Sing We Noel 

The Washington Men's Camerata perform a winning combination of modern settings of traditional favorites and new Christmas music (20 items). A particular favorite of mine 'Of the Father's Love Begotten,' is heard in two arrangements: Sterling Proctor's for brass ensemble and David Conte's for men's voices. Conte is also represented by a piano accompanied pop-oriented 'Stable Lamp is Lighted.' The major composition here is Daniel Pinkham's Christmas Cantata, a majestic three-movement setting for men's voices and brass of three ancient Latin texts. Joel Phillip's setting of Blake's 'Little Lamb' is a gentle delight. From further afield comes a 'Nigerian Christmas Song, Betelehemu,' strongly rhythmic, with bursts of jangling tambourine. Ten traditional carols round out the program. The Washington Symphonic Brass gives strong and brilliant support, as does Eric Plutz at the organ. The Washington Men excel in this close harmony, glee-club style of singing - smooth, warm, mostly mellow, and precisely balanced. Texts are included.