Throughout this month, as part of all the holiday music you'll hear on WXXI Classical from throughout the centuries and around the world, we're turning the CD Spotlight over to WXXI Classical hosts and staff to share some of the albums of holiday music that they treasure and recommend.
Ornaments: Music for Christmas with Mitzie Collins, dulcimer, Roxanne Ziegler, harp Nowell: Christmas Music for Dulcimer, flute and harp (Sampler Records 8505/8606)
Recommended by Ruth Phinney, Program Director
Produced in 1985, this CD featuring Rochester artists Mitzie Collins and Roxanne Ziegler quickly became a staple for Christmas, with its folk and world music sound. In addition to hammer dulcimer and harp, listeners will hear recorder, flute, handbells, fiddle and harmonium on some selections. In 1986 Mitzie Collins and Roxanne Ziegler added flutist Glenda Dove to their ensemble to produce “Nowell: Christmas Music for Dulcimer, flute and harp."
These two CDs were a staple on Classical 91.5 in the early days, as the station’s music was more eclectic, including folk and jazz. Together, these albums represented the simplicity and beauty of the holiday/winter season in the 1980s and beyond.Mitzie Collins, the dulcimer musician, was also the host of the Children’s program “Sounds Like Fun” that began on Classical 91.5 in the late 1970s and ran for 10 years. Mitzie’s passion for introducing children to classical, folk and world music was contagious. Before producing “Ornaments” and “Nowell,” Mitzie and the children recorded a CD called “Sounds Like Fun.” Mitzie even started her own record label, Sampler Records to distribute her recordings, many of which were done on cassette back in the day. Mitzie is still a beloved member of Rochester’s folk music scene.
Christmas from Many Lands / Eastman Bach Children's Chorus
Recommended by James Aldrich-Moodie, fill-in host
A number of years ago, one of my students gave me a copy of Christmas from Many Lands, a CD from the Eastman Bach Children’s Chorus, led by Karla Krogstad, and it has become one of the most often played holiday recordings in my household, for a whole host of reasons. As the title suggests, the works included come from across the world, from Russia to Catalonia, from Puerto Rico to Poland – the mix of well-known and unfamiliar music is a terrific way to keep the holidays fresh. Added to that, the arrangements are expertly done (most by Rochester composers/conductors Cary Ratcliff or Paul Stuart), with a variety of accompaniments (many played either by members of the RPYO or the Sampler Trio – Mitzie Collins, Glennda Dove, and Roxanne Ziegler). Best of all, the sound of children’s voices seems completely appropriate to a holiday that celebrates the arrival of a child. After all, it is through children’s eyes that we can most easily see the magic of the season. To put on a CD of such polished, charming, and committed performances is a can’t-miss way to kindle the holiday spirit, no matter how many times I’ve heard these pieces before.
The Apple Tree: Christmas with Seraphic Fire (SFM 17)
Recommended by Marianne Carberry, Saturday afternoon host
Founded in 2002, Seraphic Fire is an American choral ensemble, based in Florida. Not surprisingly, their new album, "The Apple Tree: Christmas with Seraphic Fire," has a distinctly "American" sound. The album's selections, including "Jesus Christ The Apple Tree," "Away in the Manger," and "Mary Had a Baby," help create a tender poignance and sweet innocence. As you embrace the darkness and quiet of Christmas Eve, consider listening to this new album by Seraphic Fire. This impressive ensemble features four scholars in residence, including one from the Eastman School!
No Small Wonder / St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys; Jeremy Filsell, conductor
Recommended by Jeanne Fisher, Executive Producer of With Heart & Voice
In December 2010, I had the privilege of attending the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge. My friend Melinda and I queued up at 4:30am, and we were number 14 and 15 to enter the chapel. We basked in the glorious sounds of the choir and organ in that beautiful, historic place.
The following year we attended the Procession and Solemn Eucharist of the Nativity at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue in New York City. Thanks to a lovely gift of tickets from the late John Scott, then Organist and Director of Music at St. Thomas, we did not have to queue up for the service. We experienced the amazing brass and organ prelude, beautiful carols and anthems by the choir, and robust carol singing by all in attendance.
A recent CD by the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, No Small Wonder, combines the loveliest of these British and American choral traditions. Jeremy Filsell leads an eclectic mix of American and English music that recreates the sounds of St. Thomas Church during the holiday season, and brings me wonderful memories of my own Christmas Eve experiences in Cambridge, England and New York City.
Beginning with the traditional, Once in Royal David’s City, we take a musical journey through Advent, Christmas and Epiphany with music by Leo Nestor, Charles Villiers Stanford, Richard Dirksen, Jonathan Dove, Judith Bingham, and many others. This enchanting recording is a fitting way to enjoy the spirit of the season.
