Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of a bygone era with Alfred Deller's "A Minstrel's Christmas." This captivating album, released on November 19, 2021, under the Musical Concepts label, is a treasure trove of medieval and Gregorian chant melodies that will transport you to a time of ancient traditions and timeless beauty. Spanning a generous 78 minutes, the album features 38 tracks, each meticulously performed by the renowned artist Alfred Deller, known for his distinctive countertenor voice and deep connection to early music.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Alleluya Pasllat" to the joyous "Joy to the World," Deller's renditions are both authentic and deeply moving. The album includes a mix of well-known Christmas carols like "The First Nowell" and "Deck the Halls," as well as lesser-known gems such as "The Coventry Carol" and "Lute-Book Lullaby." Each track is a testament to Deller's mastery of medieval music, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that are both sacred and festive.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of medieval music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "A Minstrel's Christmas" is a delightful journey through the holiday season's most cherished melodies. Deller's voice, with its ethereal quality, brings a unique charm to each piece, making this album a perfect addition to your holiday collection.
2021 Musical Concepts2021 MNRK Music Group and Musical Concepts
Tracks
Alleluya PasllatAnon, England, early 14th c., Alfred Deller, Deller Consort, Rene Clemencic
Patapananonymous, 17th cent., Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Here We Come a-WassailingTraditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Past Three O'ClockAnonymous, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
I Saw Three ShipsTraditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
The Coventry CarolTraditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Good King Wenceslasanonymous, 16th cent., Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Stille Nacht (Silent Night)Franz Xaver Gruber, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
The Old Year Now (Greensleeves)anonymous, Elizabethan popular tune, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
We Three Kings of Orient AreJohn Henry Hopkins, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Down in Yon ForestAnon, Traditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
The First NowellTraditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Rocking (Hajej, nynjej)Anon, Czech Carol (Hajej nynjej), Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
God Rest You, Merry Gentlemenanonymous, England, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Dormi JesuAnonymous, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Boar's Head Carolanonymous, ca. 15th cent., Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Lullay My LikingGustav Holst, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
It Came Upon the Midnight ClearRichard Storrs Willis, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Herrick's CarolRobert Herrick, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Once in Royal David's CityHenry John Gauntlett, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
The Holly and the Ivyanonymous, Middle Ages, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
O Little One Sweettrad German harm Johann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Processional Song of the Nuns of Chesteranonymous, Chester Manuscript (ca. 1425), Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Winter-Roseanonymous, 16th cent., Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Joy to the WorldLowell Mason, George Frideric Handel, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
In Dulci Jubiloanonymous, 14th cent., Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Deck the Hallsanonymous, old Welsh, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Lute-Book Lullabyanonymous, William Ballet's Lute Book (late 16th cent.), Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Ye Shepherds leaveanonymous, traditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
People Look Eastanonymous, traditional, old Besançon carol tune, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Blessed Be That Maid Maryanonymous, traditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Sir Christèmasanonymous, ca. 1520-30, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Lo, How a Rose E'er BloomingMichael Praetorius, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
The Twelve Days of ChristmasAnonymous, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
All My Heart This Night RejoicesJohann Georg Ebeling, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
The Birdsanonymous, Czech carol, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
Wassail SongTraditional, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort
We Wish You a Merry Christmasanonymous, traditional, West Country of England, Alfred Deller, Deller Consort