The all-male, all-professional, full-time choir Chanticleer has developed a phenomenal following during the past couple of decades, and this Christmas disc contains some of the group's best-loved repertoire. Topping the li... more »st is Chanticleer's most-requested concert piece, Franz Biebl's intensely moving "Ave Maria," followed by Joseph Jenning's uninhibited, spirited "Medley of Christmas Spirituals." Along the way, we hear a wide variety of sacred works, from the 15th century ("There Is No Rose") to the 20th (Benjamin Britten's "A Hymn to the Virgin"). Due to its exclusive use of male voices--even sopranos--Chanticleer projects a unique sound that usually blends beautifully. Occasionally, however, due to the nature of the piece or arrangement, the balance overemphasizes the highest voices and the blend suffers. But overall, the singing is outstanding, the arrangements are tasteful, and the repertoire is unassailable. --David Vernier« less
The all-male, all-professional, full-time choir Chanticleer has developed a phenomenal following during the past couple of decades, and this Christmas disc contains some of the group's best-loved repertoire. Topping the list is Chanticleer's most-requested concert piece, Franz Biebl's intensely moving "Ave Maria," followed by Joseph Jenning's uninhibited, spirited "Medley of Christmas Spirituals." Along the way, we hear a wide variety of sacred works, from the 15th century ("There Is No Rose") to the 20th (Benjamin Britten's "A Hymn to the Virgin"). Due to its exclusive use of male voices--even sopranos--Chanticleer projects a unique sound that usually blends beautifully. Occasionally, however, due to the nature of the piece or arrangement, the balance overemphasizes the highest voices and the blend suffers. But overall, the singing is outstanding, the arrangements are tasteful, and the repertoire is unassailable. --David Vernier
"Biebl's Ave Maria is a gem of 20th century church music. Chanticleer does a superb job of this piece which is most powerful as a male only choir piece.The medley of spirituals is another gem - the director has teased out of the Chanticleer singers the same spontaneity and musicianship that one hears in the Belleville A Capella choir - absolutely stunning interplay between soloist and choir."
Sublime Singing
M. J. Smith | 06/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The all male, A Capella choir Chanticleer includes songs of many styles on this recording, but one in particular has always shined the brightest for me. The "Ave Maria," written by Biebel, includes introductory passages of traditional Gregorian chant, which lead into lush choral passages of neo-classical style, richly colored by impressionism. The sound is sonorous, fluid, and radiant, and communicates a deep sense of spiritual fulfilment. The "Ave Maria" text has been set numerous times in history, but this rendition seems best to capture the delicate longing and pleading for intercession between humans and the Virgin Mary. It is a quiet comment on the human condition, as we turn to the heavens to find order both in our lives, and in the world around us. If there is a heaven, it must sound like this."
One of the most soothing compilations of music I own
M. J. Smith | 12/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first owned a tape of this in 1993, and went out of my way to purchase the CD last summer. I never get tired of this CD. Of course, there is nothing more healing than the Biebl Ave Maria, which grows more and more beautiful everytime I listen to it. Chanticleer introduced this beautiful piece to me, I've had the good fortune of having it sung at my wedding, and being able to sing it last year in the Cathedrals, Abbeys and Basilicas of France! The rest of the CD is just as superb, and yes, those really are men singing those most amazing Soprano sections in Go Tell It On the Mountain. Other favorites are the Mouton that opens the CD, There Is No Rose, and O Come Emmanuel. A wonderful addition to anyone's Christmas CD collection, and one that you can play year round!"
Superb Chanticleer Performance
127 | Michigan | 11/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Chanticleer is a highly successful all-male choral group, and this is one of their best albums. The Biebl Ave Maria is one of the single most moving tracks of any classical CD and the Basque/ Spanish carol combination is also very exciting, especially with the added percussion. This CD even gave me a couple of new favorite carols - "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" and "Il est Né Le Divin Enfant." I have yet to hear any of the songs mentioned find competition from other recordings.There is one thing about this album that makes it harder to enjoy than some more recent Chanticleer CDs. This album appears on the Chanticleer Records label, with which Chanticleer recorded until later joining Teldec. I've found that the levels on my Chanticleer Records albums are lower than the Teldec ones and as a result I have to turn the volume up much higher to get the full effect. This is still a five star album, but I think that with Chanticleer's move to Teldec, the production quality has definitely improved.This album has such beauty that it goes beyond the Christmas season. I enjoy it all year round for its emotion and beautiful vocal sound. Make sure that you have this, as well as Chanticleer's "Sing We Christmas," for the holiday season."
Well... hate to be the one who doesn't fit in
city7 | mountain view, CA USA | 08/06/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is lovely music, which I bought because the completely performed E La Don Don and Riu Riu Chiu are so difficult to find , but I just didn't think the rest of the CD justified the enormous price. A lot of the songs are too alike for me to be able to distinguish. Beautifully performed, but too expensive for what it is."