Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, as they present their latest album, "Merry Christmas with the Choir of King's College." This captivating collection of choral works is a celebration of the festive spirit, featuring a mix of traditional carols and lesser-known gems, all performed with the choir's signature precision and warmth.
The album opens with a lively rendition of "Angels from the Realms of Glory," arranged by Ledger, setting the tone for a journey through both familiar and new holiday music. The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, showcases their versatility with pieces like Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" and Bach's "O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild," demonstrating their mastery of both classical and contemporary choral works.
With a duration of just under an hour, this album is perfect for setting the mood during the holiday season. From the joyous "Joy to the World!" arranged by Rutter to the serene "The Lamb" by Tavener, each track is a testament to the choir's exceptional talent and the rich tradition of choral music. The album concludes with "Gabriel's Message," arranged by Pettman, leaving listeners with a sense of peace and reflection.
Recorded and released under Warner Classics, "Merry Christmas with the Choir of King's College" is a beautiful addition to any music lover's collection, offering a fresh perspective on classic holiday favorites and introducing listeners to new pieces that are sure to become seasonal staples. Whether you're looking to enhance your holiday celebrations or simply enjoy the timeless beauty of choral music, this album is a delightful choice.
Traditional: Angels from the Realms of Glory (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, David Willcocks
Poston: Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, David Willcocks
Britten: A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IV. (b) BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Osian Ellis, 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
Praetorius: Quem pastores laudavereMichael Praetorius, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, 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
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, David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Rutter: Joy to the World!Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Peter Stevens, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional: A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Gareth Morrell, Philip Ledger
Berlioz: L'enfance du Christ, Op. 25, H 130, Pt. 2 "La fuite en Égypte": L'adieu des bergers à la Sainte Famille. "Il s'en va loin de la terre"Hector Berlioz, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Kirkpatrick: Away in a Manger (Arr. Ledger)William James Kirkpatrick, 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, David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Carter: A Maiden Most GentleTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Thomas Trotter, Philip Ledger
Traditional: In dulci jubilo (Arr. Pearsall)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
Anonymous: Up! Good Christen Folk and Listen (Arr. Woodward from Piae cantiones)Anonymous, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Mathias: A Babe Is Born, Op. 55William Mathias, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Thomas Trotter, Philip Ledger
Traditional: On Christmas Night All Christians SingTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, David Willcocks
Tavener: The LambJohn Tavener, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional / Arr. Pettman: Gabriel's MessageTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury