Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

A word to the wise to start: If you come to 'Be All Merry' expecting a jolly seasonal singalong you may be disappointed for this is not that sort of album. The Choral Scholars of University College, Dublin is an internationally acclaimed chamber choir of gifted student singers led by founding Artistic Director, Desmond Earley, here joined on a number of tracks by the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The title track is one of three new pieces especially composed for the Choral Scholars. This lively carol for choir, orchestra and violin by Irish composer Eoghan Desmond evokes the joyful play of Christmas in the lines "Be all merry in this house/Exultet celum laudibus!" Later we hear a notable setting by Ivo Antognini of the Advent plainsong hymn "Christe Redemptor Omnium" ("Christ Redeemer Of All") with solos by tenor Declan Wildes, chorus, violinist Katherine Hunka and cellist Aofie Nic Athlaoich. "The Adoration Of The Magi" by American composer Timothy Stephens is a striking setting of W B Yeats' poetry. A beautiful Irish-language lullaby - "Cró Na Nollag" - set by father and son, Adhamhnán and Uinseann Mac Domhnaill, is outstanding as is the much-loved Scottish tune simply titled "Suantraí". Thus there is much that will be new to many listeners but there is nothing that is not worth hearing and the singing and playing are of a very high standard throughout. The opening "In Dulce Jubilo" in an a cappella arrangement by Matthew Culloton is as good as anything I have heard all year and the concluding arrangement of "Auld Lang Syne" by Desmond Earley, also a cappella, rescues what is actually a pleasant song from its annual butchering by maudlin drunks on New Year's Eve. My only complaint is that between the opening and closing numbers there is not enough content. In my opinion CDs should not come in at under 50 minutes. While this collection does indeed leave me wanting more Mr Scrooge may complain of being short-changed. The post-production phase of this project took place as the world grappled with the pandemic. American composer Linda Kachelmeier's "We Toast The Days" serves as a reminder of the strength, love and hope that resonates throughout the world not simply at Christmastide but also during periods of hardship and the joy that good music performed well can bring to all.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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