[.ca] A Choral Christmas

Magical and Magnificent!:
A CD which gets one into the Christmas spirit ... magically, and, amazingly, keeps on being magical no matter how many times it is played! This CD is an inspiration, not only for the casual listener, but for music directors, choir members, et al. As with the other CDs in this Trinity Church Boston series, there is a big, full, precise sound; choir is in-tune, enthusiastic, yet controlled: a cohesive sound! The organ is thrilling, complementing the other instruments well. CD contains a broad spectrum of carols--both old and new, heard and seldom-heard, but never jarring, nor totally unfamiliar. All are "traditional" in that they satisfy, esp. for the Christmas holidays. From a compositional point of view, these carols are "complex," and yet Brian Jones (and the choir) make them "sing" and sound "easy." Special attention should be paid to the arrangement by Alan Murchie of "Go, Tell It on the Mountain": fresh, vibrant, new, and charming! Beautifully packaged CD; well recorded; 66+ minutes of music. A great gift; valuable addition to one's musical library; a perfect accompaniment to writing cards/wrapping gifts. Surely worth the wait, if out of stock.

What sweet music:
This CD is full of accessible Christmas music, beautifully sung by the superb Trinity Choir. The sound is blended, clear, and nuanced, with the dynamics and phrasing for which the choir is justly known. Those who have attended the Candlelight Carols services at Trinity over the last years will recognize some of the selections, as will anyone who has ever sung in a church choir at Christmas. The pieces range from the light and fun "I Saw Three Ships" to the traditional to the unexpected "God is With Us". "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a staple of any Christmas recording, especially for Trinity, since the author was once rector there. One delight on this recording is the morphing from the traditional tune to one that is less familiar -- it makes the words fresh and alive. Nicely done! Any recording with "Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day" and "What Sweeter Music" deserves a permanent spot on the CD player during the Christmas season. You will find gems here to brighten your holiday season.

Inspirational!:
A magnificent recording, from the performance to the engineering. The choir sings like angels and the percussion player is alive! Who is that flutist?-- he's great!!!

Celestial Experience in Choral Music:
A splendid collection of seasonal treasures for choir, this CD is a must for anyone who appreciates choral music. The recording is balanced in terms of sound reverberation and beautiful blend of accomplished voices lead by knowledgeable and sensitive director, Brian Jones. Compositions and arrangements by a variety of composers from Holst to Rutter make this anthology playable not just during Advent and Christmas, but thoughout the year. There is a warmth from this recording that envelopes the listener in a sound (as in "What Sweeter Music") that rivals anything from choirs of England or Vienna, but there is a brightness too as in "Sing We to This Merry Company" by John Rutter. Let the remarkable quality of this stunning recording wash over your senses and enjoy the wonderful artistry of this unforgettable choir.

• Sing We To This Merry Company
• Still, Still, Still
• Ding! Dong! Merrily On High
• In Dulci Jubilo
• What Sweeter Music
• Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
• The Holly And the Ivy
• Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
• Go Tell It On the Mountain
• Mid-winter
• I Saw Three Ships
• Coventry Carol
• Before the Marvel Of This Night
• Once, As I Remember
• A Stable In Bethlehem
• Noel Nouvelet
• O Magnum Mysterium
• On This Day Earth Shall Ring
• The Little Road To Bethlehem
• O Little Town Of Bethlehem
• God Is With Us