Norddeutscher Figuralchor, Jörg Straube - In dulci jubilo (2010)

In Dulci Jubilo: Romantic Choral Music for Christmas features a cappella German-language carols and chorales, some original and some arrangements of traditional pieces, many of them familiar to fans of the standard carol repertoire. The composers range from the very familiar -- Mendelssohn, Reger, and Berg (his single choral work, written as a student exercise for Schoenberg) -- to the very obscure. Stylistically the pieces are united by the aesthetic and conventions of German (mostly Lutheran) Romantic choral music, largely homophonic and appropriate for singing by congregations or amateur choirs. The music doesn't make virtuosic demands on its performers, but Norddeutscher Figuralchor led by Jörg Straube, sings the simple works with the all the care it would be expected to give large choral masterpieces. It is an exceptionally disciplined group with impeccable articulation and an impressive expressive range, and the tone is gleaming and pure. The unprocessed sound of MDG's hybrid SACD is characteristically immaculate and beautifully present. Highly recommended for listeners looking for top-notch a cappella performances of classic carols, along with some lovely rarities.