Christmas Carols

Here is a vocal tour de force collection of sacred and popular Christmas music. The remarkable tenor John McCormack dominates the track selection with four pieces, including the incredibly moving "Adeste fideles." But there are numerous performances that match the Irish tenor's. The exquisite violin introduction to "Ave Maria" segues into soprano Rosa Ponselle's majestic, soaring vocals that may create one of the best interpretations available. On less-classical pieces, Richard Tauber elegantly touches up "White Christmas," while Dorothy Maynor's "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and McCormack's "Little Child of Mary" lend a slight air of familiarity to this collection. Singing as inspired and enriching as this will make you head to church at least twice over Christmas.