‘The effect is impressively mature and well blended, the bright, sweet top-line sound balanced to and shaped by the lighter lower voices. You can hear their flexibility in the contrast between Scheidt’s Puer natus in Bethlehem and Sweelinck’s double-choir Hodie Christus natus est, the disc’s arresting opener—all fizz and crisp, forward delivery—and Mouton’s Nesciens mater, its cloudy skeins of counterpoint drifting in the air like incense, the trebles softening the edges of their sound, allowing much more breath to flow through it … the choir has obviously grown and developed since 2017, and if the Christmas collection is typical of things to come, this should be an interesting project to keep an eye on’ (Gramophone)
‘A feast of Renaissance repertoire is featured, ranging from the ringing carillons of Sweelinck's Hodie Christus natus est to the searching introspection of Victoria's O magnum mysterium. The 50-strong oratory choir is made up entirely of boys, and conductor Charles Cole draws singing of vernal freshness from them, with excellent ensemble and an interpretive awareness that puts many an adult choir in the shadow. This is a warmly recommended recording’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘Beautifully sung … strongly recommended’ (Classic FM)
‘None of the usual collection of well-known carols and their many different arrangements here! Instead, a feast of 'sacred treasures' of the 16th and early 17th cenruries … throughout, the tone of the singers, the blend and ensemble of the choir and the attention to the texts are superb, and Charles Cole and Anita Morrison, the voice trainer, are to be congratulated on such a feast of excellent music-making which will easily rival many of our cathedral and collegiate choirs’ (Cathedral Music)
» More‘Entrancing … the proficiency and careful training of men and boys is obvious throughout: this is without doubt cathedral standard … the Schola Cantorum brings riches galore’ (Church Times)
» More‘This 57-strong choir of boys and men makes an absolutely heavenly sound. There is purity in the tone, exquisite balance across the voices, and a magical empathy with this programme of 15th and 16th century polyphonic motets which set texts relevant to the seasons of Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas … Cole himself is a superbly gifted choral director, moulding and shaping his choir into a conglomerate whole which makes a sound which is both deeply satisfying and infinitely stimulating. If only every disc of Christmas music was this distinguished in content and performance quality’ (MusicWeb International)
» More‘This disc is a valuable addition to any collection of Christmas music. I have greatly enjoyed this disc, and I am sure you will enjoy it too’ (MusicWeb International)
Schütz: The Christmas story; Gabrieli (G): Christmas Motets
The James Bowman Collection