1990s: Working List of Classical & Choral Christmas Recordings
Compiled by R. Rojas
The descriptions below, are those of record labels or the respective ensembles, and are not reviews by the Christmas Carols Blog. Some have been altered for better web viewing. Don't fret, we left the King's English intact. Links to the ensemble or record label have been included to make purchasing easier. If we missed your new recording, email us at: christmascarolblog@gmail.com.
| 1994 1 Drop Down Ye Heavens 2 Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending 3 Message of Advent - G. R. Bush - G. R. Bush 4 O Sapientia; O Adonai 5 First Lesson - Head Chorister - Head Chorister 6 Adam Lay Ybounden 7 The Lord at First Did Adam 8 The Word of God - a. A. MacIntosh - A. A. Macintosh 9 O Radix Jesse, O Clavis David 10 Es Ist Das Heil Uns Kommen Her 11 Second Lesson - Reuben Thomas - Reuben Thomas 12 A Spotless Rose - Chor of St. John's Coll, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson/James Martin/William Clements - Chor Of St. John's Coll, Cambridge/Christopher Robinson/James Martin/William Clements 13 There Is No Rose 14 The Ministry of the Church - G. R. Bush - G. R. Bush 15 O Riens; O Rex Gentium 16 Ave Maria 17 The Preparation for the Advent of Christ - a. A. MacIntosh - A. A. Macintosh 18 O Emmanuel 19 A Hymn to the Virgin 20 I Sing of a Maiden 21 Third Lesson - George Guest - George Guest 22 This Have I Done for My True Love 23 Fourth Lesson - Robert Hinde - Robert Hinde 24 Magnificat (The Gloucester Service) 25 The Christimas Sentence and Collect - G. R. Bush - G. R. Bush 26 Benediacum Domino 27 The College Prayer & Grace - a. A. MacIntosh - A. A. Macintosh 28 O Little Town of Bethelhem |
Nimbus Records
1999
1994
Mary Anne Ballard - treble and bass viols, rebec
Mark Cudek - cittern, Baroque guitar, tenor viol, tenor recorder
Custer LaRue - soprano
Larry Lipkis - viol, soprano recorder
Ronn McFarlane - lute
Chris Norman - wooden flutes, bagpipe
Bright Day Star: Music for the Yuletide Season
One cannot step into an elevator, fast-food restaurant, or airport between Thanksgiving and New Year's without hearing most of the tunes recorded here. This traditional music, with roots going back many centuries, revives our spirits and evokes a festive mood. They have been part of our cultural subconscious for centuries. They have not been lost and then unearthed in recent times, like so much early music. They have been with us all along.
—Mary Anne Ballard
2. The Old Year Now Away is Fled (Greensleeves) - New Christmas Carols (1642)
3. Christmas Day in da Mornin' - traditional, Shetland Islands
4. The Cherry Tree Carol - Cornwall (1913) and Kentucky (1917)
5. Wir singen dir, Immanuel - Nikolaus Hermann (1560)
6. The Wren Song - traditional, Ireland
7. A Wassail Tune (Chestnut) - English Dancing Master (1651)
8. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day - William Sandys (1833)
9. Carol "Een Kindeken is ons geboren" - John Bull (c. 1562-1628)
10. The Bellman's Carol - Bramley & Stainer (1871)
11. A Christmas Jig (Jesus born in Berthn'y) - traditional, Virginia (1932)
12. Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen - Michael Praetorius (1609)
13. In dulci jubilo - Johann Michael Bach (1648-1694)
14. Rorate coeli desuper - tune, Scottish; text, William Dunbar (16th c.)
15. Drive the Cold Winter Away - tunes, Starter (1621) and Playford (1651)
16. Remember, O Thou Man - Thomas Ravenscroft (1611)
17. Quem pastores laudavere - Michael Praetorius (1607)
18. Christmas Is My Name - Shanne Commonplace Book (c. 1615)
19. In dir ist Freude - tune, Giovanni Gastoldi (1591)
20. Hey for Christmas! (Dargason) - broadside ballad (late 17th c.)
1995
Britten: A Hymn to the Virgin
Britten: Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27
Britten: Missa Brevis in D major, Op. 63
Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30
Britten: Sacred and Profane, Op. 91
1999
Formed in 1883, the choir under the direction of Frederick Burgomaster has achieved an international reputation for excellence in choral music and regularly tours the US and Europe. Benjamin Britten's 'A Ceremony of Carols' is one of the great works of. Four winds. CD in 2004.
