Gathering in New York City at the Park Avenue Christian Church in February 2012, Alice Parker and The Musicians of Melodious Accord recorded a collection of Ms. Parker's compositions and arrangements of Christmas music titled ‘And Glory Shone.’ The recording contains long-time favorites including ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, ‘The Friendly Beasts’, and ‘My Dancing Day’, along with new settings of ‘While Shepherds Watched’, ‘Sweet Coming’, and ‘The Little Cradle’. In this recording, Ms. Parker invites the listener to take a holiday journey through time and tradition: “Moods and rhythms are almost tangible in the singing: the vigor of colonial times, the wistfulness of Advent, the strumming Spanish guitar, the barren stable, chanticleer's rising song. We join in the bagpipes' dance, the children’s' exuberant touro-louro-ing, the cradle's portentous rocking. If we listen rightly we lose for a time our contemporary sophistication, to re-enter the world of childhood where the story and its many characters are newly minted. We might even shout our own demands for figgy pudding at the end, and join the musicians in more feasting and singing to celebrate the season”.

 

Along with vocal soloists, percussion, bells, and organ, ‘And Glory Shone’ showcases Ms. Parker’s tradition of writing for choirs with clarity, charm and a variety of textures. Her own compositions fit seamlessly into the folk tradition, setting unfamiliar poems with melodic grace and rhythmic verve. In this recording, the choir sings with near-perfect balance and an abundance of depth.