The Christmas season has inspired centuries of composers to write some of the word’s most beloved music. The Exultate Chamber Singers’ second recording is an exploration of the many musical expressions of Christmas: from the sacred to the silly, from the reverential awe of the coming of the Christ Child to the pleasures of Christmas hooch and pudding. Along the way we delve into different compositional traditions, from the Huron Indian carol to the German choral, from pristine English carols and texts of the Middle Ages to American cornball. Cantatas, oratorios, carols, motets and songs – the season of Christmas is the only time of year our hearts and minds can be touched in so many different ways.

DANIEL PINKHAM

1-3. Christmas Cantata “Sinfonia Sacra”

Huron Indian Tune, arr. ROBERT. B. ANDERSON

4. The Huron Carol

J.S. BACH, arr. LISE VAUGEOIS

5-6. Herr Christ, der einig gottes Sohn

J.S. BACH, arr. LISE VAUGEOIS

7-8. In Dulci Jubilo

HUGO DISTLER

9. Die Weignachtsgeschichte, Op. 10

W.J. KIRKPATRICK,. arr. RICHARD PRICE

10. Away in a Manger

DEREK HOLMAN

11. Christ Keep Us All

DEREK HOLMAN

12. Mary is a Lady Bright

DEREK HOLMAN

13. Make We Joy Now in This Feast

DEREK HOLMAN

14. O My Dear Heart

English, arr. HOWARD CABLE

15. The Holly and the Ivy

EDITH NESBITT, arr. PETER DICKINSON

16. Christmas is Coming

Gloucesterchire Wassail, arr, KENNETH LEIGHTON

17. Wassail All Over the Town

West Country Song, arr,. JOHN GARDNER

18. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

MEL TORMÉ, arr. JAMES WELLS

19. The Christmas Song

HUGH MARTIN and RALPH BLANE, arr. JAMES WELLS

20. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas