Fresh American Sounds for Christmas

by Dr. Helmut Christoferus Calabrese (©2004)

Conrad Susa : Carols & Lullabies & other Christmas Music. Performed by the Philovox Ensemble of Boston under the direction of Jennifer Lester. ARSIS CD 130.

“Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest” for chorus, harp, guitar & marimba by Conrad Susa are ten vocal compositions which bring to life a collection of traditional Spanish carols in a most convincing adaptation which should be heard by a worldwide audience especially because of the integration of melody and vivacious rhythms. The colors of the instrumental ensemble are reminiscent of renaissance settings. The instrumental ensemble is at times ethereal and percussive depending on the nature of the vocal polyphony.

“Serenade for Christmas Night” for vibraphone, harp and organ by Conrad Susa manifests two meditations on the Christmas hymns Divinum misterium (“Of the Father's Love Begotten”) and Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her (“From Heav'n Above to Earth I Come).

Five American carols are on this CD. I enjoyed listening to these for their solemn and inspiring nature. “This is the Month” for SSAATTBB and “A Child Is Born in Bethlehem ” for SATB by George W. Chadwick are beautiful a cappella settings of a John Milton verse and a Latin 14 th Century verse respectively. “Lullaby for the Holy Child” for SATB and organ by Fred Gramann (1999) sets the verses of Isaac Watts (1674-1748). The organ seems to quote music from other sacred sources. Mr. Grammann creates interesting harmonies and textures in the polyphony with a beautiful melody. “Love Came Down at Christmas” for SATB a cappella by David A. White sets verses by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894). This is a delicate composition; Mr. White uses the voices in a very “open” sounding texture with a beautiful melody. “What Sweeter Music Can We Bring?” for SATB a cappella by James Sclater sets the verses of Robert Herrick (1591-1674). There is ritornello that unifies the four verses of the text. The composition uses contrasting vocal arrangements to create a wide variety of textures. The polyphony is interesting and the melody is beautiful.

“A Christmas Garland” for SATB, brass, percussion, harp, piano, and organ by Conrad Susa is a potpourri of traditional Christmas music.

I believe that this collection has some fresh sounding Christmas compositions that should become a part of our growing American Christmas repertoire especially given the nature of our multi-cultural society.