The King's Singers

Collection of folk and traditional songs from various recordings, all of which are excellent. The King's Singers is a venerable ensemble of male a cappella (unaccompanied) singers, who record and perform in multiple genres.

This transcription of their songs is a nice way to follow along, if you are not yourself a member of such an ensemble or choir.

The track "Watching the White Wheat" is sung in Welsh, and started me on a quest to find more, resulting in a 20-plus-year association with the national Welsh Heritage Week Society, and the local Denver Welsh Society.… (más)

Another great Christmas music collection by The King's Singers. I like their close harmonies which are frequently a capella, but the addition of the City of London Sinfonia adds a layer of complexity and fun.

I find it particularly appropriate that the recording opens with Here We Come A-Wassailing. Favorites include I Wonder as I Wander, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Gaudete (beautifully accompanied by a brass quintet), all of the Three Spanish Carols, The Wexford Carol, and The Gift. I enjoyed the finale of Patapan and Farandole.

While A Little Christmas Music - Medley a la Mozart (featuring Kiri Te Kanawa) made me giggle, I suspect it won't be everyone's cup of tea. If you like P.D.Q. Bach (as I do), I think you will find it amusing. The Coventry Carol is a very different arrangement. The dissonance forces me to listen to the words. I'd become complacent about this song, not thinking at all about Herod's actions. It won't be my favorite, but I am glad it exists to remind me of that dark incident. Deck the Halls is very typical British humor and, again, not everyone's cup of tea.

I think, as I look at my favorites, that the addition of the Sinfonia let The King's Singers do more with their voices since the instruments could carry some of the melodies. It also distinguishes it from their other Christmas CDs.

I'd recommend this to fans of The King's Singers and to people who enjoy Christmas music, if they don't mind a few songs with an unexpected twist. If you like The King's Singers, Christmas music, and P.D.Q. Bach, then this CD is for you.

I'd give this collection 4.5 stars because I think some folks just wouldn't enjoy the three songs I mention (thus I would be cautious about sharing it).… (más)

I enjoy this CD each Christmas season, but then I love Christmas music and The King's Singers, so that is to be expected. I don't mind songs that are not in English, so my enjoyment of this collection is not affected by nearly half the songs not being in English.

Veni, Veni, Emanuel is the perfect way to open this CD. Favorites include Angelus ad Virginem, Coventry Carol (Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child), Lullay My Liking, Bogoróditse dyévo (which was new to me), and Noël nouvelet. Born on a New Day is new to me and a perfect end to the CD.

If you like Christmas music or The King's Singers, I think you'll enjoy this recording. If you like both, I suspect you'll love it.… (más)

This recording has a good mix of Christmas music. There are four that are appropriately not in English: Noel Nouvelet, Stille Nacht, Serenade d'hiver, and Gaudete. One of the reasons I love the King's Singers is that the enunciate; I can understand every word, even in in intricate melodies. Even songs I wasn't as familiar with could be followed.

Favorites include Gabriel's Message, Noel Nouvelet,Gaudete, and Jingle Bells. In a class by itself is The Twelve Days of Christmas which has me snickering throughout.

If you like The King's Singers and Christmas music, I think you'll love this. If you like Christmas music at all, you should add this to your collection.… (más)