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Our Review

This is magic time. Imagine that you have an angel on each shoulder, and that they both possess pure voices of satin that lift and intertwine in ethereal beauty on classical holiday selections. You have just imagined Christmas Joy, the lovingly crafted product of the Duelin' Sopranos (Vanessa Nelson & April Duvic), two talented women who hail from the northwest and bake a mean apple pie.

At first, the idea of dueling sopranos made me downright skittish. As someone who sings second alto, I have always favored women's voices in the lower ranges. I should not have worried. These artists' tones are rich, warm and welcoming. When they sing in unison, their voices unite, disappearing into one (no small feat when you have voices of such extraordinary power and character); when the voices diverge in harmony, the gorgeous duets transport you to a heavenly plain. The sparse accompaniment (usually minimalist piano and the occasional flute) is fitting; the women's soprano instruments are showcased in all their glory.

The musical selections are inspired. Of the 17 tracks presented, most are somewhat familiar, and all are absolutely lovely. On two cuts, the artists perform solo; for the rest, their voices join. The CD opens well with the short (under two minutes), but explosive, This Joy. Although I do not know this composition, it drew me in immediately; the women's voices literally exude the joys of the season.

Other songs, such as I Wonder as I Wander and Peace, Peace/Silent Night are subdued and quietly moving. Even so, there is an underlying foundation of loving emotion that enriches and brightens even the most solemn number.

My personal favorites are The First Noel/Pachelbel's Canon in D and Il Est Né, Le Divin Enfant. The former is the exciting and flawless marriage of two beautiful pieces; on the latter, the women's voices are perfectly matched to this traditional French carol, and their enthusiasm is self-evident. Both songs make me remember all over again why listening to Christmas music such a joy.

What a special treasure! Not often will you encounter a holiday CD built upon the creative foundation of soprano duets. These wonderfully talented singers present Christmas Joy as their very first recording, and it is a labor of love. Finding this CD was like discovering a rare gem hidden from general view; bringing the Duelin' Sopranos' music to light here is why doing reviews for this site is such a pleasure. Buy this CD and feel the magic.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2003)

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The musicians: Sopranos: Vanessa Jump Nelson & April Brookins Duvic

Piano: Paulette Hanchett
Handbells: April Brookins Duvic, Paulette Hanchett & Vanessa Jump Nelson
Flute: Viorel Badiceanu
Guitar: Bart Hafeman
Hand drums: Vijay Singh
Finger cymbals: Vijay Singh
Solos: Vanessa Jump Nelson (Track 6), April Brookins Duvic (Track 13)

From the liner notes:

"Whenever we perform, someone asks if we have Duelin' Sopranos' CDs for purchase. We finally decided to take the plunge and this Christmas recording is the result. We are grateful for all the support and encouragement of those who have attended our concerts and have given us the incentive to produce this recording. It has been a tremendous learning experience and a lot of fun! From us to you -- our first CD!" --"Merry Christmas, Duelin' Sopranos"

"Duelin' Sopranos: Singing in harmony, raising voices in song, has been part of the musical tradition since the beginning of time. Why do we choose to du-it? For the joy of music, for the feeling of creating something greater than just one singer can produce, and to enjoy the indescribable sensation that take hold when two such musical energies mesh."

About the duo:
"In 1986 both earned [music] degrees from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon&although they did not meet until 1994&. Both are native Northwesterners, were born in April, adore singing in French, and make a mean apple pie. Since joining forces, the two have performed together regularly, including an appearance with pianist Mary Dibbern in the Atelier Concert Series in Paris, France."

Duelin' Sopranos

Christmas Joy

Artist link

Track List