As a former student of Dr. Alf S. Houkom, composer of "The Rune of Hospitality" (found on this recording), and a choral conductor myself, I rejoiced in the knowledge that this work, and others like it, are finally getting the exposure, as well as the professional treatment, that they so richly deserve. Bravo, Mr. Warland, and thank you for the gift of this album. This is truly in the spirit of the season.


One of the great choral recordings   April 19, 2002
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

Minneapolis-based conductor Dale Warland directs this superb chorus that specializes in 20th-century music. The collection here is an outstanding demonstration of the group's artistry, with some compositions by well-knowns such as Stravinsky and Arvo Prt, and others that are relatively unknown.

It's hard to choose favorites from such a line-up, but the vocal and artistic highlight for me is Penderecki's "Song of Cherubim" - an absolutely stunning piece sung with the precision that is one of the hallmarks of this group. Alf Houkom's "The Rune of Hospitality" has a gorgeous melody that resonated in my head for days afterward. I also like Trond Kverno's magnificent "Corpus Christi Carol," and Stephen Paulus' quietly moving "Evensong." But every single track is a gem, and throughout the program, this remarkable group demonstrates impeccable technique and ensemble unity.

American Choral Classics has done this project justice with sound of crystal clarity and presence. When coupled with such artistry, the result is one of the finest choral recordings I have ever heard.

Don't be deterred by the "holiday" nature of the collection. The music and the performances are of such a high caliber, you'll want to listen to it year-round.


Very fine collection - well sung   June 12, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

At times I have not been terribly impressed with albums like this from American choirs, but this one is very good indeed. It's certainly an eclectic collection, including music from around the world. The singing is almost always exceptional, with some outstanding interpretations of the lesser-known works. My favourites would have to be the two settings of 'Ave Maria' by Stravinsky and Javier Busto (a Basque composer, who has developed a wonderful choral-writing style). Also of note are Part's 'Magnificat' and Poulenc's 'Quem Vidistes Pastores'.

I highly recommend this recording - as other reviewers have said, it's worth playing all year round (in New Zealand, the stillness is in July anyway - not December!).


A must!   September 25, 2005
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

One of the most beautiful, well-made choral CDs to be released anywhere in recent memory. A must for any choral enthusiast. Wonderfully fresh, gorgeous, and challenging program. One or two of the tracks, such as Busto's Ave Maria and Part's Magnificat are slightly below the choir's standard of excellence, but it is easy to forgive considering the incredible performances on the rest of the CD. The Penderecki, Houkom, and Paulus in particular are absolutely ravishing; I truly don't think choral singing has ever gotten closer to perfection.


dale warland singers   July 1, 2005
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

once again the dale warland singers have produced a recording of wonderful singing and terrific (while perhaps slightly obscure) repertoire. this eclectic recording of lesser-known choral works is truly worth purchasing. from the simplistic beauty of "little tree" to the fresh dissonances of "the rune of hospitality", this recording is a treasure. however, i would recommend it to those with an experience ear.