1 Procession
2 Welcom Yole!
3 There Is No Rose
4 That Yonge Child
5 Balulalow
6 As Dew in April
7 This Little Babe
8 Interlude
9 In Freezing Winter Night
10 Spring Carol
11 Deo Gracias
12 Recession
13 Medieval Chants, Carols, & Motets: Hodie Christus Natus Es
14 There Is No Rose - (Anonymous)
15 Audivi, Media Nocte - (Thomas Tallis)
16 Sing We to This Merry Company - (Anonymous)
17 Lux Hodie: Orientis Partibus - (Anonymous)
18 O Magnum Mysterium - (Tomas Luis de Victoria)
19 Divisions on Greensleeves - (English Folk Melody)
20 Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang - (Anonymous)
21 Dixit Maria - (Hans Leo Hassler)
22 Lullay, Lullow: I Saw - (Anonymous)
23 Illuminare Jerusalem - (Anonymous)
24 Ante Luciferum Genitus - (Jacob Handl)
Four Winds
1994
The Choir of King's College Cambridge is one of the world's most beloved choral groups. Each Christmas Eve millions across the globe tune in to watch the choir's Service of Lessons and Carols. This Christmas reissue includes traditional songs of the Anglican choral tradition alongside German French Dutch Polish and Russian carols of festive cheer and sweet contemplation.1 Once in Royal David's City - Guy Johnston/Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Guy Johnston/Choir of King's College, Cambridge
1 Once in Royal David's City - Guy Johnston/Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Guy Johnston/Choir of King's College, Cambridge
2 Rejoice and Be Merry
3 Ding Dong! Merrily on High
4 What Sweeter Music
5 O Little Town of Bethlehem
6 A Spotless Rose - Alexander Knight/Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Alexander Knight/Choir of King's College, Cambridge
7 Heer Jezus Heeft Een Hofken - David Goode - David Goode
8 King Jesus Hath a Garden - Nicholas Todd/Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Nicholas Todd/Choir of King's College, Cambridge
9 The Lamb
10 Bogoroditse Dyevo
11 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
12 Illuminare, Jerusalem
13 While Shepherds Watched
14 Quittez, Pasteurs
15 In Dulci Jubilo - David Goode - David Goode
16 In Dulci Jubilo
17 The First Nowell
18 Coventry Carol
19 Personent Hodie
20 O Come All Ye Faithful
1995
This absolutely essential Christmas collection is actually a combination of two Trinity College Choir recordings originally released separately under the titles "Carols from Trinity" and "A Child Is Born," the latter of which is still offered as a single CD. This two-disc set is a great value, both financially and musically. Here are 53 of the finest, most popular, best-loved, and best-sung Christmas carols, anthems, and motets from medieval times to the present, performed and recorded in the wonderful acoustic space of the Trinity College Chapel. Unlike the choirs of Trinity's famous Cambridge neighbors, King's and St. John's colleges--which consist entirely of men and boys, Trinity is a mixed ensemble with female sopranos and altos. The tone, blend, and balance are exquisite and the combination of the three stands as an ideal, and the choir's ensemble technique and musicianship are unsurpassed. --David Vernier
