Composer: Edward Nesbit
Performer: Martin Owen, Benedict Nelson, Angharad Lyddon, Anneke Hodnett, The Choir of King’s College London
Conductor: Joseph Fort
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Delphian
Catalogue: DCD34267
Release: 2024
Size: 1.13 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Nativity
01. I. So Stick up Ivy and the Bays
02. II. All-wielding God in Trinity
03. III. God will us Guide
04. IV. Now in my Soul Great Joy Have I
05. V. How Kind is Heaven to Man!
06. VI. Ah, Lord God, What the Weather is Cold
07. VII. Say, Mary Daughter, What Cheer with Thee?
08. VIII. Now, Lord That is all this World Shall Win
09. IX. Peace? And to all the World?
Drop down, ye heavens
10. I. Be not wroth very sore
Wycliffe Carols
11. I. Be ye comforted
12. II. In to plain ways
13. III. Thy light is comun
14. IV. The shining of thy rising
15. V. Forsooth a little child
16. VI. The watches of the night
17. VII. Make joy withoutforth enough
Drop down, ye heavens
18. II. We have sinned
Metaphysical Songs
19. I. Awake, glad heart!
20. II. The Shepherds
Drop down, ye heavens
21. III. Comfort ye
Four Christmas Lyrics
22. I. At a sprynge-wel under a thorn
23. II. Byhalde merveyles!
24. III. Balulalow
25. IV. Abowt the fyld thei pyped full right
The Choir of King’s College London follow up on their first recording of Edward Nesbit’s sacred choral music, named a Gramophone Editor’s Choice in 2022, with Nativity, a programme of Christmas music written by the composer over the last ten years: a joyful celebration that places Nesbit at the heart of a thriving British choral scene. At the heart – but slightly to one side too.
In a crowded field, Nesbit’s voice is distinctive. Expect much more fast-paced music than is the norm, an abundance of musical references to the classical canon, and frequent touches of humour. With their young, zestful performances, Nesbit’s music bene ts from his close collaboration with the choir and its director Joseph Fort.
