Performer: Westminster Abbey Choir, Robert Quinney
Conductor: James O’Donnell
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hyperion
Catalogue: CDA67716
Release: 2008
Size: 237 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. anon.: In dulci jubilo
Poulenc: Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël
02. I. O magnum mysterium
03. II. Quem vidistis pastores dicite
04. III. Videntes stellam
05. IV. Hodie Christus natus est
06. Leighton: A Christmas Caroll, Op 21
07. Walton: All this time
08. Lavino: Nativity
09. Rutter: Dormi, Jesu
10. Chilcott: Shepherd’s Carol
11. Dove: The three Kings
12. anon.: Joys Seven
13. Gruber: Stille Nacht
14. anon.: I Saw Three Ships
15. Head: The Little Road to Bethlehem
Mathias: Ave Rex, Op. 45
16. I. Ave Rex angelorum
17. II. Alleluya, a new work is come on hand
18. III. There is no rose of such virtue
19. IV. Sir Christèmas
20. V. Ave Rex angelorum
The first of this month’s ‘double bill’ from Westminster presents a delightful and unusual selection of music for Christmas from the Abbey Choir. It encompasses all the diverse themes of Christmas which have inspired composers across the ages: light shining in darkness; the tenderness of mother and child; the fulfilment of promise; and the warm merriment of corporate celebration.
An excellent selection of contemporary carols features the composers Jonathan Dove and Bob Chilcott among others. The richness of twentieth-century church music is illustrated in works by Poulenc, Walton, Mathias and Leighton, and by the heartbreakingly lovely piece The little road to Bethlehem by Michael Head. Skilful arrangements of the traditional carols Silent night, In dulci jubilo and I saw three ships, complete this attractive seasonal release.