Search - Joel Cohen, Boston Camerata :: A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata

Simply one of the best Christmas albums on the market.

Homeschooling Single Mom | 12/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is nothing to criticize on this CD, along with its wonderful companions, Medeival Christmas and Baroque Christmas. The singing is absolutely masterful; the instrumentation is faithful to what would've been used during the time period for additional authenticity. The narration in the various accents, taken directly from the story of the nativity in the Bible, really strings the different songs togheter. The various offerings from around the world connects the listener to two thousand years of Christmas tradition. We are of Catalan descent, so we were especially pleased to find "Tau Garçó, la Durundena," an ancient Catalan madrigal, but my personal favorite is the reverent, perfectly realized "O Magnum Mysterium" (Oh, Greatest of Mysteries), which has to be one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written. I have heard this song performed by many choirs and madrigal groups, and this CD's version is by far the most beautiful I've ever heard.



The music on this CD is so timeless and rich in quality and history that I actually listen to it year round, but it adds a special sparkle to holiday celebrations in a way that "Jingle Bell Rock" can never hope to achieve. :) This series is a real gift to the music world and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it."

Still great after 15 years of listening

Jo the smo | West Lafayette, IN, USA | 12/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My mom bought this years ago and I still think it's wonderful music for Christmas. Definitely buy this album."