Album Notes

We can't believe that eleven seasons have passed since we launched our first "Christmas Lights" concert in Wisconsin. The Oakwood Chamber Players have commissioned much superb music to celebrate this season, and offer for you a unique third recording of our latest highlights.

You'll hear the intimate voicing of 9 chamber musicians in traditional carols and new music. In our first vocal recording, you'll hear soprano Cheryl Bensman Rowe and baritone Paul Rowe in varied dramatic roles (Visions of the Child). There are several beautiful tracks that combine
the music of harp with solo instruments and voices(Christmas Carol of the Birds, Pastorales de Noel, The Cherry Tree Carol).

We feature composer Craig Bohmler on this recording. We have worked with Craig before (visit our "SCENES" CD site). His music is theatrical and moving. Together with lyricist, Marion Adler, he has created a picture of the birth of Christ that is is told through the eyes of
unexpected observers: Joseph, a simple shepherd, a wiseman's dream, the animals in the manger, Rachel and Herod.

It is the "vision" of the birth of Christ from unusual perspectives that unifies this recording. You won't find anything like it anywhere else.

If you like what you hear, try out our "Christmas Lights: A New Strand" recording. Or check our our "SCENES" CD, which includes a narration about winter, "January Thaw," an excerpt set to music from naturalist, Aldo Leopold's "Sand County Almanac." Both available on CDBaby.com!

Check our our website at oakwoodchamberplayers.com.