Magnificent, but too brief
Belle | 11/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Is there anything quite like the sound of a church choir singing time-honored hymns at Christmas? The San Francisco Chancel Choir uplifts and inspires with their warm, sweet, and haunting harmonies. The only instrument (other than human voice) is a church organ, which adds to the mystical effect of the album. Beloved familiar hymns like "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" are blended with those that are less well-known. They manage to fit 25 hymns into this album, but at the expense of the original music. In most selections, only one or two verses of the hymn are sung, equating to about a minute and a half per selection. But this album is bargain-priced and, if you enjoy singing and rejoicing in church, be assured that this CD deserves a spot in your CD player all through the Christmas season."