The week`s essential new releases. Christmas Carols- Let The Angels Sing
Michala Petri(recorder) Danish National Vocal Ensemble cond Michael Bojesen, OUR Recordings 6.220615
Of the countless Christmas Carols compilations coming out at Christmas, this is a considerable standout. Economy of choral texture and a restlessly chirping, crystal-clear recorder line ensure that familiar songs sound new (the arrangements are Bojesen`s) and penetrate the heart afresh. Petri`s descants add to the pure pleasure principle of the carols themselves a constant grace of gratultous delight – gratultous, but soon seeming indispensable. Favourite numbers are the Czech Zither Carol(Haunting!) and Rocking, the German In Dulci Jubilo, the English Coventry Carol and It Came upon the Midnight Clear. Paul Driver, Sunday Times