Christmas Songs (2004)

About this title: Internationally lauded contemporary Celtic vocal ensemble Anuna, best known stateside as the original Riverdance choir, lend their ghostly voices to the holiday genre with the Christmas-themed Winter Songs. The choir, led by sibling directors Michael and John McGlynn, downplay the "sing-songy" aspects of classic carols like "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night," filling them instead with complex harmonies that recall Bacharach and the Beach Boys. That's not to say that they ignore the season's emotional weight -- ancient Irish hymns like the gorgeous "Codhlaim Go Suan" are steeped in modal ... read more

Tracks:

1. Away in a Manger [Kirkpatrick]
2. The Wexford Carol
3. The First Day
4. Ríu Ríu
5. Silent Night [Gruber/Mohr]
6. The Coventry Carol
7. Codhlaím Go Suan [McGlynn]
8. Christmas Day Is Come [McGlynn]
9. Winter, Fire and Snow [Graham/Woods]
10. Pie Jesu [McGlynn]
11. Hymn to the Virgin [McGlynn]
12. O Holy Night [Clappeau/Adam]
13. Ther Is No Ros

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.