Our Heart's Joy: A Chanticleer Christmas |  | Artists: Benjamin Britten, Spiritual Traditional, Franz Xaver Gruber, Mark Daniel, Neal Rogers, Foster Sommerlad, Matthew Thompson, Kenneth Fitch, Karl Schmidt, Peter Maund, Chad Runyon, Tim Gibler, Kevin Baum, Steven Rickards, Mark Keller, Frank Albinder, Joseph Jennings
Creators: Chanticleer, Jean Mouton, Andrea Gabrieli, Michael Praetorius, Francisco Guerrero, Spanish Anonymous, Anonymous, Franz Biebl, Christmas Traditional
Label: Chanticleer Records
Category: Music
Buy New: $18.98
New (3) Used (6) Collectible (1) from $18.00
Rating:  15 reviews
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
UPC: 723721060121
EAN: 0723721060121
Release Date: December 15, 1992
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: **Very possible to find, especially brand new!** This brand new remastered (2004) version CD ships directly from Chanticleer!!!
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| Tracks:
| • | Ave Maria... Virgo serena | | • | Quem vidistis pastores? | | • | In dulci jubilo | | • | Virgen sancta | | • | E la don don | | • | Rmu, rmu, chmu | | • | Ave Maria | | • | There is no rose | | • | A hymn to the Virgin | | • | Tomorrow shall be my dancing day | | • | Il est ni le divin enfant | | • | O come, O come, Emmanuel | | • | I wonder as I wander | | • | Medley of Christmas Spirtuals | | • | Silent Night |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
The all-male, all-professional, full-time choir Chanticleer has developed a phenomenal following during the past couple of decades, and this Christmas disc contains some of the group's best-loved repertoire. Topping the list is Chanticleer's most-requested concert piece, Franz Biebl's intensely moving "Ave Maria," followed by Joseph Jenning's uninhibited, spirited "Medley of Christmas Spirituals." Along the way, we hear a wide variety of sacred works, from the 15th century ("There Is No Rose") to the 20th (Benjamin Britten's "A Hymn to the Virgin"). Due to its exclusive use of male voices--even sopranos--Chanticleer projects a unique sound that usually blends beautifully. Occasionally, however, due to the nature of the piece or arrangement, the balance overemphasizes the highest voices and the blend suffers. But overall, the singing is outstanding, the arrangements are tasteful, and the repertoire is unassailable. --David Vernier
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| Customer Reviews: Read 10 more reviews...
Buy it if you can December 15, 2007
Jay Young (Austin, TX USA)
After listening to samples of Chanicleer's new Christmas album, "Let it Snow," I realized how far the group's standards have fallen over the years. It's sad. Given the reception of "Let it Snow," it's puzzling why they even released it, rather than re-release "Our Heart's Joy." In other words, by this CD if you can get ahold of it; it's a recording of fantastic, deeply spiritual music that shows Chanticleer at its best. From the first track to the last, "Our Heart's Joy" gives you sublime Christmas music to enjoy this holiday season. My personal favorites are "Riu Riu Chiu," a rollicking Spanish carol, and Franz Biebel's august "Ave Maria." On a personal note, I had the opportunity to sing both of these songs in high school, and felt it an honor to sing the songs that I had heard Chanticleer perform so beautifully. So if you're looking for beautiful music, exquisitely performed, buy "Our Heart's Joy." You won't be disappointed.
 well... hate to be the one who doesn't fit in August 6, 2007
city7 (mountain view, CA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is lovely music, which I bought because the completely performed E La Don Don and Riu Riu Chiu are so difficult to find , but I just didn't think the rest of the CD justified the enormous price. A lot of the songs are too alike for me to be able to distinguish. Beautifully performed, but too expensive for what it is.
Sublime Singing June 5, 2001
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
The all male, A Capella choir Chanticleer includes songs of many styles on this recording, but one in particular has always shined the brightest for me. The "Ave Maria," written by Biebel, includes introductory passages of traditional Gregorian chant, which lead into lush choral passages of neo-classical style, richly colored by impressionism. The sound is sonorous, fluid, and radiant, and communicates a deep sense of spiritual fulfilment. The "Ave Maria" text has been set numerous times in history, but this rendition seems best to capture the delicate longing and pleading for intercession between humans and the Virgin Mary. It is a quiet comment on the human condition, as we turn to the heavens to find order both in our lives, and in the world around us. If there is a heaven, it must sound like this.
One of the most soothing compilations of music I own December 9, 2000
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
I first owned a tape of this in 1993, and went out of my way to purchase the CD last summer. I never get tired of this CD. Of course, there is nothing more healing than the Biebl Ave Maria, which grows more and more beautiful everytime I listen to it. Chanticleer introduced this beautiful piece to me, I've had the good fortune of having it sung at my wedding, and being able to sing it last year in the Cathedrals, Abbeys and Basilicas of France! The rest of the CD is just as superb, and yes, those really are men singing those most amazing Soprano sections in Go Tell It On the Mountain. Other favorites are the Mouton that opens the CD, There Is No Rose, and O Come Emmanuel. A wonderful addition to anyone's Christmas CD collection, and one that you can play year round!
My Utmost Favorite Christmas Album December 2, 2000
G. F. Brown (Long Beach, CA United States)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Our Heart's Desire, masterfully and lovingly sung by the great all-male group, Chanticleer, is the one Christmas album I wouldn't want to be without. The content, covering a broad range of styles spanning several centuries, includes some music to make almost anyone happier at Christmas. The blend is superb, the arrangements are innovative but true to the music, the intonation is nearly perfect, and Chanticleer sings as though the music means something to them. An hour spent listening to this album will unwind you from the crinkiest pre-Christmas blues and tensions. Don't be without it!
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