Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "A Christmas Caroll from Westminster Abbey" by James O'Donnell. This captivating album, released on October 1, 2008, under the Hyperion label, is a beautiful blend of choral, medieval, and Gregorian chant genres, perfect for setting the mood during the festive season.
James O'Donnell, a renowned figure in the choral world, has curated a collection of timeless Christmas classics and lesser-known gems. The album opens with the joyous "In dulci jubilo" and includes a set of four motets by Francis Poulenc, each evoking the spirit of Christmas in its own unique way. From the hauntingly beautiful "O magnum mysterium" to the lively "Hodie Christus natus est," these pieces showcase the full range of human emotion.
The album also features O'Donnell's own compositions, such as the tender "All This Time" and the playful "Joys Seven." Traditional carols like "Stille Nacht" and "I Saw Three Ships" are given fresh interpretations, while the five-part "Ave Rex" by John Joubert is a standout piece, blending medieval and modern influences.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this album is a perfect companion for cozy evenings by the fire or festive gatherings with loved ones. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply looking to add some holiday cheer to your collection, "A Christmas Caroll from Westminster Abbey" is sure to delight.
In dulci jubilo (Arr. Pearsall)Anonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
4 Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: I. O magnum mysteriumFrancis Poulenc, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
4 Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: II. Quem vidistis pastores diciteFrancis Poulenc, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
4 Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: III. Videntes stellamFrancis Poulenc, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
4 Motets pour le temps de Noël, FP 152: IV. Hodie Christus natus estFrancis Poulenc, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
A Christmas Caroll, Op. 21Kenneth Leighton, Julian Empett, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell, Robert Quinney
All This TimeWilliam Walton, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
NativityJames Lavino, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Dormi, JesuJohn Rutter, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
The Shepherd's CarolBob Chilcott, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
The Three KingsJonathan Dove, James O'Donnell, Cameron Roberts, Benedict Kearns, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Joys Seven (Arr. Cleobury)Anonymous, Benedict Kearns, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell, Robert Quinney
Stille Nacht (Arr. Bowers-Broadbent)Franz Xaver Gruber, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
I Saw Three Ships (Arr. O'Donnell)Anonymous, Nicholas Trapp, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Benedict Kearns, James O'Donnell, Maxim del Mar, Cameron Roberts, William Fairbairn
The Little Road to BethlehemMichael Head, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Ave Rex, Op. 45: I. Ave Rex angelorumWilliam Mathias, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Ave Rex, Op. 45: II. Alleluya, a New Work Is Come on HandWilliam Mathias, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell
Ave Rex, Op. 45: III. There Is No Rose of Such VirtueWilliam Mathias, James O'Donnell, Robert Quinney, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Ave Rex, Op. 45: IV. Sir ChristèmasWilliam Mathias, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Ave Rex, Op. 45: V. Ave Rex angelorumWilliam Mathias, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell