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Ah, bliss! I adore well-executed choral music for the holidays, and Gloriae Dei Cantores certainly fills the bill. Sing Noel is an outstanding, no-nonsense, moving release of intensely lovely seasonal music. The 40-voice New England ensemble, under the distinguished direction of Elizabeth Patterson since 1988, exudes professionalism and emotion from every pore. Beautiful! The inclusion of the Gloriae Dei Ringers (handbells) and Gloriae Dei Brass (brass ensemble) only enriches an already fabulous bounty.

The centerpiece of this 70-minute buffet is the opening title track. At more than 17 minutes, the Sing Noel medley is easily the longest track. This colorful set of carols entrances; the singers move seamlessly from piece to piece to piece, and the overall effect is brilliant. To be honest, every cut works here. I especially enjoyed the crisp a cappella treatment of Caroling, Caroling (perhaps the best version I have ever heard), the brassy exuberance of Ding Dong! Merrily on High, and the commanding, nuanced delivery of Masters in This Hall.

The acoustics in Mechanics Hall (Worcester, Massachusetts) are lovely and richly resonant. I will caution, however, that this release was recorded at relatively low levels. This means that you need to crank up the volume to appreciate fully the excitement of Sing Noel.

Fans of choral music will thrills to the classic sounds of the Gloriae dei Cantores on Sing Noel. Bravo!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Gloriae Dei Cantores
Conducted by Elizabeth C. Patterson
Instrumental Director: Richard K. Pugsley
Organists: David Chalmers, James E. Jordan, Jr.

Gloriae Dei Cantores, under the direction of Elizabeth Patterson, has toured 23 countries in Europe, Asia, and North America, sings in 18 languages, has produced 27 recordings, and has produced 27 recordings, and has received extensive critical acclaim for its performances of sacred choral music of all historical periods and styles from the eleventh through the twentieth centuries. The choir, based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, consists of 40 men and women, aged 18-60, from a wide variety of occupations, denominations, and musical backgrounds.

Gloriae Dei Ringers, under the direction of Richard K. Pugsley, is a handbell choir dedicated to excellence in the presentation of sacred, classical and contemporary handbell music.

Gloriae Dei Brass offers the best in fanfare and solo brass works, giving concerts and master classes throughout New England.

Mechanics Hall (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Guest Artists:
Carol Mastrodomenico (soprano)
Jay Humeston (violoncello)


From the Website:

Gloriæ Dei Cantores has brought to life Ralph Hunter's exciting Christmas medley Sing Noel. Hunter gained prominence as the arranger for Harry Belafonte, and as conductor of the Radio City Music Hall Chorus. Also featured on this CD are arrangements for two of Jessye Norman's best-selling recordings.

About Gloriae Dei Cantores...

Singled out by the American Record Guide for "performances which are impeccable and deeply moving," and by Richard Dyer of the Boston Globe for having "a quality that lies beyond words," the internationally renowned 40-voice choir Gloriæ Dei Cantores (Singers to the Glory of God) holds a passionate dedication to find and express the most authentic and compelling interpretation of sacred choral music spanning two millennia.

Sharing its vision of inspiration and hope, Gloriæ Dei Cantores has touched the hearts of audiences and critics in 23 countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. The choir sings in 18 languages, has a discography of more than 30 recordings, and has appeared on the concert stage and in recordings with such artists as Gerre Hancock, Keith Lockhart, John Williams, Vladimir Minin, Samuel Adler, Mark O'Connor, Stephen Cleobury, the late George Guest, the late Daniel Pinkham, and the late Margaret Hillis.

Director Elizabeth Patterson's mission to illuminate truth and beauty through choral artistry, is expressed through the spiritual context of the music.

Gloriae Dei Cantores

Sing Noel

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Track List