From across the United States have come composers and arrangers whose work contributes to this collection of Christmas music. These are carols from around the world brought together in arrangements that reflect an inherently American diversity and spirit. From Virgil Thomsons camp meeting setting of "The Holly and the Ivy" and Steve Barnetts swing version of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" to Randall Davidsons homespun "Christ Was Born on Christmas Day" and Conrad Susas magnificent Carols & Lullabies, commissioned from Susa specifically for VocalEssence. Maestro Brunelle has chosen carolsboth familiar and unfamiliartied to one another by their inventiveness, charm and beauty in one of the years most exciting new holiday discs.