1 Wachet auf
2 Advent Responsory
3 Wachet auf, BWV 645 - Richard Marlow
4 Of the Father's Heart
5 Angelus ad virginem
6 The Holly and the Ivy
7 I Sing of a Maiden
8 Ding Dong! Merrily on High
9 O Come, All Ye Faithful
10 There Is No Rose
11 Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen - Richard Marlow
12 Silent Night
13 O Little Town of Bethlehem
14 I Saw Three Ships
15 Sweet was the song
16 Personent Hodie
17 Away in a Manger
18 Resonet in laudibus
19 Up! Good Christian Folk
20 The First Nowell
21 The Shepherds' Farewell
22 The Three Kings
23 Unto Us Is Born a Son
24 The Coventry Carol
25 What cheer?
26 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
27 In dulci jubilo - Richard Marlow
Disc: 2
1 Wake, O wake
2 The Angel Gabriel
3 Noel: Chantons - Silas Standage
4 Edi beo thu, hevene quene
5 A Hymn to the Virgin
6 Noel - Silas Standage
7 This is the record of John
8 A Child Is Born In Bethlehem
9 Once in Royal David's City
10 Rejoice, rejoice, with heart and voice
11 Hodie Christus natus est
12 A great and mighty wonder
13 O Little One Sweet
14 In Dulci Jubilo
15 Noel: mais on San es allé nau - Silas Standage
16 The Blessed Son Of God
17 O ye little flock
18 While Shepherds Watched
19 Shepherds' Cradle Song
20 The Lamb
21 As With Gladness
22 Here is the little door
23 In the Bleak Midwinter
24 Rhapsodie sur des Noels - Philip Rushforth
25 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
26 Illuminare, Jerusalem
27 Noel: Le Roy des cieux - Silas Standage
28 The Coventry Carol
29 Benedicamus Domino
Sony Classical
1996
1 Up! Awake! from highest steeple
2 Remember, O Thou Man
3 There Stood in Heaven A Linden Tree: Arranged by G.H. Palmer
4 Alleluya, A New Work Is Come on Hand, for chorus, Op. 17/3
5 Work(s): Salve puerule
6 The Holly and the Ivy (English): Arranged by H. Walford Davies
7 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree (The Apple Tree Carol)
8 Resonet in laudibus a 7 (Eulogodia Sionia, 1611), motet
9 Ding Dong! Merrily on High (French): Arranged by Charles Wood
10 Nowell, carol for SATB chorus, J. 52C
11 Alleluja! Freuet Euch, Ihr Christen alle Achtstimmige, motet from 'Vierter Theil Musicalischer Andacten, 1646'
12 Up! Good Christian Folk, and Listen (Piae cantiones): Arranged by G.R. Woodward
13 In dulci jubilo (Piæ Cantiones): Arranged by R.L. Pearsall
14 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (adapted by W. H. Cummings from Mendelssohn's Festgesang for the Gutenberg Festival)
15 Puer natus
16 Rocking Carol (Czech): Arranged by David Wilcocks
17 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, for chorus, Op. 75/2
18 Illuminare Jerusalem
19 A Shepherd's Carol, for chorus
20 Good King Wenceslas (Piae Cantiones, 1582)
Deutsche Grammophon
1993
Composer
William James
Composer
Franz Xaver Gruber
Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach
Composer
John Gardner
Composer
Gustav Holst
Composer
Johannes Brahms
Composer
William Mathias
Composer
Gordon Langford
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%204530
1994
1998
This disc includes some of the most beautiful baroque music on offer, performed by Simon Standage and Collegium Musicum 90, and is the perfect Christmas gift for the discerning buyer. It includes three popular favourites: Corelli’s Concerto ‘for Christmas Eve’, an idyllic Christmas concerto by Vivaldi and a Christmas Concerto grosso by Manfredini.
