1. This Holy Tym Oure Lord Was Born Kennedy, Hedberg (voice and percussion), Karageorgiou, Thompson (voice and percussion), McCargar (voice and percussion), Mor (recorder and percussion), Seligmann (vielle)
2. Isaiah and Sybil’s Prophecies McCargar (voice), Thompson (harp), Mor (ney), Seligmann (vielle), Evans, Karageorgiou
3. Gabriel fram Heven King Karageorgiou, Thompson (voice), McCargar (voice)
4. Veni, redemptor gentium Kennedy, Hedberg (voice), Thompson (voice), McCargar (voice)
5. Kuando el rey Nimrod Mor (voice and percussion), Seligmann (vielle), Hedberg (voice and percussion), Thompson (voice and percussion), McCargar (percussion)
6. Alma redemptoris mater McCargar (voice)
7. Ave, regina caelorum/Alma redemptoris mater Evans, Hedberg (voice), Mor (recorder), Thompson (harp)
8. Orientis partibus Mor (recorder), Seligmann (vielle), Thompson (harp), McCargar (percussion)
9. Alle psallite cum luya Karageorgiou, Thompson (voice), McCargar (voice), Seligmann (percussion), Mor (percussion)
10. Psallite regi glorie:
Thompson (voice and harp)
11. Hail Mary, full of grace Karageorgiou, Thompson (voice), McCargar (voice)
12. Personent Hodie Seligmann (vielle), Thompson (harp), Mor (percussion)
13. Beata viscera Kennedy (voice), Seligmann (vielle)
14. Vox Clamantis in Deserto Evans, Hedberg (voice), Thompson (voice), McCargar (voice), Seligmann (vielle)
15. Dum medium silentium McCargar (voice), Karageorgiou, Thompson (voice)
16. Magnificat Evans, Thompson (voice), McCargar (voice)
17. Now make we mirthe all and sum Evans, Karageorgiou
18. Quem pastores laudavere Mor (recorder), Seligmann (vielle), Thompson (harp), McCargar (percussion)
19. Verbum caro factum est Evans, Hedberg (voice), Thompson (voice)
20. Ther is no rose of swych vertuKennedy, Hedberg (voice), Karageorgiou (voice), Mor (recorder),Seligmann (vielle), Thompson (harp)
21. In Adventu Domini Karageorgiou, Thompson (voice), McCargar (voice)
22. Be mery, be mery
Evans, Hedberg (voice), Karageorgiou, Mor (recorder), Seligmann (vielle), Thompson (harp)

Christmas has long been one of my favorite times of the year. The excitement, joy, and hopeful anticipation that stem from both the traditional and commercialized components of the season are feelings I never tire of. And, in most ways this album, Veni Redemptor Gentium, is a musical celebration of what Christmas was and has become. For many, however, the holidays are a complicated time filled with traditions that have the potential to both inspire and distemper. A sentiment of peace and goodwill-the supposed promise of the season-is shared by many during this time of year, and we see it reflected in an unusual sense of calm and random acts of kindness. Yet, for every such moment we also see examples of harshness and aggression, especially when we zoom outwards to view the world on a larger scale. Centuries of ill-will in the name of religion and politics trickle down to us through generations of learned and inherited bias, and politico-religious conflict remains problematic on a global scale, despite the annual holiday promises of an end to such suffering. The medievalist interested in showcasing the beautiful music composed for the Christmas holiday is hard-pressed to find song texts from the Middle Ages that do not at least glimpse this harshness, whether it be anti-Semitic rhetoric or judgmental accusation, a de/re/mis-contextualized or misappropriated quotation spun against a community of people, or an oppressive governing body working to quiet the voices of some while elevating others for it's own self-interests. Indeed, it can be disheartening to turn back these centuries and dive into difficult texts and repertoire with complicated contexts for a season whose meaning is joyous. These are shadows of the past that hold a mirror to our present.

New York-based early music ensemble Concordian Dawn presents Veni Redemptor Gentium, a joyful and introspective musical celebration of the Christmas season centred around songs spanning the thirteenth through the fifteenth centuries. The album includes beautiful and rarely heard repertoire from the medieval holidays alongside seasonal and traditional jewels, plus two world-premiere recordings of works by Australian-born composer David Yardley, whose music has been described as “transcendent medieval-inspired music for modern times.” The resplendent sound world of Veni Redemptor Gentium offers moments of peace, reflection, and enjoyment throughout the holiday season and beyond.