Our Review
Noel des Anges truly presents the music of Christmas angels. L'Accroche-Choeur is an a cappella vocal ensemble from Fribourg, a Swiss town founded almost 850 years ago. The group's Noel des Anges (French for "Christmas of the Angels") is a heavenly compilation of classical delights, with richly-woven harmonies that are absolutely exquisite. Music like this literally brings tears to my eyes.
From the moment you see the album, you know that Noel des Anges offers something quite unique. The packaging itself is spectacularly classy and innovative; the fold-out container reflects paintings of angelic faces and can cleverly transform into a lantern for a votive candle. The CD itself is imprinted with the same angelic mural, and when nestled in its slip, the CD disappears like perfect camouflage into the background. The extensive liner notes fit into a second slot and are similarly grand; they are, however, written entirely in French, so Francophiles should have a field day.
In addition to the gorgeous graphics, this release demonstrates outstanding acoustics. The 55-person choir is captured with a mesmerizing reverb that conveys the distinct impression of hearing this concert from the center of an ancient cathedral deep in the Alps. Magical!
As for the 18 tracks, these are sophisticated, yet warmly presented, classical carols. Most are traditional, some are contemporary, and all are sung in French. I was personally familiar with perhaps one-third of these numbers, and every single number is breathtakingly beautiful. The harmonies are effortless and uplifting, and the musicianship is inspirational. Under the direction of Jean-Claude Fasal, L'Accroche-Choeur provides remarkable holiday music, no matter what language you speak.
I give Noel des Anges my highest recommendation. If you favor classical choral music, then you will treasure this gem for many holiday seasons to come. Fantastique!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
L'Accroche-Choeur
Ensemble vocal Fribourg
Direction: Jean-Claude Fasel
L'Accroche-Choeur
Noel des Anges
Order from CD Baby
Artist site
Label: ArtLab
Length: 51 minutes
Genre: Choral
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Les anges dans nos campagnes |
| Minuit, Chretiens |
| Noel de Grandvillard |
| Tsalande |
| Comme ceux de chez nous |
| Petit Jesus est ne |
| Noel nouvelet |
| A Bethleem Jesus est ne |
| La Berceuse des anges |
| Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris |
| La Jambe me fait mal |
| Le Noel de Simon |
| Nuit de Noel |
| Pourquoi sommeiller? |
| La Couleur des Rois |
| Veni, veni Emmanuel |
| Puer natus in Bethleem |
| Natus est Parvulus (Douce Nuit) |