English Medieval Christmas

Track Listings

1. Nowell Sing We

2. Ave Maria

3. Gloria/Alleluia

4. Lullay Lullow

5. What Tidings Bringest Thou?

6. Marvel Not, Joseph

7. Alma Redemptoris Mater

8. Make We Joy Now in This Fest

9. Nowell, Nowell: Tidings True

10. Sancta Maria

11. Hail Mary, Full of Grace

12. Ave Rex Angelorum

13. Tibi Laus, Tibi Gloria

14. Beata Progenies

15. Nova, Nova

Editorial Reviews
From the Label
A collection of 15th Century Christmas carols performed by the critically acclaimed Primavera Singers of the New York Pro Musica Antiqua, directed by group founder Noah Greenberg. The group formed with the purpose of faithfully presenting the neglected works of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music, and this 1956 recording is the perfect soundtrack for your next medieval Christmas bash.

Tracks:

Dinaresade
Edi be thu, Heven-Queene
Nevestinko oro
Beata progenies
Mari stanko
Sei willekommen Herre Christ
Bog se rodi va Betleme
Koleda na Bozic
Kod Betlehema
Koleda na Bozic
Angelus ad virginem
D
Quinte Estampie real
Urbs Beata Ierusalem
Mevl

Customer Reviews:

MUSIC OF THE MEDIEVAL PILGRIM.......2007-06-11

I love this cd--all the tracks are great, especially "On the way to Bethlehem"!

Exotic, exciting and fun!.......2002-11-29

If Ensemble Unicorn is great, Unicorn combined with the Middle-Eastern-inspired Ensemble Oni Wytars is even better! Actually, the two groups seem to share many of the same members, along with Ensemble Accentus (which focuses on Spanish and Sephardic music), but with different directors for each: Michael Posch for Unicorn, Marcos Ambrosini for Oni Wytars, and Thomas Wimmer for Accentus. This CD brings the musicians together to offer a stimulating combination of western and eastern-influenced music that might have been heard or played by medieval Pilgrims making the journey eastward. The European tunes focus on the Christmas season, while the Balkan and Near Eastern selections are traditional, handed down orally through the centuries and interpreted here with a zeal that should be as appealing to belly dancers as to early music enthusiasts (and I know many people who fall into both categories!). Instruments used include chalumeau, cheremia, cornemuse bechonnet, darbukka, davul, def, gayda, gittern, kaval, nyckelharpa, sackpipa, tamburello, tombak, vihuela d'arco, and a number of others that you actually might have heard of before--bagpipe, rebec, recorder, rebec, shawm, ud and the like. Ellen Santaniello also contributes vocals. I was surprised and delighted when I played this CD for the first time, and I continue to be each time I hear it again. If you like this recording, be sure to check out the other collaboration between Ensemble Unicorn and Ensemble Oni Wytars, "Music of the Troubadours", also from Naxos.

Exotic jams.......2001-02-27

Yes, fortunately, this record does not contain anything you'd recognise as depressing Xmas kitsch.

Instead, the record wishes to envisage a journey of mediæval pilgrims, beginning in Western Europe, and moving through the Balkans towards the Holy Land. As such, the disk contains a mixture of Western European, Balkan, and Islamic melodies.

The strength of Ensemble Unicorn and Oni Wytars is their ability to use early music as the basis for extended jam sessions. This recording is framed by two such jams, each more than twelve minutes in length, the opening -Dinaresade- and the closing -Mevlana-. Based on Middle Eastern themes, these are excellent performances, rich in atmosphere. Fans of contemporary groups who make use of similar material, from Loreena McKennitt to Dead can Dance, may find this record interesting, and well worth the Naxos price.

FWIW, Ensemble Unicorn and Oni Wytars also collaborate on the -Black Madonna- recording, another Naxos release I can highly recommend.

I WANT MORE!.......1999-06-08

Great melodies, better instrumentation....INCREDIBLE MUSIC!!! I find western-europe music by ensemble Unicorn great, but the oriental part by Oni Wytars is simply amazing, both the balkanic and oriental songs. My only regret is that I loved the ensemble too much to bear the fact that no other record by them is anywhere to be found...

