Product Description Ancient carols, Renaissance rhythms and haunting medieval hymns bring to life images of desert landscapes, stone monasteries and the origins of Christmas. Maggie Sansone on hammered dulcimer with members of Ensemble Galilei: Marcia Diehl on recorder, bowed psaltery and pennywhistle; Jim Brooks on recorder and concertina; Sue Richards on Celtic harp; Carolyn Surrick on treble viola & bass viola da gamba; Bonnie Rideout on fiddle, Zan McLeod on cittern and guitar and Ben Harms on hand drums and tambourine. Review "A perfect blend of tempos,instruments and eclectic tunes that offer something different. Enchanting and delightful." -- The Bookreader "An enticing blend... unorthodox instrumental combinations result in interesting textures and imaginative interpretations." -- ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION "One of the year's best, a mystical majesty fuels both stately medieval processionals, and sprightly carols and hymns." -- The Washington Post "The relative unfamiliar melodies make this perfect and playable any time of the year." -- Dirty Linen Folk & World Magazine From the Artist It's the best combination and a perfect Christmas recording that combines the best of the now popular Celtic/Early music cross over sounds bringing the talents of Celtic and Christmas recording artist Maggie Sansone together with national touring artists at the top of their field: the Celtic/Early Music ensemble -Ensemble Galilei and National Scottish fiddle champion Bonnie Rideout together. ALso listen to Ensemble Galilei's new Christmas recording; A Winter's Night (MM226); Music in the Great Hall ( MM107), Maggie Sansone's Christmas recording with Bonnie Rideout and AL Petteway- A Scottish Christmas and Maggie Sansone's 2 bestselling Christmas recordings that started it all- Sounds of the Season and Sounds of the Season II. About the Artist About Maggie Sansone & Ensemble Galilei. The Ensemble specializes in the performance of Celtic music, Early music and new compositions. Featuring Celtic harp, fiddle, Scottish small pipes, oboe, recorders, penny-whistle, viola da gamba and percussion, the repertoire ranges from instrumental arrangements of chant by Hildegard von Bingen, to Renaissance dance music, to chaconnes from the Baroque, to Irish jigs and reels, to music composed by the performers in the traditional style to music celebrating the Holiday season. This is the first Christmas recording featuring Ensemble Galilei. MAggie Sansone is one of the most exciting and innovative hammered dulcimer players recording today and has been featured on CBS-TV "Sunday Morning," and NPR?s "All Things Considered," "Performance Today," and "The Thistle & Shamrock." Also, she is CEO of Maggie?s Music record label which features top Celtic and Early music performers and over forty recordings distributed worldwide through mail order, wholesale and retail outlets. The label has received seven "Record Label of the Year" WAMMIE awards from the Washington Area Music Association. A major article on the record label appeared in The Washington Post which said " Gaelic traditions are alive and well...Maggie's Music has been a driving force behind the popularity of Celtic 'chamber folk," which combines the intricate harmonies of classical music with the energy and spirit of folk music." Maggie?s recordings are: 1) SOLO: Celtic Meditations; A Traveler?s Dream; Dance Upon the Shore, Mist & Stone, Traditions; 2) CHRISTMAS: Sounds of the Season, Sounds of the Season II, Ancient Noels with Ensemble Galilei, A Scottish Christmas (CD/DVD/video) and 3) CELTIC COLLECTIONS: Celtic Mist and Carolan?s Gift. The record label:Maggie?s Music is a new music from the deep well of our ancient folk and Celtic traditions, and celebrates over 15 yrs in them music business. Pioneers of "chamber - folk or Early Music/! Celtic cross over", the label's sound is known for elegance, quality and a broad ranging cross over appeal.