This album was recorded live during two performances at the historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the Chorale's Winter Festival 2005.
Performer Biography
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale, founded in 1982, performs mainly a cappella and is recognized for its virtuosity and programming breadth, featuring 20 professional singers from around the country.
Compositional Technique
Kirke Mechem's "Seven Joys of Christmas" includes a joyous quodlibet in its last movement, where as many as four different tunes are heard in counterpoint.
Composition History
Conrad Susa's "Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest" was inspired by "the overriding image of a Southwestern pinata party" and was commissioned as a companion piece to Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols."
Recording & Production
This recording is dedicated to the memory of Larry Maloy and was made possible by the Laurence Maloy Recording Fund, created in 2006 by his family and friends.
Cultural Impact
The traditional carol "O Holy Night" was initially denounced by French church officials for its "lack of musical taste and rotal absence of the spirit of religion," but is now a popular example of sacred Christmas music.
Recording & Production
The recording aimed to capture the spirit and energy generated by the singers communicating directly with over 700 responsive and appreciative listeners.
