Search - Benjamin Britten, Jacobus Handl (Gallus), Hans Leo Hassler :: Britten: Ceremony of Carols

Choirs combine to provide a powerful experience

Michael Porter | Indianapolis, IN USA | 11/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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. I highly recommend this CD for any lover of Benjamin Britten and for any person looking for an alternative to the standard Christmas fare."

Excellent recording of a Britten Classic!

J. Austin | Charlotte, NC USA | 02/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."