Carols from the Old & New Worlds, Vol. 2

This follow-up to Paul Hillier's previous collection of carols--featuring old and new, unusual and unfamiliar carols, and uncommon settings of some familiar tunes and texts--has all the merits of the first, with the attraction of a children's chorus added to the adult voices of Hillier's Pro Arte Singers. Among the 22 selections are the popular "I wonder as I wander" and "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree," but you'll find that most are unearthed treasures never found on traditional carol recordings. You'll be charmed by the beautiful 15th-century carol "Ecce, quod natura," and delighted by the English "West Gallery" carols and early American tunes and Shaker songs. There's even an original composition by Hillier, "I sing of a maiden." This disc will make an excellent early gift--you'll want plenty of time to listen before Christmas arrives. --David Vernier