Thursday, January 01, 2009

Holiday Music #12 - The Wrap Up

It's been fun to reflect on some old favorites, remember some forgotten ones, and discover new music to love this past December. I'll take a leaf out of Melissa Wiley's book and alert you to the fact that, while I used Amazon links via the Amazon associate program to post music (and books) here, I don't even have the program set up to pay me (which notice appears every time I go to create yet another mini widget for a carol or book). It was just the easiest way for me get the music out there. Personally, I use iTunes for almost all my music purchases these days, but they don't pay me to say that.☺

Two of my new favorites that I discovered thanks to the December issue of BBC Music Magazine are "Born on a New Day," by Welsh composer John David and with Christmas text by King's Singers member Philip Lawson, and an Ave Maria by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, called "Bogoroditse Dyévo." I only wish this latter song was longer--it is that lovely. I plan to explore other music by Arvo Pärt soon!

Born on a New Day, as sung by The King's Singers:


Bogoroditse Dyévo, as sung by the Pro Arte Singers and Theatre of Voices under the direction of Paul Hillier on the cd, I Am the True Vine:


Happy New Year!

2 comments:

majesticmoose said...

I am finally checking in and have to work my way backwards! Anyway, I have been in love with the music of Arvo Pärt for a decade now and you can check out my CD selection :) Some of it is truly breathtaking. The first time I heard it, some NY NPR station was playing it while we were crossing the Tappan Zee bridge on the way back to Pennsylvania late at night on boxing day. That moment is forever in my memory, those voices of the baltic singers was something I had never experienced.

Christina said...

Oooh, Barb, I should have known you would know Arvo Pärt! I'd love to hear any recommendations you have concerning his music.

Happy New Year, dear friend!