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%200754
1991
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
John Wade
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Traditional
Composer arr. A Carter
French Traditional
Composer
Sir David Willcocks
Composer
Reginald Jacques
Composer
John Rutter
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Piae Cantiones
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Henry John Gauntlett
Composer
William Mathias
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Franz Xaver Gruber
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
James Pierpont
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Felix Mendelssohn
1991
1999
1 O Come All Ye Faithful 2:55
2 The Holly And The Ivy 2:55
3 Ding Dong Merrily 1:50
4 Silent Night 2:03
5 O Little Town Of Bethlehem 2:34
6 I Saw Three Ships 2:05
7 Away In A Manger 2:41
8 The First Noel 5:04
9 The Coventry Carol 2:30
10 The Shepherds' Farewell 5:17
11 Unto Us Is Born A Son 2:05
12 There Is No Rose 2:25
13 I Sing Of A Maiden 2:41
14 Personent Hodie 1:58
15 The Three Kings 2:44
16 Hark The Herald Angels Sing 3:00
1995
The Lutheran Reformation inaugurated what was to become a distinctive tradition of liturgical music, that reached its zenith in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. A significant part of this musical tradition was the provision of extended musical settings of the biblical narratives concerning the life of Christ, performed on the respective feasts and fasts of the church year. Passions formed the greater part of these Historiae, as they were termed, but there were also musical expositions of the birth, resurrection and ascension of Christ.
—Robin A. Leaver
BWV 248
Disc 1
Part I
1. Chorus
2. Recitative — Evangelist
3. Recitative — Alto
4. Aria — Alto
5. Chorale
6. Recitative — Evangelist
7. Chorale — Soprano and Recitative — Bass
8. Aria — Bass
9. Chorale
Part II
10. Sinfonia
11. Recitative — Evangelist
12. Chorale
13. Recitative — Evangelist and Soprano
14. Recitative — Bass
15. Aria — Tenor
16. Recitative — Evangelist
17. Chorale
18. Recitative — Bass
19. Aria — Alto
20. Recitative — Evangelist
21. Chorus
22. Recitative — Bass
23. Chorale
Part III
24. Chorus
25. Recitative — Evangelist
26. Chorus
27. Recitative — Bass
28. Chorale
29. Aria Duetto — Soprano and Bass
30. Recitative — Evangelist
31. Aria — Alto
32. Recitative — Alto
33. Chorale
34. Recitative — Evangelist
35. Chorale
36. Chorus (Repeat of No. 24)
Disc 2
Part IV
1. Chorus
2. Recitative — Evangelist
3. Recitative and Chorale — Bass and Soprano
4. Aria — Soprano, Echo
5. Recitative and Chorale — Bass and Soprano
6. Aria — Tenor
7. Chorale
Part V
8. Chorus
9. Recitative — Evangelist
10. Chorus and Recitative — Alto
11. Chorale
12. Aria — Bass
13. Recitative — Evangelist
14. Recitative — Alto
15. Recitative — Evangelist
16. Aria Terzetto — Soprano, Alto, Tenor
17. Recitative — Alto
18. Chorale
Part VI
19. Chorus
20. Recitative — Evangelist and Bass
21. Recitative — Soprano
22. Aria — Soprano
23. Recitative — Evangelist
24. Chorale
25. Recitative — Evangelist
26. Recitative — Tenor
27. Aria — Tenor
28. Recitative — Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
29. Chorale
1994
Gamut GAM CD 543, works and arrangements by H.J. Gauntlett, Elisabeth Maconchy, Thomas Ravenscroft, Nicholas White, Herbert Howells, Philip Radcliffe, Timothy Brown, D. Antonio de Fidio, David Willcocks, Paul Drayton, Stephen Jackson, Gustav Holst, Harold Darke, Kenneth Leighton, Andrew Carter, Christopher Brown, John Rutter.
"A Spanish Nativity": Carols from the Spanish Golden Century
1997
https://www.sonoluminus.com/dorian/navidad-iberica
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%200634
1992
New in original long cd box. Told by Morgan Freeman. Music by The Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Rabbit Ears
The Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Indianapolis Biography THE CHOIRS OF CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, formed in 1883, has achieved an international reputation for choral excellence.
