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Paul Halley is a world-renowned composer, conductor, and organist. Here, he leads Chorus Angelicus, an impressive children's choir, and Gaudeamus, an exceptional adult ensemble, together in What Child Is This?. Not surprisingly, for choral music addicts, this holiday release is a shot in the arm.

The recording has an ethereal, other-worldly feel; the church acoustics provide a slight reverb that puts listeners in a front-row pew. Chorus Angelicus sings with a sweet precision that belies the singers' youth, and Gaudemus effortlessly handles sophisticated and classic fare with professionalism. Halley, of course, is an exceptional organist, and he performs flawlessly here. For me, though, an enthusiastic organ can sometimes overshadow vocals, so I favor the clean a cappella presentation of gorgeous pieces such as O Magnum Mysterium (de Victoria). I also loved these vocal ensembles on Bogoroditse Devo, the traditional Irish piece Beannacht Leat, A Mhuire, and the mysterious A Nativity with its downright eerie, but undeniably lovely, tone.

Halley wisely intersperses some holiday favorites among the more challenging classical works, making this offering reach out to a broader range of seasonal music fans. What Child Is This? is an excellent Christmas release, especially for those who favor well-executed choral music with a classical bent. Enjoy!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Chorus Angelicus:
Keith Boratko, Anna Carlson, Christine Cascella, Rachel Cunningham, Michelle Gara, Anna Gunod, Kati Hinman, Georgia Johnston, Lily Johnston, Karina Lorenc, Katie Rogers

Gaudeamus:
Sopranos: Anna Carlson, Eryn Deprey, Vanessa Halley, Jennifer Lamson, Jolanta Lorenc, Emily Werne
Altos: Daniel Brondel, Samantha Halley, Pamela Johnson, Marie Laser
Tenors: Ehren Brown, Terrence Fay, Nicholas Halley, Floyd Higgins, John LaPorta, Steven Wilson
Basses: Kevin Andersen, James Barrett, Shaylan Burkhart, Bruce Fifer, Lawrie McEwan

Music Director & Organist: Paul Halley
Christopher Lane--Recording Accompanist

Recording Sessions
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Torrington, CT (Choir)
Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington, CT (Organ)

Produced by Tom Bates, Paul Halley & Margaret Race
Executive Producer: Margaret Race
Engineered by Tom Bates



From the Website:

Joyful Noise is a unique and inspiring choral organization that administers the activities of the well-known children's choir, Chorus Angelicus (the Angelic Choir), and the adult vocal ensemble, Gaudeamus (Let Us Rejoice), along with two Training Choirs. Founded in 1991 by three-time Grammy Award-winning composer, Paul Halley, Joyful Noise transforms the lives of 90 children from more than 15 towns in Northwest Connecticut and the Berkshires. Choristers absorb a passionate commitment to excellence through singing; they learn self-respect, confidence, and the willingness to strive for results of the highest caliber in all aspects of their lives.

Gaudeamus is an adult chamber choir of professional and semi-professional freelance singers formed by Paul Halley in the spring of 1992.

Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus

What Child Is This?

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Track List