Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the holiday season with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, as they present "Xmas from King's - Christmas Classics." This enchanting collection, released on December 26, 2023, under Warner Classics, is a celebration of cherished Christmas carols and classical choral masterpieces. Spanning a rich 81 minutes, the album is a testament to the choir's renowned artistry and the enduring magic of the festive season.
Featuring a diverse array of traditional carols and contemporary arrangements, the album opens with the lively "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" and closes with the serene "Of the Father's Heart Begotten." In between, you'll find beloved classics like "Joy to the World," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," and "The First Nowell," each rendered with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge's signature precision and warmth. The album also includes lesser-known gems like "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?" and "A Spotless Rose," showcasing the choir's versatility and depth.
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, is renowned for their annual Christmas Eve service broadcasts, and this album captures the essence of that cherished tradition. The choir's pure, resonant voices blend seamlessly, creating a sound that is both uplifting and comforting. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or simply seeking the perfect soundtrack for your holiday celebrations, "Xmas from King's - Christmas Classics" is sure to delight.
Traditional: Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Rutter: Joy to the World!Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Peter Stevens, Stephen Cleobury
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, 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
Holst: 3 Hymns for the English Hymnal: No. 1, In the Bleak Mid-WinterGustav Holst, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional: The Holly and the Ivy (Arr. Davies)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: Angels from the Realms of Glory (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: O Little Town of Bethlehem (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Francis Grier, 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
Goss / Arr. Willcocks: See Amid the Winter's SnowJohn Goss, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Peter Stevens, Stephen Cleobury
Tavener: The LambJohn Tavener, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional: On Christmas Night All Christians SingTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: The First Nowell (Arr. Stainer & Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Francis Grier, Philip Ledger
Traditional: Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing? (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Gareth Morrell, Philip Ledger
Darke: In the Bleak MidwinterHarold Darke, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Stephen Varcoe, Sir David Willcocks
Anonymous: Up! Good Christen Folk and Listen (Arr. Woodward from Piae cantiones)Anonymous, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Praetorius: Quem pastores laudavereMichael Praetorius, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Pettman: Gabriel's MessageTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: The Infant KingTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Poston: Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: Of the Father's Heart BegottenTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, Sir David Willcocks
Vinylscout