Too cool to be considered classical and definitely not Xmas........1999-01-12

Despite the title this album has nothing to do with Christmas music. The sounds range from Celtic to Middle Eastern. While they date from the days of the Crusades, they sound great to my ears in the nineties. The last track makes you want to belly dance!

Mistletoe and Wine: A Seasonal Collection

Average customer rating:

buy this one first
Great introduction to Mediaeval Baebes
Great choral versions of ancient songs
A pleasing tone
A "best of", not really a Christmas record

Mistletoe and Wine: A Seasonal Collection

Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mirabilis
The Rose
Worldes Blysse
Undrentide
Salva Nos (Save Us)

ASIN: B0000AM6O4
Release Date: 2003-11-04

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:

Renaissance Song & Dance
Dance Suite - Eramus Widmann - Collection Of1613
Three English Songs For Voices And Instruments
Instrumental Music Of The Early Barogue
Festive Sounds
Trouvere Tunes
The Cabinet Organ
Lauda And Motet
Minstrel Melodies
Medieval Dances

Customer Reviews:

A very nice album for SCAdian ears.......2007-04-25

This is a fun album. it's festive, playful, and a real joy to listen to. There is something for everyone in this album--including and especially SCAdians. In fact there's probably at least one piece on this album that every SCAdian dancer, musician, and/or bard will recognize. There's courtly songs, love songs, and get out of your chair dances, even formal pieces you associate with concert halls.

Whether you play in the SCA or just love great historical music, this is one of the better albums I've ever bought--on amazon or anywhere else!

Recording is defective.......2007-04-06

The first one I got had a lot of popping and crackling, and some digital defects that cause the CD player to skip. I liked the music so I bought another copy and it was the same. Both wound up in the trash. Don't waste your money on this disk.

adequate performances but totally inadequate information.......2005-04-27

It is perhaps unfair to judge the performances on this recording (presumably made in the late 1950s/early 60s? - we are not given a date) by modern standards of early music performance. Yes, there are moments when the experimental nature of the approach is all too apparent, both in terms of the [im]plausibility of the interpretations and in the [at times] excruciating intonation (a particularly pertinent example is the shawm playing in track 10). But what is in fact by far the most deplorable feature of this recording is the utter sparsity of information provided - about the performers, the instruments, the composers, the repertoire, etc. Worse still, what little that is provided is often hopelessly inaccurate: sometimes in the form of blatant spelling errors (eg the Coventry Carol becomes here 'Lully Lullary', etc), at other times factual blunders (the medieval 'Estampie' in track 10 is in fact a 16th cent [ie Renaissance] tourdion, 'Quand je bois du vin clairet', whilst John Dowland's 'Frogg Galliard', c.1597, is here given an anonymous attribution...etc, etc, etc).

In short, for those not acquainted with pre-Baroque music, this is NOT a good place to start!!! Seasoned Early Music connoisseurs, on the other hand, may find a perverse pleasure in some atrocious moments, or perhaps take interest in its value as an example of historically informed performance style in the pioneering years - but you have been warned!!

For those interested, here are some alternative recommendations if you are new to this music: firstly, 2 wide-ranging compilations by 2 well-known ensembles -

1. Sinners and Saints - The New London Consort/Philip Pickett (Decca 48559)
2. Portrait ('Moyen Age et Renaissance') - Hesperion XX/Jordi Savall (Auvidis Fontalis 'Portrait' ES9904), or either of the 2 new compilations by Savall and his ensemble(s) on Alia Vox ('Harmonie Universelle', AV9810; 'Harmonie Universelle II', AV9839).

and a compilation (mostly of early music) featuring a number of different groups -

'Pastime with Good Company' (Alpha, A901) [includes groups like L'Arpegiatta, Le Poeme Harmonique, Diabolus in Musica...]

A nice overview of very early music.......2003-12-02

This was one of the first recordings of early music I ever bought. It's a broad survey of styles and periods, from the 12th to 17th centuries. I've become a more sohisticated listener since then, but I still get this one out fairly regularly. The recording is apparently old and the digital remastering was not done extraordinarily well, but those who are more interested in music than in audio equipment should be able to listen through the occasional (minor) vinyl surface noise. My major complaint (why I gave it 3 stars instead of 4) is the lack of documentation--there is no information about the musicians, and many of the composers are uncredited (some because they actually are anonymous, but sometimes out of apparent laziness). Still, at this price it's a bargain.

