Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, as they present "Essential Christmas Carols from King’s." This captivating album, released on December 24, 2022, under Warner Classics, is a timeless collection of beloved Christmas carols and choral masterpieces, spanning a rich tapestry of traditional and contemporary works. With a duration of 1 hour and 42 minutes, this album is a celebration of the festive spirit, featuring arrangements by renowned composers such as Willcocks, Ledger, and Rutter, among others.
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, renowned for their impeccable vocal prowess and profound musicality, brings a sense of warmth and joy to each piece. From the soothing melodies of "Silent Night" to the jubilant tones of "Joy to the World!", this album captures the essence of Christmas through a diverse range of styles and moods. The inclusion of both well-known carols and lesser-known gems ensures a delightful listening experience for all.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "In the Bleak Midwinter" by Gustav Holst, the serene "A Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten, and the lively "Ding Dong! Merrily on High." The album also features the choir's exquisite interpretation of traditional carols like "The First Nowell" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful," showcasing their ability to breathe new life into classic pieces.
"Essential Christmas Carols from King’s" is not just an album; it's a celebration of the holiday season, a testament to the enduring power of choral music, and a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, or a newcomer to their enchanting sound, this album is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Traditional: In dulci jubilo (Arr. Pearsall)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: Angels from the Realms of Glory (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: I Saw Three Ships (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: God Rest You Merry, GentlemenTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Benjamin Bayl, Stephen Cleobury
Tavener: The LambJohn Tavener, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Gauntlett: Once in Royal David's City (Arr. Mann & Willcocks)Henry John Gauntlett, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, Sir David Willcocks
Cummings & Mendelssohn: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (After Mendelssohn's Gutenberg Cantata, WoO 9, MWV D4)Felix Mendelssohn, William Hayman Cummings, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: The First Nowell (Arr. Stainer & Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Francis Grier, Philip Ledger
Traditional: The Holly and the Ivy (Arr. Davies)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Gruber: Silent night (Arr. Willcocks)Franz Xaver Gruber, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Varcoe, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: O Little Town of Bethlehem (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Francis Grier, Philip Ledger
Kirkpatrick: Away in a Manger (Arr. Ledger)William James Kirkpatrick, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Darke: In the Bleak MidwinterHarold Darke, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Stephen Varcoe, Sir David Willcocks
Praetorius: Quem pastores laudavereMichael Praetorius, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: On Christmas Night All Christians SingTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Bach, JS: Musicalisches Gesang-Buch: No. 203, O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild, BWV 493Johann Sebastian Bach, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: How Far Is It to Bethlehem?Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Terry: Myn LykingRichard Runciman Terry, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: The Cherry Tree CarolTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: O Come, All Ye Faithful (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, Sir David Willcocks
Warlock: Adam Lay YboundenPeter Warlock, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional: A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Gareth Morrell, Philip Ledger
Traditional: Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing? (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, Sir David Willcocks
Holst: 3 Hymns for the English Hymnal: No. 1, In the Bleak Mid-WinterGustav Holst, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Britten: A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: III. There Is No RoseBenjamin Britten, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Osian Ellis, Sir David Willcocks
Britten: A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IV. (b) BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Osian Ellis, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: The Infant KingTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Rutter: Joy to the World!Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Peter Stevens, Stephen Cleobury
Poston: Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Rutter: Sans Day CarolTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Francis Grier, Philip Ledger
Traditional: Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Pettman: Gabriel's MessageTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional: I Saw a Maiden (Arr. Pettman)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks