Classical and Choral Christmas CDs - Cantus: Comfort & Joy (CD)

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Ave Maria

Gabriel's Message

Hodie Christus natus est

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Puer natus est

Cantus: Comfort & Joy (CD)

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Professional male ensemble Cantus has been on a steady upward ascent since they left St. Olaf. In contrast to Chanticleer (to whom they are often compared), Cantus has evolved their sound to incorporate a rich, classical vibrato and has less emphasis on high counter-tenors. This serious collection of Christmas choral music spans a wide variety of musical styles, beginning with plainsong "Puer natus est." Several contemporary choral "hits" are included - Biebl's "Ave Maria and " Lauridsen's "O magnum mysterium" (the latter of which is preceded by the Jacob Handl (Gallus) composition on the same text). They also have commissioned works, such as Kenneth Jenning's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" (not the familiar melody!), along with more familiar and available pieces like Dawson's spiritual "Mary Had A Baby." (49:53 2004)

Song List:
Puer natus est (A Boy is Born)
Gabriel's Message (Basque Carol, arr. John Rutter)
Ave Maria (Franz Biebl)
O Little Town of Bethlehem (Kenneth Jennings)
Hodie Christus natus est (Antiphon)
O magnum mysterium (Jacob Handl)
O magnum mysterium (Morten Lauridsen)
Mary Had a Baby (African-American spiritual, arr. William L. Dawson)
Suo Gan (Welsh lullaby, arr. Lawrence J. Wiliford)
A La Nanita Nana (Spanish carol, arr. Norman Luboff
I Wonder as I Wander (Appalachian tune, John Jacob Niles)
The Three Kings (Healey Willan, arr. Joseph Running)
What Child is This? (16th Cent. Eng. Ballad, arr. Timothy Takach)
Die Konige (Peter Cornelius, arr. Erick Lichte)
Coventry Carol (15th cent. tune, arr. Robert Powell)
Silent Night (Franz Gruber, arr. Brian Arreola)