“A New Joy,” Orthodox Christmas, Paul Hillier, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (Harmonia Mundi)
Russian Nativity songs don’t get a lot of play in the malls, but these carols caught my ear with their gorgeous harmonies. The singing alone will take your breath away. With a sound as rich as an organ, the Estonian choir gets to the heart of these sacred gems. Nothing familiar here, but beauties abound.
DAVID STABLER