Search - The Pro Arte Singers & Indiana University Children's Chamber Choir / Paul Hillier :: Traditional & Modern Carols

Wonderful

Jay Young | Austin, TX USA | 12/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Hillier, having lived in the U.S. for several years, developed a love for early American music, which shows in his release of the 2-volume "Early American Choral Music." This love continues in "Traditional and Modern Carols," a Christmas CD which includes several early American spirituals, as well as English songs from other eras and locales. Some of the American spirituals Hillier includes are several Shaker songs, such as the first track, "This is Jesus' Birthday," as well as "Babe of Bethlehem," and "Hail the Memorable Morn." These songs will show you why the Shakers are unjustly neglected for their contribution to American music (which includes "The Gift to be Simple" by the way). We get to hear some lovely renaissance songs as well, such as the 16th-century consort song, "Swete was the song the Virgin sang"; the beautiful 15th-century carol "Ecce, quod natur"; the immemorial "Coventry Carol"; and the beautiful French/English song "Nowell, Nowell". "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" and a version of the Wassail ("Kentucky Wassail") are justly included as well. The Indiana University Children's Chamber Choir are a pleasure to listen to, and Paul Hillier brings out the artistry in the performers and the music as always. "Traditional and Modern Carols" is a great CD for fans of Chirstmas music who are looking for something a bit different."