Preston / Tenebrae / Short / Sherlock - Very English Christmas - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The richness of contemporary choral music is explored on this recording of works by some of today's leading composers from across three continents. Eric Whitacre's dramatic setting of Lorca's poetry is contrasted with Frank Ticheli's serene setting of There Will Be Rest, in which he attempts, in his own words, to Inchcapture [the poem's] purity of spirit and delicate lyricismInch. Arvo Pärt has crafted an atmospheric setting of John Henry Newman's 1843 sermon Wisdom and Innocence. David N. Childs' Do Not Go Gentle, a setting of Dylan Thomas' famous poem, embodies a foreboding and ominous undercurrent of desperation in the face of impending death. Vox Humana is a new 24-voice chamber choir based in Dallas, Texas.

The Renaissance Men are back with their latest on Navona Records A VERY RENMEN CHRISTMAS LIVE! The album, which features rich choral arrangements of traditional hymns and holiday classics, captures the festive spirit of the RenMen's annual Christmas galas for listeners everywhere. Following on the heels of their 2019 , RENMEN LAMENTS, this newest collection offers timeless seasonal chamber music arranged for tenor, baritone, and bass voices. The album opens with soloist Corey Dalton Hart intoning the verse of Some Children See Him; the sparkling clarity of each rounded note is soon multiplied by the rest of the choir, elevating the performance to spiritual heights. This is followed by Cantate Domino, an invigorating setting of Psalm 96. With it's aggressive rhythmic action and sensitive dynamics, the Latin text is presented as an arresting and captivating musical piece. Riu Chiu is a traditional Spanish song, and the RenMen bring it to life with passionate energy against the chattering rhythm of a tambourine. The RenMen treat listeners to favorite classics, as well, but always with that signature sound and attention to detail they are known for. Their rendition of I'll Be Home for Christmas is a treatment of the song made popular by Rascal Flatts. Blending the choral group's influences, this number incorporates jazz, country, and popular stylings seamlessly with traditional choral techniques. Later, songs like Jingle Bells and Frosty the Snowman offer a lighthearted counterpoint to O Magnum Mysterium and Angels We Have Heard on High, making this a joyful and inviting holiday album for the whole family. Steeped in time-honored western choral music and flavored with yuletide fun, A VERY RENMEN CHRISTMAS LIVE! Brings the merriment of the RenMen's live performances to your living room. Pour some eggnog, don that favorite Christmas sweater, and enjoy this collection

Buzz Brass inspired dreams with this new opus, Christmas. The quintet takes the listener out of the familiar with this majestic, elegant and refined arrangements to highlight the holiday season. The male vocal quartet Quartom joins as guest artists in 'Noël canadien' and 'The 12 days of Christmas.' The ensemble's latest volume, Inspirations, has been hailed as proof of their Inchtestament to the ensemble's sensational embouchureInch by the prestigious Gramophone magazine. Since 2002, Buzz Brass quintet has been travelling all over the globe to captivate classical music lovers. Whether it's concerts consist of brass quintet alone or together with guest musicians, the original artistic propositions it presents leave nobody cold. With over 1,600 appearances to it's credit, the ensemble has reached more than 350,000 music lovers throughout North America, Europe and China. The numerous awards and distinctions that Buzz Brass has earned over the years (Opus, ADISQ, and Trille Or) attest to both the quality and the relevance of it's musical performances.