Our Review
The title is Ancient Christmas, a title which describes the contents of this work without quite doing justice. I might have named it Come With Me--the title of Gabriella Snyder's excellent original Christmas song--because the title of this song better conveys her mission: leading us on a quest to discover Christmas through ancient and traditional carols. I appreciated her song for its authenticity and truth, as well as enjoying the renaissance flavor of the entire CD.
With Ms. Snyder on hammer dulcimer, Steve McWhirk on guitar, and Myra Franks on violin and viola, the string arrangements splendidly evoke the "ancient" mood of the eleven selections, many of which were unknown to me. I appreciate toe-tapping seasonal melodies, so my favorite tune was Stars of Glory, a moody, celtic arrangement whose viola part particularly moved me.
Ancient Christmas is a well-conceived effort, taking listeners on a unique journey through several centuries of caroling. Come with me, Ms. Snyder seems to say, and listen to the music I love.
I'll come with you!
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 1999)
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From the liner notes:
Produced by: Gabriella Snyder
Arrangements: Gabriella Snyder and Steve McWhirk
Musicians:
Gabriella Snyder, Vocals & Mountain Dulcimer
Steve McWhirk: Acoustic Guitar
Myra Franks: Violin & 5-string Viola
Additional Vocals:
Bruce McWhirk & Judy McWhirk
Engineer: Steve McWhirk
Digitally Mixed and Mastered by: Cameron Wiley, Third Dimension Studios, Winthrop, MA
Recorded at St Paul's Church, Malden, MA
Cover Design: Cheryl Paul-Bardine
Gabriella Snyder
Ancient Christmas
Artist link
Label: Colla Voce
Length: 36 minutes
Genre: Celtic
Release: 1998
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| The Coventry Carol |
| The Cherry Tree Carol |
| Hush My Babe |
| European Medley |
| Come With Me |
| Blessed Be That Maid Marie |
| Stars of Glory |
| I Heard the Voice |
| Christ Was Born in Bethlehem |
| 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime |
| On This Day |