Here's a new recording on the Regent label that I strongly recommend because it includes the best of both worlds. From the noble power of Once in Royal David's City to the pious peace of Gustav Holst's Ave Maria to a fun arrangement of Jingle Bells which includes vocal sound effects, it's all there. There's also a good balance of a capella pieces and choir and organ pieces which varies the sound from carol to carol and doesn't cause ear fatigue.

The Cantemus Chamber Choir, which performed Handel's Messiah at Buckingham Palace in December 2014, is a mixed choir of about 30 voices that brings a blend of precision, decorum and whimsy to each piece they sing based on its character. Away in a Manger to Calypso Carol is quite a leap but they seem to slide from one to the next without effort. Heartfelt tenderness in Suo-Gân and joyfull spirit in Deck the Hall.

No need to program your CD player to play multiple CDs on random shuffle this Christmas. This one has everything covered.

Classical Music Sentinel December 2015