V's famous 1415 victory there). Lastly, it seems a shame that here - as on so many other recordings of pre-Baroque Christmas music - texts and pronunciation are modernised, a fact exacerbated by some peculiar word-underlay in some of the editions.

Still, the CD is well worth owning for the music alone (particularly at this price) and goes some way to reminding us that Christmas is more than merely a secular family occasion.

Average customer rating:

Give it 6 stars
Excellent
Dazzling Sound
Not your generic Christmas album
Bad performances, OK repertoire

Carols From the Old & New Worlds
Daniel Read , Christmas Traditional , Charles Ives , George Frideric Handel , Jeremiah Ingalls , James E. Spilman , Supply Belcher , Felix Mendelssohn , Jean Sibelius , King of England Henry VIII , English Traditional , Gustav Holst , Paul Hillier , Anonymous , and Theatre of Voices
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Home to Thanksgiving
Traditional & Modern Carols
American Christmas
Carols from Trinity
Early American Choral Music, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000007DK
Release Date: 1994-10-18

Tracks:

While Sheperds Watched (SHERBURNE)
The Sheperd's Star
A Christmas Carol
Joy to the World!
The Apple Tree
Christmas Hymn: A Virgin Unspotted
Away In The Manger (AFTON WATER)
While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Hark! the herald angels sing (ELTHAM)
En etsi valtaa, loistoa
Still, O Himmel
Susser die Glocken
Weihnachtslied
Still, Still, Still
Gaudete, Christus est natus
Personent hodie
The Yorkshire Wassail Song
Green grow'th the holly
Here we come a-wassailing
The Cherry Tree Carol
In the bleak mid winter
There is no rose
A New Year's Gift (GREENSLEEVES)
A wassail, a wassail throughout this town!

Amazon.com

This is one of the most original and musically satisfying Christmas programs on disc. And it features some of the most characterful and proficient ensemble singing you'll find anywhere. It's not that the music is obscure--in fact, most of the texts and/or tunes are familiar. From early American settings of "While shepherds watched" and "The Apple Tree" to traditional Austrian and English carols such as "Still, still, still," and "Greensleeves" (sung to different-than-usual words), we're treated to outstanding arrangements (by Paul Hillier) and often surprising variations of tunes we thought we knew. In several cases--"While shepherds watched" and "Hark! The herald angels sing," for example--the familiar texts are sung to completely different melodies. Highlights include original carols by Charles Ives and Jean Sibelius, and a starkly beautiful setting of "There is no rose" by Hillier. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Give it 6 stars.......2005-10-27

This is a wonderful collection of Carols from around the world, beautifully performed by the Theater of Voices. I don't know what CD the first reviewer heard, because this one doesn't contain strident voices - the choir is very well blended, and the soloists are outstanding. I highly recommend it.
It is hard to choose best tracks, as they are so varied and well done, but my personal favorites are Gaudete, Personent Hodie and the four german tracks. The women's choir does especially well on Still, O Himmel, authentically capturing the sound of an Austrian choir.

Excellent.......2003-12-10

This is beautifully directed and performed. Some people truly have the gift of music, TOV is on the top of the list.

Dazzling Sound.......2003-10-25

A thrilling collection of carols, mostly new to me, and beautifully sung. Listen to the first sample, Read's "Shepherds," to see what I mean. This has my favorite rendition of "Personent Hodie" (from Piae Cantiones). I now watch for more recordings by Paul Hillier and his ensembles.

Not your generic Christmas album.......2002-12-01

This has become one of my favorite Christmas discs. An unusual selection of carols, lovely arrangements (Shepherd's Star is stunning!), and the human voice the only featured instrument. Well worth the purchase

Bad performances, OK repertoire.......2002-10-21

Most of the reviews of this CD focus on the diverse repertoire performed on this recording. The diversity of repertoire on this CD, unfortunately, does not make up for the absolutely HORRIBLE singing given by the choir.

The choir's sound is often very strident, vowels are sometimes strikingly spread, the sopranos sing the correct pitches sometimes, etc. The first thing I was struck with when I listened to the first CD track was how nasal sounding the choir's tone was and how they were not in tune with each other. The choir's lack of attention to tuning and balance is mostly illustrated in the faster, rhythmic pieces, when the choir barrels through each selection with about as much attention to musicality as a dog might at dinner time. Even the slower pieces, though, are significantly unbalanced, and sung with a shrill timbre.