Don't Be Affraid.......2003-11-19

This cd is worth picking up. Yes the first couple of tracks have pops and crackles in it. And yes it sounds as if the music was transfered directly from a vinyl source. But the performances and selections on this cd are fabulous. And you get use to the flaws in the recordings. Which I find minor.

Tracks:

Saltarello (I)
Flos Florum/Ach, Du Getruys Blut
Der May/Winder Wie Ist Nu Dein Kraft?
Douce Dame Jolie
Lidove Tance
Bryd One Brere
Sumer Is Icumen In
Dance Tune
Anni Novi Novitas
Saltarello (II)
St. Thomas Honour We
Ghaetta (An Istampita)
Danse Royale (I)
Jezis, Nas Spasitel
Questa Fanciulla
La Sexte Estampie Real
Se Je Souspir
Gabriel Fram Evene King Sewnt
Gram Piant' Agli Occhi
Danse Royale (II)
A La Fontenella
Robin Hood & The Tanner
Folk Song
Janoshka (Recruiting Song & Czardas)
Drmes
Polorum Regina (Pilgrim Song)

Average customer rating:

Precise performances of festive music

Medieval Carols

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

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English Medieval Christmas
Now Make We Merthe
A Feast of Songs: Holiday Music from the Middle Ages
A Medieval Christmas
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:

Medieval English Music

Manufacturer: Hmf Classical Exp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008V5SK
Release Date: 2003-04-08

The Service of Venus And Mars: Music for the Knights of the Garter, 1340-1440 - Gothic Voices

Average customer rating:

Breathtaking

The Service of Venus And Mars: Music for the Knights of the Garter, 1340-1440 - Gothic Voices
Philippe de Vitry , Pierre des Molins , Pycard , Christmas Traditional , Leonel Power , Franchois Lebertoul , John Pyamour , John Dunstable , Soursby , Richard Loqueville , and Andrew Lawrence-King
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000002ZJN
Release Date: 1993-11-12

Tracks:

Gratissima Virginis-Vos qui admiramini-Gaude Gloriosa-Contratenor
Singularis Laudis Digna
De ce que fol pense
De ce que fol pense (After Pierre des Moulins)
Lullay, Lullay
Gloria
Ther Is No Rose Of Swych Virtu
Sanctus
Las, que me demanderoye
Le gay playsir
Le grant pleyser
Quam pulchra es
Speciosa facta es
Sanctus
Je vous pri que j'aye un baysier
The Agincourt Carol

Customer Reviews:

Breathtaking.......2000-06-06

This is one of my favorite Gothic Voices CDs; the Gloria by Pycard is possibly the most beautiful bits of musical harmony I've ever heard. The Agincourt carol is also stunning.

Average customer rating:

An important recording, beautiful singing (but uneven sound quality in the transfer)
Historically Significant - Terrible Audio
One of the Greats

English Medieval Christmas
The New York Pro Musica Antiqua
Manufacturer: Tradition Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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Medieval Christmas
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A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata
Christmas Music from Medieval

ASIN: B0000058RJ
Release Date: 1997-06-20

Tracks:

Nowell Sing We
Ave Maria
Gloria/Alleluia
Lullay Lullow
What Tidings Bringest Thou?
Marvel Not, Joseph
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Make We Joy Now in This Fest
Nowell, Nowell: Tidings True
Sancta Maria
Hail Mary, Full of Grace
Ave Rex Angelorum
Tibi Laus, Tibi Gloria
Beata Progenies
Nova, Nova

Customer Reviews:

An important recording, beautiful singing (but uneven sound quality in the transfer).......2006-10-20

The New York Pro Musica Antiqua, founded in 1952 by Noah Greenberg, gave many Americans their first taste of medieval and Renaissance music, both vocal and instrumental. Their work introduced a public generally ignorant of any composers who lived prior to Baroque to the sound of sackbutts (sp?!), rebecs, krumhorns, lutes, viol da gambas, and other staples of music-making between 1200 and 1700. Their recording of the 12th century liturgical drama, The Play of Daniel, was groundbreaking, their later LPs of Elizabethan madrigals and court music were a joy to the ear. In the Pro Musica's early days, they were fortunate to have on board the countertenor Russell Oberlin, a graduate of Juilliard, whose voice, bell-like and true in both the upper and lower registers, was devoid of the shrillness often heard in falsetto.

Mr. Oberlin is one of the fine vocalists in this early recording, and it is unfortunate that the quality of the transfer from LP to disc leaves something to be desired. The medieval christmas "carols," sung for the most part a cappella, are a pleasing combination of lively and quietly meditative songs, and it is easy to see how the Pro Musica served as a model for the many early-music groups that emerged between the 1970s and the present day. This disc is a must for the serious collector, or student of medieval music, and, even with the uneven sound quality, we can appreciate the excellence of the performers.

Historically Significant - Terrible Audio.......2005-12-21

As another reviewer points out, this CD is based on a recording made ALMOST 50 YEARS AGO. The sound quality is very nasal and brittle, and lacks the fullness that modern listeners have come to expect. So, unless you're interested in this CD as an artifact of musical history, you may be disappointed. If you're looking for somethng "listenable", there are any number of contemporary groups that specialize in music from this period.

One of the Greats.......2002-12-12

This recording may be almost 50 years old, but it still resounds as the classic that alerted an unsuspecting public to the beauty and joy of medieval music. The New York Pro Musica would go on to record much more medieval and Renaissance music (including re-recordings of these selections), but this is now the only of their recordings in print. Until the entire output is restored to the catalog, this lone example must suffice. It is hauntingly beautiful and rousing by turns. This is a recording that should please a wide range of music lovers, but particularly those who already have found a place in their hearts for music of the medieval court and countryside.

Average customer rating:

Excellent recording of a Britten Classic!
Choirs combine to provide a powerful experience

Britten: Ceremony of Carols

Manufacturer: Four Winds
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00001R3M0
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Procession - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
Wolcom Yole! - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
There Is No Rose - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
That Yonge Child - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
Balulalow - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
As Dew In Aprille - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
This Little Babe - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
Interlude - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
In Freezing Winter Night - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
Spring Carol - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
Deo Gracias - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
Recession - The Christ Church Cathedral Boys' Chor And Girls' Chor, Indianapolis/Frederick Burgomaster/Jill Pitz
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Hodie Christus Natus Es Tone 1 - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: There Is No Rose - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Audivi, Media Nocte - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Sing We To This Merry Company - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Lux Hodie: Orientis Partibus - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: O Magnum Mysterium - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Divisions On 'Greensleeves' English Folk Melody - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Sweet Was The Song The Virgin Sang - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Dixit Maria - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Lullay, Lullow: I Saw - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Illuminare Jerusalem - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier
Medieval Chants, Carols, And Renaissance Motets: Ante Luciferum Genitus - The Chrsit Church Cathedral Choirmen/Frederick Burgomaster/Dorothy Linell/Jeffrey Collier

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording of a Britten Classic!.......2007-02-06

There are two basic reasons to purchase recordings by choral groups:
1. For personal listening enjoyment
2. For demonstration purposes

As a director of Junior and Senior High choirs, I needed a clear, correct performance of "Ceremony of Carols". This recording served my purpose well. As a matter of fact, it serves both reasons I've given; it pleases ME with the additional selections by a fine choir as well as provides the perfect example of 'how to sing' these Britten beauties for my young people.

Choirs combine to provide a powerful experience.......2000-11-29

This is really a combination of two cd's on one. The first part combines the Christ Church Cathedral Girls' Choir with the Boys' Choir of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys. The experience in these two groups rivals those of any choir in the world despite all being under age 18. Their voices combine beautifully on the wide range of emotions in Britten's Ceremony of Carols. To say it is heavenly would be an understatement.

The second half of this cd features the Men of the Choir of Men and Boys. Singing the lower three parts (alto, tenor, and bass, one is transported to the Middle Ages and the monastaries of England and Europe. The lusty singing of these less familiar Christmas carols illustrates the one time a year the monks allowed themselves to be human.

