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Hark! A stirring trumpet fanfare! And The American Boychoir's Voices of Angels begins a full hour of traditional holiday music with a definitely classical focus. This is a collection of the best the American Boychoir has offered, with the original recordings dating from 1992, 2000, and 2001. Generally acknowledged as one of the finest concert boys' choirs in the world, its members are boys in grades 5 through 8. The album title Voice of Angels; this truly is the music of angels. The works are conducted by James Litton and Fernando Malvar-Ruiz. Not surprisingly, the production values are outstanding, and the choir executes impressively on each number.

Perhaps half of the 19 tracks are relatively well-known; the rest are sweet discoveries. My favorite piece is probably the a cappella version of Ding Dong! Merrily on High, a track that showcases the bright, effortless nature of the young boys' voices. The song is fast and requires considerable concentration and finesse; the boys pull it off in fine form. On at least two pieces, females play a role; in fact, Lynnel Joy Jenkins (Resident Training Choir Director) provides a strong solo on the spiritual Mary Had a Baby. Most tracks feature the organ (or piano), giving the tunes extra heft and grandeur.

Voices of Angels is perfect for any fan of traditional choral music. Like the opening notes, the album is stirring, polished, and pristine.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Conducted by James Litton and Fernando Malvar-Ruiz

Track 3: Tore Aaen Aune, Jessica Gordon, soloists
Track 6: Christopher Boone, Michael Maliakel, Gregory Stephans, soloists
Track 12: Francois Suhr, soloist
Track 16: Alexander Cook, Patrick Darab, Francois Suhr, soloists
Track 18: Lynnel Joy Jenkins, Resident Training Choir Director of The American Boychoir School, soloist

Tracks 2,5,7,9,13,15: William Trafka, organist
Tracks 1,6,8,11,12,14,16,18,19: Scott Dettra, organist and pianist

THE AMERICAN BOYCHOIR
The American Boychoir is the United States' premier concert boys' choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. Its members--boys in grades 5 through 8--come from around the country to pursue a rigorous musical and academic curriculum at The American Boychoir School, the only non-sectarian boys' choir school in the country. The Choir regularly performs with major American and European orchestras, and maintains an active national and international touring schedule. The Boychoir has been extensively recorded and broadcast on radio and television, with some forty commercial recordings to its name. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1937, The American Boychoir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey, since 1950.

The American Boychoir

Voices of Angels

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Track List