Tracks:

Puer Natus Est Nobis, Plainsong
Nowell, Nowell: In Bethlem: Nowell: In Bethlem
Gaudete
Nesciens Mater
Song of the Nuns of Chester
Coventry Carol (2) Lully, Lulla Thou Little
Boar's Head Carol
Videte Miraculum
Quem Pastores Laudavere
Pueri, Concinite
O Magnum Mysterium
Resonet in Laudibus
In Dulci Jubilo (Piantiones)
Riu, Riu Chiu
Nesciens Mater
Omnes de Saba

Customer Reviews:

substantial antidote to sticky xmas music.......2002-12-03

Tired of the Robert Shaw Chorale etc.? Rest your ears on this. If the Coventry Carol as sung here doesn't give you at least a mild case of goose pimples with its perfectly executed dissonances, something's wrong with you. Bring out the groaning board for the festive Boar's Head Carol, and tap along to the synchopations of Gaudete and Riu, Riu Chiu. There's a wide range of feeling in these carols so be prepared to experience quiet solemnity and rousing fun and everything in between while listening to this CD.

The most beautiful music--and not just for Christmas!.......2002-05-02

If you like Medieval and Renaissance music you will absolutely love this CD. I bought it as a Christmas CD years ago and I listen to it year around. The harmonies are beautiful. I have given it to friends for presents. I have CDs of music from this time period but this is my favorite. I very highly recommend it.

A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata

Average customer rating:

Still great after 15 years of listening
Simply one of the best Christmas albums on the market.
The best.
It doesn't get any better...
Beautiful and fabulous. Our favorite!

A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata
Joel Cohen , and Boston Camerata
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Medieval Christmas
A Baroque Christmas
A Mediterranean Christmas
English Medieval Christmas
Noel, Noel!: Noels Francais/French Christmas Music (1200-1600)

ASIN: B000005IXX
Release Date: 1991-09-13

Tracks:

Nowell: Dieus Vous Garde
Gaudete, Gaudete
Reading: Luke I, 18 - 22
Ecce ancilla Domini: Kyrie Eleison
E La Don Don
Two Fantasies on 'Une Jeune Fillette'
Une Jeune Fillette - Joseph est bien marie
Joseph, lieber Joseph mein
Joseph Is Well Married: Magnificat Quinti Toni
Esprits divins
Reading: Luke II, 17 - 19
Es is ein Ros enstprungen
Riu, riu, chiu
Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern
Reading: Luke III, 4 - 12
O vos omnes
Reading: Luke II, 20 - 21
Ungaresca
Nouvelles, nouvelles
Tau garco, la durundena
Tura lura lura, lo gau canta
Reading: Luke II, 3 - 8
O magnum mysterium
Singet un klinget, ihr kinderlein
Bransle de Poictou / La bona novella

Customer Reviews:

Still great after 15 years of listening.......2005-12-16

My mom bought this years ago and I still think it's wonderful music for Christmas. Definitely buy this album.

Simply one of the best Christmas albums on the market........2004-12-26

There is nothing to criticize on this CD, along with its wonderful companions, Medeival Christmas and Baroque Christmas. The singing is absolutely masterful; the instrumentation is faithful to what would've been used during the time period for additional authenticity. The narration in the various accents, taken directly from the story of the nativity in the Bible, really strings the different songs togheter. The various offerings from around the world connects the listener to two thousand years of Christmas tradition. We are of Catalan descent, so we were especially pleased to find "Tau Garçó, la Durundena," an ancient Catalan madrigal, but my personal favorite is the reverent, perfectly realized "O Magnum Mysterium" (Oh, Greatest of Mysteries), which has to be one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written. I have heard this song performed by many choirs and madrigal groups, and this CD's version is by far the most beautiful I've ever heard.

The music on this CD is so timeless and rich in quality and history that I actually listen to it year round, but it adds a special sparkle to holiday celebrations in a way that "Jingle Bell Rock" can never hope to achieve. :) This series is a real gift to the music world and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

The best........2004-10-04

I have had this Cd isnce it was released and year after year it delights, amazes and fills my family's heart with holiday joy. Like other reviewers have said, I agree that the quality of this CD (along with the companion CDs a Medival Christmas and a Baroque Christmas) is truly a revelation. But what I love most is simply listening to songs that aren't as well known as other carols- it connects you to the past instantly and also makes you feel the real reason for the season. Simply gorgeous and heavenly.

It doesn't get any better..........2003-12-22

Fantabulous! This is millenial Christmas music, the sort that will endure long after the stuff Americans listen to has faded away. If you like real music, have a copy of this. If you like the first art, BC can't be beat. What a job! And, outside of a couple of tiny oversights, the accompanying text is very well done.

Beautiful and fabulous. Our favorite!.......2003-01-12

These people are musical geniuses. This is our favorite Christmas album. It is so masterfully done, it is a joy and a rich experience to hear it over and over again. Hear it on a really good stereo for full effect. A true pleasure year after year.

Music Album:

Music Album

1. All Around My Hat
2. Gaudete
3. Sum Waves
4. Bachelor's Hall
5. Alison Gross
6. Thomas the Rhymer
7. Bach Goes to Limerick
8. Cadwith Anthem
9. Dance With Me
10. Gone to America
11. Black Jack Davy
12. Let Her Go Down
13. Long Lankin
14. Wife of Ushers Well