With angelic falsettos, ribcage rumbling basses, hypnotic, meditative harmonies, Chanticleer is an all male a cappella group that delights in performing oft-neglected works of the Renaissance. They burrowed their name (according to their website) from the "clear singing" rooster in The Nun's Priest's Tale. [Chaucer had actually borrowed the name from the ancient French tale, Renard the Fox; it is a combination of the French words chanter ("to sing") and clair ("clear").]"

This Christmas-themed performance of roughly a dozen works holds the English language pieces for the second half, only two or three of which are well known (God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman and the last encore "Silent Night").

Chanticleer's completely "unplugged" voices wafted sweetly about the gorgeously designed and tastefully lit Walt Disney Concert Hall. The acoustic choice made for a sweet and certainly more authentic experience. However, I couldn't help wondering what some stronger volume and accented mix would have sounded like. Similarly, while these fellows have perfect pitch and solid harmonies, several of the song choices have a common overall texture. I may have not been the only one interested in more genre variety as their Doo-wop Christmas medley cajoled a standing ovation. Other highlights included an especially moody execution of the traditional Polish carol "Lulajze, Jezuniu" (I loved those juicy chords) and that short, but sincerely presented "Silent Night" (twas the first time I keenly reflected on the words).

-- Click here to see Books by Ross Anthony, Author --