Christmas Past features Werner John's Early Light ensemble with special guest Eugene Friesen of the Paul Winter Consort. Instruments include recorders, flute, guitar, lute, oboe, violin, cellos, and harpsichord. (42 minutes)
From the 2005 review at christmasreviews.com:
"Christmas Past lived up to my very high expectations. The musicianship is remarkable, and the recording quality is top notch, too. The strings and wind instruments seem to burst with clarity; you are right there in the room with them. The mix of early music instruments is such a great match for the holiday season-- warm and emotive, bright and joyous. I especially loved the deep voices of the oboe and cellos. The music selection is excellent, too; the nine tracks largely feature ancient carols, including terrific gems like "A Rose Unfolding" (Praetorius' "Es Is Ein Ros") and a marvelous closing "Angels Rejoice!" medley of seven carols.
What a delightful album! Consider pulling the Early Light Consort's Christmas Past into your holiday future!"
--Carol Swanson
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