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This has been a prolific reviewing season for the Gloriae Dei Arts Foundation, which provides support for the excellent Gloriae Dei Cantores choir, the Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola cantors, the Gloriae Dei Ringers, and more! Over the past few weeks alone, I have reviewed the bell ringers, the cantors, and the choir, all to grand effect. Now comes Be Merry!, the newest (2008) release by the excellent Gloriae Dei Cantores, an internationally-renowned 40+ person choir, with lovely instrumental accompaniment.

Be Merry! is a generous (over an hour!) release that covers 24 classical pieces with old-fashioned professionalism and contemporary flair. I have a strong personal preference for a cappella stylings, and Be Merry! easily satisfies that need with many cuts of cleanly-delivered, sophisticated, unadorned choral presentations. Lovely! From time to time, the Gloriae Dei Cantores takes brief breaks to let the outstanding Extol Handbell Choir do its thing (Go, Tell It on the Mountain, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow; the mix nicely enhances the overall ambiance.

The liner notes are themselves a holiday celebration. The pamphlet is remarkably long and detailed, yet colorful and fully accessible. Each track has its own page delivering the relevant lyrics and "back story," all provided with eye-popping graphics, photos, and swirls.

The album immediately grabs the listener's attention with an unorthodox opening. What Cheer? begins with urgent whisperings ("Mary!", "Mary!"), and the rhythmic, a cappella vocalists gradually build into a cascading, multi-lingual "What Cheer!" Very nicely done! The second track is an impressive (albeit brief) rendition of Adam Lay Ybounden, a favorite of mine that appears only infrequently. From there, the offering smartly, spritely moves through a marvelous array of holiday selections, including an unusual--and fascinating--arrangement (by "Seagull Seven") of What Child Is This?, a mysterious take that is somewhat dark and discordant.

Of all of the Gloriae Dei Arts Foundation releases before me in 2008, I suppose Be Merry! is the best, although the choice is a bit like picking out the best-loved child. Each one is legitimately wonderful. The organization stands for top-quality musical performances, and that commitment is well-evidenced in all of its releases. Be Merry! would be a superb addition to any classical music lover's seasonal collection. Enjoy, and BE MERRY!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Elizabeth C. Patterson, Director

Gloriae Dei Cantores, an internationally acclaimed choir of over forty voices, ranging in age from 17-70, and directed by Elizabeth C. Patterson, is dedicated to preserving and authentically interpreting great choral music from the eleventh to the twenty-first centuries. Founded in 1988, Cloriae Dei Cantores has touched the hearts of audiences in twenty-three countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. They sing in eighteen languages and have a discography of over forty recordings. For more information, please visit www.gdcchoir.org.

The instrumentalists on Be Merry! are all part of Gloriae Dei artes Foundation, dedicated to the pursuit of beauty and truth in celebration of the Arts. Gabriel V Brass Quintet, Extol Handbell Choir, as well as the organists, percussionists, and flute players share a commitment to excellence through detailed preparation. In particular, youth enrichment is an important part of the mission of Gloriae Dei Artes. For more information, visit www.gdaf.org.


From the Website:

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. Singers, who range in age from 17 - 70, come from a wide variety of occupations, Christian traditions, and musical backgrounds, yet share a common depth of faith and commitment which is expressed in their singing.

In addition to touring internationally and across the United States, Gloriæ Dei Cantores sings weekly worship services at the Church of the Transfiguration, and hosts a concert series of great choral masterworks.

Gloriae Dei Cantores

Be Merry!

Artist link

Track List