Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with Edward Elgar's "Choral Christmas," a captivating collection of classic carols and choral works. Released on November 6, 2025, under Naxos Special Projects, this album spans a generous 1 hour and 55 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical and orchestral arrangements that celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Elgar, a master of choral composition, brings together a diverse array of pieces, from traditional carols like "Silent Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" to lesser-known gems such as "King Jesus Hath a Garden" and "The Little Road to Bethlehem." The album features arrangements by notable figures like Sir David Willcocks and Benjamin Britten, adding depth and variety to the festive repertoire.
Highlights include the stirring "O Holy Night," performed live, and the serene "In the Bleak Midwinter," showcasing the beauty of Elgar's choral writing. The album also includes a medley of carols and a selection of sacred works, providing a comprehensive exploration of the holiday season's musical heritage.
Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or simply looking to enhance your holiday festivities, "Choral Christmas" promises a delightful and uplifting listening experience. Elgar's timeless compositions, combined with the lush orchestrations and choral harmonies, create an atmosphere of warmth and joy that is sure to resonate with listeners of all ages.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
Silent night (arr. B. Chilcott for choir and organ)Franz Xaver Gruber, Commotio, Richard Pearce, Matthew Berry
The First Noel (Arr. for Choir & Organ by Sir David Willcocks)Traditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
O Come All Ye Faithful [Arr. for Choir & Organ by Sir David Willcocks]Traditional, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Raymond Johnston, Donald Hunt
Es is ein Ros' entsprungenAnonymous, German Boys Choir
O Holy Night (Arr. B. Eads for Voice, Choir & Orchestra) [Live]Adolphe Adam, Sylvia McNair, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Eric Stark
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (Arr. for Choir & Organ by Sir David Willcocks)Traditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
Coventry Carol (Arr. M. Shaw for Choir)Traditional, The Edison Singers, Noel Edison
Carol MedleyJonathan Rathbone, Vasari Singers, Martin Ford, Jeremy Backhouse
Ave Maria, Op. 2 No. 2Edward Elgar, Jonathan Vaughn, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Magnificat (Of a Rose, a Lovely Rose)John Rutter, Elizabeth Cragg, St. Albans Cathedral Choir, Tom Winpenny, Ensemble DeChorum, Andrew Lucas
Joy to the World (Arr. for Choir & Organ by Anonymous)George Frideric Handel, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Raymond Johnston, Donald Hunt
King Jesus Hath a GardenTraditional, The Elora Singers, Noel Edison
RockingTraditional, Raymond Johnston, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Donald Hunt
Star in the SouthTraditional, The Elora Singers, Noel Edison
O magnum mysteriumAnthony Mudge, Blossom Street, Hilary Campbell
Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, The Elora Singers, Noel Edison
The Coventry CarolAnonymous, Westminster Williamson Voices, Kathleen Dunn, Samantha Goldberg, Lauren Lazzari, James Jordan
On Christmas Night: I. This Is the truth [I]Bob Chilcott, Vasari Singers, Martin Ford, Jeremy Backhouse
Sleep, my dreaming oneHilary Campbell, Blossom Street
I Wonder as I WanderTraditional, Megan Gallagher, Westminster Williamson Voices, James Jordan
Gabriel's MessageTraditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, The Elora Singers, Noel Edison
In the Bleak Midwinter, H. 73 No. 1Gustav Holst, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
No. 7, This Little BabeBenjamin Britten, Skaila Kanga, New London Children's Choir, Ronald Corp
The Holly and the IvyTraditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
The Little Road to BethlehemMichael Head, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
Once in Royal David's CityHenry John Gauntlett, Robert Stringer, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Donald Hunt
Ding Dong Merrily on High (Arr. C. Wood for Choir)Thoinot Arbeau, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
Infant Holy, Infant LowlyTraditional, Tewkesbury Abbey Choir, Andrew Sackett
The Advent CandleBob Chilcott, Commotio, Tanya Houghton, Matthew Berry
The Huron CarolTraditional, Örebro Chamber Choir, Fred Sjoberg
Away in a MangerWilliam J. Kirkpatrick, Worcester Cathedral Choir, Donald Hunt
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, H. 145 (Sung in English) [Arr. for Choir by Anonymous]Franz Xaver Gruber, The Elora Singers, Noel Edison
Ave Maria, CG 89a "Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de S. Bach" - Version for Voice & OrchestraCharles Gounod, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ingrid Kertesi, Camerata De Budapest, Laszlo Kovacs
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