7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A worthy successor to volume 1, December 4, 2005
This review is from: Carol Album, Vol. 2: Taverner Consort, Choir & Players- Andrew Parrott (Audio CD)
The carol album vol 1 has been reviewed very favorably by many people, yet no one has given vol 2 any notice here. That is puzzling, because this disc offers just about the same enjoyment as the other.
There are two familiar carols, While Shepherd Watched and Hark! The Herald Angel Sing, which are given fresh and vigorous interpretations that blow away any dust that has accumulated on them over the years. Quelle est cette odeur agreable is virtually a tiny French cantata that is very beguiling. Ther is no rose of swych virtu is one of the lovliest of the many English medieval carols, which is given a 20th century setting too. (the track listing reverses the order of these pieces.) One of the unlikely highlights for me is Lullay, lullay: Als i lay on a Yoolis night. This is a 700 year old melody sung unaccompanied by a single soprano voice through 12 stanzas. Even at almost 8 minutes long it doesn't seem boring, but manages to speak across time to me and ponder the nativity scene.
If you liked the Carol Album Vol 1, you will enjoy this too.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't Miss This One!, November 30, 2008
This review is from: Carol Album, Vol. 2: Taverner Consort, Choir & Players- Andrew Parrott (Audio CD)
This is one of my favorite Christmas discs, sadly overshadowed by the first Carol Album. The music is delightfully done, with a nice mix of choral and small ensemble performances. Early music fans like me will enjoy these mostly pre-19th century works. A great choice for anyone interested in the sounds of Christmas past! Be sure to check out Parrott's A Christmas Album (vol. 1)and his first Carol Album as well.
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