Ever since the Christmas recording they made at the U. S. government's request for the first season of peace after World War II, the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir has been bringing their combination of true spirit and huge, gorgeous sound to holiday records year after year. Still made up entirely of volunteers, but now combined with a first-class orchestra and led by a talented new director,
Craig Jessop, the Choir brings their belief to bear on old favorites and some new discoveries. Sometimes a song is both. Take "I Wonder As I Wander." When you think of the early Mormons wondering as they wandered out under the big sky of Utah (the choir was formed in 1847), it gives a hint of the chilly desolation their faith encountered. Whatever else they had given up in coming to the new land, at least they could still sing. And they still can. The arrangements here, by Barlow Bradford and Mack Wilberg, are lush and sometimes antic. Wilberg's adaptation of a French carol called "Masters in the Hall" is almost a three-minute opera. Then there's Bradford's "Pat-a-pan," which could be a Disney animated musical. Even on a simple tune like "The First Noel," the size and beauty of the choir allows them to expand their harmonies exponentially until the density of sound is almost overwhelming. But never quite. The pull back to simplicity always returns the listener to a sense of awe, in keeping with the finest spirit of the Christmas season.
![Title: God Is Able [Emtro]](https://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0801193152329_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg)
