Album Notes

Although many of today's favorite Christmas carol melodies were composed during the medieval era, the majority of carols heard on this recording were composed in more recent times. None the less, Christmas carols seem well suited to the delicate sound characteristic of the Renaissance lute.

This recording is sure to please those looking for a soft, subtle, and intimate accompaniment to their celebration of the (usually hectic) Holiday Season.

Phillip Rukavina has performed nationally and internationally as a lute and vihuela soloist, ensemble performer, and as a continuo lutenist. He regularly teaches on the faculty of the Lute Society of America's Seminars. He has released two solo recordings on the Studio395 label, including Fiori Italiani and Ala spagnola. Phillip plays the bass lute with the Venere Lute Quartet. Phillip has been a frequent guest instrumentalist with the Rose Ensemble and appears on their CD release, Celebremos el Niño and An American Christmas. He has appeared with many instrumental ensembles, including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the New World Symphony.