| ORNAMENTS It was the overwhelming popularity of Ornaments
that turned Sampler Records into a "real
company". The response to this collection of
instrumental Christmas music was surprising. The
recording quickly gained national attention. Its mood
ranges from the robust rhythms of "Dancing
Carols" to the poignant reflection of "Cantique
de Noel" ("O Holy Night"). The heart
of the instrumentation features hammered dulcimer and
harp, with generous contributions from Glennda Dove's
flute, Eric Rounds' fiddle, and Marcia Robeson's
recorder.
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NOWELL With Nowell, Sampler Records may
have accidentally created what many have called "the
world's most perfectly-balanced Christmas
recording". The sophistication of the settings by
award-winning composer Cary Ratcliff ("Riu, Riu,
Chiu"; "Cold December Flies Away"; and
"The First Nowell") complement the folk
qualities of "Pat-a-Pan", "I Wonder as I
Wander", and "Away in a Manger" and the
classic beauty of the Bach-Gounod "Ave
Maria". Its featured spot for many years in the
Wireless catalog brought Sampler Records many
friends from around the world.
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| REJOICE A fitting successor to Ornaments
and Nowell, Rejoice is a collection of
familiar and less-known carols, distinctively arranged by
ASCAP award-winning composer Cary Ratcliff. While flute,
harp and dulcimer form the center of this recording, the
addition of a cello quartet and guitar gives additional
depth to the ensemble texture and sound. Digitally
recorded and edited, Rejoice presents
crystalline interpretations of Christmas music from the
rich traditions of Catalonia, Provence, Russia, Italy,
Scotland, Poland, the United States, Germany, and
England. The artistry of flutist Glennda Dove is
especially highlighted on Rejoice. A graduate of the
Eastman School of Music, she holds an Associate Diploma
from London's Royal College of Music and is currently on
the faculty of the Hochstein School of Music and the
State University at Geneseo, New York.
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