Some of the early Christmas recordings by the Canadian Brass have endured as treasured annual favorites for households around the world, though those discs have been out-of-print for some time. Here, in a new recording made exclusively for ArkivMusic, are all of the original arrangements from those discs, plus some arrangements that never made it to disc.* The "Brass" sound better than ever and are accompanied by the remarkably talented organist Eric Robertson in a simply ideal acoustic.

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The soundscape of Christmas was changed forever during the early years of the Canadian Brass. The group released two best-selling and award-winning recordings of holiday music that became the standard of excellence in both quality of performance and quality of composition. As a result, the sound of brass is now synonymous with the holiday season and can be heard everywhere from churches to shopping centers.

Based on this prior success, Jon and Eric Feidner at ArkivMusic.com suggested that the Brass bring out a new, fresh recording of this great repertoire with its new members. For this project, the Brass turned to their remarkable friend and colleague Eric Robertson to collaborate as organist and composer. Eric is a highly regarded organist and choirmaster, as well as a producer, performer and composer,having written more than 70 film scores, produced million-selling recordings and composed numerous songs, choral works, solo pieces and orchestral works. The Canadian Brass has worked with Eric acting in these diverse capacities for twenty-five years.

Rosedale United Church in the North Rosedale neighbourhood of Toronto was selected as the recording venue for both its beautiful, resonant nave, and of course its remarkable Casavant organ. This 1914 organ already had a wonderful reputation before it was painstakingly restored and updated in 2005. According to world-renowned Quebec organ builder Casavant, the restored three manual French Romantic organ is deemed the finest instrument of its esteemed vintage in Toronto. It is very apparent that this organ yields a brilliant, contemporary timbre perfectly attuned to the modern brass instruments.

To bring this recording project to a reality, Chuck chose his college friend, Grammy award-winning producer Dixon Van Winkle, to work along with producer MB Daellenbach and engineer Trey Mills.

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*Three arrangements were made especially for this recording by Eric Robertson: Grand Angelic March, Pastorale (O Christmas Tree), and Deck the Halls (In Dulci Jubilo). Jolly Old St Nicholas was arranged by Arthur Frackenpohl and includes some tricky footwork for the organist in a solo pedalnote section. It finally receives a recording here thanks to the virtuoso organist Eric Robertson.


Also available: Echo - Glory Of Gabrieli / Canadian Brass
"If you're not completely hooked by the strikingly realistic antiphonal sound or the breathtakingly virtuosic playing in the first 30 seconds of this remarkable recording, then check your equipment--your ears and your sound system." -- ClassicsToday.com