The
Mormon Tabernacle Choir's
Glad Christmas Tidings includes an attractive sampling of traditional carols, classical pieces, and newer repertoire. The album, recorded at a live performance in 2010, opens with A Christmas Roundelay, a new work by
Mack Wilberg, the choir's director, in which "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night" is embedded in rhythmically catchy original music with a distinctive flavor of western Americana. The final, bonus track is a 15-minute tribute to John Parry, and founding director of the choir, with music arranged by
Wilberg and a text by
David Warner, delivered by actor
Michael York. Soloist
David Archuleta is featured on six of the tracks: "Joy to the World," "The Cat and Mouse Carol," "Gésu Bambino," "Silent Night," and "Angels from the Realms of Glory." The choir and the
Orchestra at Temple Square perform with their traditional fullness and warmth. The album should be of special interest to
Archuleta's fans and listeners looking for a mix of standard carols and newer Christmas music. ~ Stephen Eddins