Tracks:

Isaiah's Prophecy - The Sybil's Prophecy, Iudicii signum
Conductus, Adest sponsus
Gabriel's Prophecy, Oiet, virgines
Clausula, Domino
Hymn, Conditor alme siderum - Lauda, Verbum caro factum est
Reading, On frymae was Word - Organum, Iudea et Iherusalem
Conductus, Gedeonis area
Reading, O moder mayde
Hymn, Ave maris stella - Sacred Song, O maria, deu maire
Prosa, Ave Maria
Responsory, Gaude maria - Hymn, Joseph, liber nefe min
Conductus With Refrain, Congaudet hodie, In dulci iubilo - Hymn, In dulci iubilo
Reading, Hand by hand we shule us take
Conductus, Lux hodie... Orientis partibus

Customer Reviews:

Deeply Endearing.......2004-12-14

I was 7 years old and excited as all get out for Christmas when my stepfather brought this album into our family, and it immediately became a classic. This is by far my favorite music to listen to during christmas time. While carols become slightly stale as you grow older, the melodies and performance from this album are timeless, enchanting, historic and carry deep meaning. Now that I'm 33, I appreciate these performances even more, if that is even possible. A true gem. When I discovered it here on CD, I was so excited I telephoned my whole family to let them know.

A one of a kind Christmas Album.......2004-12-01

A friend gave me this album - on a 33RPM record! - over 20 years ago and it has remained one of my all time favorites. Words defy the magic contained in it. You will be transported back hundreds of years. I cannot laud enough the Boston Cantata's attention to details and professionalism in the playing of original instruments, the old English readings, and the incredible vocals, especially the countertenor on "Gabriel's Prophecy."

Simply Fantastic........2002-11-12

This has been my favorite holiday album since it first came out some nearly 25 years ago. It has *definately* stood all tests of time.

Not just for the holidays!.......2001-10-10

This one's superb. I was absolutely thrilled to see it on CD a few years back (I had the LP). "Medieval Christmas" may sound a little...sullen, or something, but ho ho, this one is different. Sure it's early music, one of the best early music CDs I've heard, and I have many, but it fits the spirit of the holiday season perfectly without being preachy, or overtly Christmas-like. I bought a few copies for friends and they say they like it so much, they play it year 'round.

That's a heck of a recommendation for a Christmas CD, eh? I really don't know what makes this one so special. All that I know is that it's a 5-star production, and the "Renaissance Christmas" I would give only 3.5 stars. It doesn't pack as much of a wallop. So grab this one, folks, and enjoy. From me to you I love this CD!

Superb cd - well selected, well performed.......2000-09-18

This collection of Medieval Christmas music has a wonderful mixture of pieces - Hebrew cantillation, Old Saxon readings, plainchant, processional music - with varying countries of origin - Spanish, Provencal, French, Italian, German, English. The net result is a varied program that will appeal even to those not particularly familiar with Medieval music.

The musical instruments are period instruments - rebec, viola da gamba, flutes, recorders, shawm, etc. They are well utilized in the service of the words. The Boston Camerata is, as usual, a well trained choir - the words are clear, the voices blend beautifully.

This can be an excellent addition to your Christmas music collection - one that helps keep Christmas a religious holy day rather than just a civil holiday.

Music Review:

Music Review

Beethoven: Violoncello & Piano Works

Today's Top Hits: Men of Country [Enhanced] [Karaoke]

Caliente' [Explicit Lyrics]

Behind the Myth

Coranderrk

Brain Salad Surgery (Dlx)

Blockbuster: A Glitter Glam Rock Experience

Circle of Love

Chicago Jazz

Anurita & Argentina [Enhanced] [Import]

Causin' Drama [Clean]

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 14

Inversations

1. Nowell Sing We
2. Ave Maria
3. Gloria/Alleluia
4. Lullay Lullow
5. What Tidings Bringest Thou?
6. Marvel Not, Joseph
7. Alma Redemptoris Mater
8. Make We Joy Now in This Fest
9. Nowell, Nowell: Tidings True
10. Sancta Maria
11. Hail Mary, Full of Grace
12. Ave Rex Angelorum
13. Tibi Laus, Tibi Gloria
14. Beata Progenies
15. Nova, Nova