THE KNIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS | THE ARTS DESK

Classical CDs: Christmas 2021, Part 1

Six seasonal treats, with more to follow next week

by Graham Rickson

The Knights Before Christmas The Knights/Eric Jacobsen (Bright Shiny Things)

This is fun, an eclectic seasonal smorgasbord from an enterprising New York chamber orchestra. The arrangements, by orchestra members, are witty and tasteful and nothing outstays its welcome. Gloria Shayne’s “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is transformed, with shimmering percussion and a star turn from pipa virtuoso Wu Man. Holst’s “In The Bleak Midwinter” triumphantly survives a recasting into 6/4 time, and Krystle Warren offers a sultry take on Prince’s “Another Lonely Christmas.” Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno’s take on “O Holy Night” is a highlight, and there’s some delicious close harmony singing from violinist and album producer Christina Courtin and flautist Alex Sopp in an unsettling version of the “Coventry Carol.” We get an enjoyable Romanian carol courtesy of Bartok, the album closing with Courtin’s irresistible cover of Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here”. Great fun, though you’ll need a magnifying glass and bright lighting if you want to read the tracklisting and notes.