Luther College announces release of three music department recordings

Luther College has released three recordings just in time for holiday giving. The CDs are available on the Luther website, http://music.luther.edu.

“Christmas at Luther 2007” features 23 choral and orchestral pieces performed at the 2007 “Christmas at Luther” concerts Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

“Everlasting God” and “The Culmination of an Extraordinary Career” feature the choral music of Nordic Choir, Luther’s top choral ensemble.

The “Christmas at Luther” selections are performed by ensembles directed by Luther faculty Craig Arnold, Daniel Baldwin, Linda Martin, Frederick Nyline, Sandra Peter, Timothy Peter and Gregory Peterson. The CD includes “Canticle of Joy” by Timothy Sloan, “Arise, O God, and Shine” by John Leavitt, “Hark! A Herald Voice Is Calling,” by Ola Gjeilo, “Magnificat” by Z. Randall Stroope,  “Patapan” Burgundian carol arranged by Sandra Peter, and numerous other selections of sacred and tradition al Christmas music.

Nordic Choir conductor Craig Arnold directs “Everlasting God,” a recording of 20 choral pieces including “Laudate” by René Clausen, “If Ye Love Me” by Thomas Tallis and “Wade in the Water” arranged by Allen Koepke, as well as standards by Tschesnokoff, Brahms and Duruflé.

“The Culmination of an Extraordinary Career” Nordic Choir pieces were performed under the direction of Weston Noble, professor emeritus and conductor of the Nordic Choir 1948-2005. The CD features tracks from Nordic Choir’s 2005 West Coast tour including “Be Not Afraid” by Knut Nystedt, “Gloria a 7 Voci” by Claudio Monteverdi and “Drop, Drop Slow Tears” by James Fritschel. The new CD also includes favorites “Hodie, Christus Natus Est” by William Mathias and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” arranged by Gilbert Martin.

A complete listing of tracks and online ordering information can be found on the Luther College Music Recordings website, http://music.luther.edu/recordings.  CDs are also available through the Luther Bookshop, (888) 521-5039.