Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers

If you love accapella choral music, sometimes with light instrumentation, and SUPERB voices, buy this DVD. I cannot stop playing it, even after Christmas. Love it!

I just ordered every recording ever done by the Dale Warland Singers on the strength of this album, my first experience with this group. Where have I been all these years?

I have a couple of discs by the BYU Singers, directed by Dr. Ronald Staehli. They are very similar in quality, polish and emotional depth to this group, with an added religious element that deepens the emotional content of their music. The BYU Singers' versions of the Whitacre tunes are very good. But a BYU Singers disc will have a couple of tracks that are a bit boring or somewhat puzzling as to why they were included. This disc is strong all the way through.

Wow.

If you are in love with the Dale Warland Singers, I do recommend listening to the BYU Singers if you come across them. You'll find tracks that are in the same league as what you are listening to on this disc.

To anyone who appreciates choral music, or even some of you who only like to listen to it during the holidays, this is the album for you. The music is so familiar, but so aesthetically pleasing to listen to. The choir sounds clear and majestic from the clear sounds of the basses to the beautiful pings of the sopranos. Forget the garbbled sounds of Choirs with people who think that singing in Forte the whole way through is beautiful. This is angelic, yet very fun to listen to. Enjoyment for the whole family. 5 Stars

This CD is worth buying for the track Prepare the Way alone. All the tracks are amazing, but that one is the best.

As has been the case with most DWS recordings, this is truly a classic. Beautifully sung, with new and interesting arrangements of traditional favorites, this disc is a must for all holiday music and DWS fans. Of note are Stephen Paulus' rhythmic "The Holly and the Ivy" and Praetorius' beautiful "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" arranged by Jan Sandström. I highly recommend this recording.