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King's Singers
Christmas
Review by Karl Lozier
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CD Number: Signum Records Ltd. SigCD 502
This new King's Singers recording was recorded in late May 2003. This CD presents the group at their traditional best. Composition of the group remains at two countertenors, one standard model tenor, two fine baritones and supported by the usual bass. Only a half dozen of the twenty-five selections are of the most popular Christmas songs of the U.S. of A. Many of the others are far more common in the United Kingdom. British and U.S. tastes in music are nowhere near identical.
As had been traditionally common with this group for decades, the performances are sublimely beautiful. No gee-whiz or show off effects to be found. Variety there is in abundance, but subtly so. I recommend late evening listening to this recording, as in winding down from a rough day or excessive holiday shopping. Maximum enjoyment may be found with an accompanying hot toddy.
The sound quality is a rather typical very good as commonly produced in the twenty-first century. However it simply is not in the "good as it gets" category.
A perennial favorite of their fans is the King's Singers You Are the New
Day. As the concluding selection, here it is a new version with Christmas words by Phillip Lawson plus accompaniment (this selection only) of a string quartet. Somehow, here the recording quality is noticeably better and more nearly realistic - making this track alone worth or almost worth the total admission price to hear this justly famous group.
Ordering Information: This new release should now be available at www.ArkivMusic.com and other sources. Further information also at www.classiquest.com
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