Carols from the Old and New Worlds, Volume 2

Christian Century, Dec 13, 2003

Pro arte singers and Indiana University children's chamber choir, conducted by Paul Hillier. Harmonia Mundi 907233, $17.

Volume 1 was recommended last year, and this one is just as good or better. Here are 22 rare and robust selections, sung a cappella with brilliant focus, and almost all in English. Especially enjoyable is the way many of the pieces have passing dissonances, like the crunchy bits in Christmas treats.