Diversity in Christmas Traditions
Gregory P. Lamanna | Canyon Country, CA USA | 10/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is getting more difficult each Christmas Season to find discs that offer Christmas choral music that is infused with a sense of "rootedness" borne out of time-hewn tradition and at the same time compliments--rather than rehashes--the existing repertoire of age-old Christmas choral music.
This is one of those rare discs that accomplishes this difficult task of offering a different approach to Christmas choral without slipping into the secular/contemporary (which usually strips all meaning and "rootedness" from Christmas). It does so by continuing to mine selections from Christmas traditions; however, the traditions are beyond the historical milieu of Olde Europe.
At least half the selections here hail from Hispanic origins. If I know anything about Hispanic culture (not much, but I live in the American Southwest), it is nothing if not traditional and rooted, yet passionate and alive.
If you are looking for a Christmas disc that can compliment (i.e., blend with but not duplicating) existing Christmas choral traditions, this is a "must-have" disc for your Christmas collection."
Welcome Christmas
Natalie G. Hall | Encino, CA United States | 11/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is simply the most enchanting Christmas recording I have ever owned. I can't recommend it highly enough for those who love Christmas and some of the finest choral music. You'll love it too!"