Track Listing

1. Late 13th-14th centuries, anonymous, "Rex virginum amator"
2. Rex virginum amator
3. "Nota"
4. Angelus ad virginem
5. Perotin, c.1200: Beata viscera
6. Saint Martial School, late 11th century: Annus Novus in gaudio
7. Hildegard von Bingen, 1098-1179: "De Innocentibus"
8. Niedhart von Reuenthal, c. 1190-c.1240: "Minnesang"
9. Notre Dame School, c.1200: Notre Dame School, c.1200
10. Exultemus et letemur/Gaudens in Domino
11. Alfonso el Sabio, 1221-1284: Cantigas de Santa Maria-Galicia: Como poden, Muit'amar, Tan beeyta, Maravillosos
12. Llibre Vermell, 14th century: Polorum regina-Catalonia
13. Notre Dame School, c.1200: In natali summi Regis
14. Orientis partibus
15. Verbum patris humanatur
16. Late 13-14th centuries: Laude novella
17. Verbus caro factum est
18. Verbum patris hodie
19. "Alleluya"
20. Stella nuova
21. "Saltarello"

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11907 in Music
• Released on: 1999-09-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Album Description
New York's Ensemble for Early Music program of seasonal repertoire is a "Sold-Out" holiday tradition. Recorded in the great Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, New York City, NOVA features lyric songs - sacred and secular - by Hildegard von Bingen, Perotin, von Reuenthal and anonymous composers from the schools of Notre Dame and St. Martial.

Stereophile
"Wow!... spectacular sound - very direct and alive."

Early Music America, Winter 1999-2000
...inventive...invigorating...very appealing sweetness... and at times...happily raucous...an absorbing hour...very attractive alternative holiday season sound-track.

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Alternative
This is not a "run of the mill" Christmas CD. These pieces were written hundreds of years before Christmas Carols became popular. Plainsong chant and insturmental excellence abound. This cd even has medieval drumming. I listen to this one all year around.

Christmas - merry and devout!
Renz and his gang come up with great pieces that anyone can love, and they bring real spirit to it. Their concerts in NY are always a lot of fun. Check out their Ren. & Baroque Christmas CDs, too.