Several of the pieces are well known - the Swedish Gaudete, Gaudete; the Catalan E la don don; the Spanish Riu, riu, chiu; Jospeh, lieber Joseph mein by Johann Walter; Es ist ein Ros'entsprunger by Michael Praetorius ... but the rendition and context of these pieces makes them sparkle as if new.

A minor complaint: Tau Garco, La Durundena is not provided with a translation of the words, merely a paraphrase with the comment that it is an obscure Catalan song on the nativity.

As usual, the Boston Camerata is well trained - the words are clear, the voices blend well and the instrumentation complements their performance.

This is an album that belongs in a basic Christmas collection.


A Most Excellent Christmas Album!   December 11, 1999
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

A few years ago, while my belongings were in storage, among many, many other things that were stolen, I lost this CD and have been pineing away for another copy ever since. Of all the Christmas music available, this is the one I prefer to listen to the most, since for me, it embodies the true spirit of the season, and joy of man at the birth of the Savior. If anyone has ever lived in Europe for any length of time and been exposed to traditional European Christmas music, no matter if it was England, France, Spain, The Netherlands (my European home-away-from-home) or Germany, there is something on this CD to remind you of the earthy, closeness many people there still have to this most wonderful season. It is centuries and worlds removed from the "Ho Ho Ho", credit-card world we know so well in America, and for this reason and so very much more, I can personally recommend this most unique CD and commend those who have crafted it with a full and thankful heart.


Simply one of the best Christmas albums on the market.   December 25, 2004
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

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 Garco, 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.


wonderful   October 20, 1999
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

When people start to talk about Christmas music, this is the music that, for me at least, springs to mind. Something about the authentic sounds and instruments, and about the music itself, from a time before Christmaswas about malls, santas, spending money, and television commercials. The Boston Camerata has a Medieval Christmas recording that is also an excellent companion to this one.


The best.   October 3, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have had this Cd isnce it was released and year after year it delights, amazes and fills my family's heart with holiday joy. Like other reviewers have said, I agree that the quality of this CD (along with the companion CDs a Medival Christmas and a Baroque Christmas) is truly a revelation. But what I love most is simply listening to songs that aren't as well known as other carols- it connects you to the past instantly and also makes you feel the real reason for the season. Simply gorgeous and heavenly.