“A superb addition to any classical music lover's seasonal collection”
ChristmasReviews.com
Gloriae Dei Cantores offers a joyful Christmas gift! Be Merry! captures the wonder, mysteries and sheer delight of the season. Sing along as the choir shares new arrangements of beloved carols like What Child is This? and Deck the Halls with contributions from Gabriel V Brass and Extol Handbell Choir. The festive four-color booklet enhances each carol, making a lovely and meaningful gift.
Premiere and Only Works
| Track 1 | What Cheer! | arr. Seagull Seven |
| Track 6 | Gaudete | arr. Richard Lakey |
| Track 10 | Immortal Babe | David Campbell |
| Track 12 | In a Humble Cattle Shed | arr. Seagull Seven |
| Track 14 | What Child is This? | arr. Seagull Seven |
| Track 24 | Deck the Hall! | arr. Seagull Seven |
Critical Acclaim
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“Be Merry! is a generous release that covers 24 classical pieces with old-fashioned professionalism and contemporary flair....many cuts of cleanly delivered, sophisticated, unadorned choral presentations. Lovely! The organization [Arts Empowering Life] stands for top-quality musical performances, and that commitment is well-evidenced in all of its releases. Be Merry! would be a superb addition to any classical music lover's seasonal collection. Enjoy and BE MERRY!”
Christmasreviews.com - “What a refreshing musical gift this is! Those familiar with the Gloriæ Dei Cantores singers know what a sterling ensemble they are; they deliver all the goods here. Seagull Seven's jazzy arrangement of Deck the Halls really rocks! In these and all else, the singers exude joy and cheer through artful, infectious performances that are immaculate and engaging. The rich warmth of tone is balanced by vibrancy and energy. This is musical merriment that will bring great cheer at Christmastime – or any time!”
The American Organist
- “...Be Merry! not only upholds the high standards of the internationally renowned 40-voice choir, but also offers listeners a contemporary outlook on standard seasonal repertoire. Be Merry! concludes with the jovial Deck the Hall featuring the Gabriel V Brass Quintet. This is one of the most innovative arrangements of the carol I have come across. This lively arrangement even takes the voices into some jazzy vocal scat. Elizabeth C. Patterson and her singers have created an imaginative Christmas album, going beyond tradition but unquestionably living up to the Arts Empowering Life Foundation's high standards.”
Choral Journal - “Here's a joyful and beautifully sung album of seasonal specialties ......this ensemble can claim many choral strengths, but their most remarkable attribute is their spiritual intensity and sincerity. Sound quality is beyond reproach; notes and texts are laid out in a colorful and festive booklet.”
American Record Guide
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