1 Procession
2 Welcom Yole!
3 There Is No Rose
4 That Yonge Child
5 Balulalow
6 As Dew in April
7 This Little Babe
8 Interlude
9 In Freezing Winter Night
10 Spring Carol
11 Deo Gracias
12 Recession
13 Medieval Chants, Carols, & Motets: Hodie Christus Natus Es
14 There Is No Rose - (Anonymous)
15 Audivi, Media Nocte - (Thomas Tallis)
16 Sing We to This Merry Company - (Anonymous)
17 Lux Hodie: Orientis Partibus - (Anonymous)
18 O Magnum Mysterium - (Tomas Luis de Victoria)
19 Divisions on Greensleeves - (English Folk Melody)
20 Sweet Was the Song the Virgin Sang - (Anonymous)
21 Dixit Maria - (Hans Leo Hassler)
22 Lullay, Lullow: I Saw - (Anonymous)
23 Illuminare Jerusalem - (Anonymous)
24 Ante Luciferum Genitus - (Jacob Handl)
Four Winds
Musical Heritage Society
1994
1 Once in Royal David's City - Guy Johnston/Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Guy Johnston/Choir of King's College, Cambridge
2 Rejoice and Be Merry
3 Ding Dong! Merrily on High
4 What Sweeter Music
5 O Little Town of Bethlehem
6 A Spotless Rose - Alexander Knight/Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Alexander Knight/Choir of King's College, Cambridge
7 Heer Jezus Heeft Een Hofken - David Goode - David Goode
8 King Jesus Hath a Garden - Nicholas Todd/Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Nicholas Todd/Choir of King's College, Cambridge
9 The Lamb
10 Bogoroditse Dyevo
11 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
12 Illuminare, Jerusalem
13 While Shepherds Watched
14 Quittez, Pasteurs
15 In Dulci Jubilo - David Goode - David Goode
16 In Dulci Jubilo
17 The First Nowell
18 Coventry Carol
19 Personent Hodie
20 O Come All Ye Faithful
Brilliant Classics
C
1996
ASV
1994
CRD
This absolutely essential Christmas collection is actually a combination of two Trinity College Choir recordings originally released separately under the titles "Carols from Trinity" and "A Child Is Born," the latter of which is still offered as a single CD. This two-disc set is a great value, both financially and musically. Here are 53 of the finest, most popular, best-loved, and best-sung Christmas carols, anthems, and motets from medieval times to the present, performed and recorded in the wonderful acoustic space of the Trinity College Chapel. Unlike the choirs of Trinity's famous Cambridge neighbors, King's and St. John's colleges--which consist entirely of men and boys, Trinity is a mixed ensemble with female sopranos and altos. The tone, blend, and balance are exquisite and the combination of the three stands as an ideal, and the choir's ensemble technique and musicianship are unsurpassed. --David Vernier
1 Wachet auf
2 Advent Responsory
3 Wachet auf, BWV 645 - Richard Marlow
4 Of the Father's Heart
5 Angelus ad virginem
6 The Holly and the Ivy
7 I Sing of a Maiden
8 Ding Dong! Merrily on High
9 O Come, All Ye Faithful
10 There Is No Rose
11 Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen - Richard Marlow
12 Silent Night
13 O Little Town of Bethlehem
14 I Saw Three Ships
15 Sweet was the song
16 Personent Hodie
17 Away in a Manger
18 Resonet in laudibus
19 Up! Good Christian Folk
20 The First Nowell
21 The Shepherds' Farewell
22 The Three Kings
23 Unto Us Is Born a Son
24 The Coventry Carol
25 What cheer?
26 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
27 In dulci jubilo - Richard Marlow
Disc: 2
1 Wake, O wake
2 The Angel Gabriel
3 Noel: Chantons - Silas Standage
4 Edi beo thu, hevene quene
5 A Hymn to the Virgin
6 Noel - Silas Standage
7 This is the record of John
8 A Child Is Born In Bethlehem
9 Once in Royal David's City
10 Rejoice, rejoice, with heart and voice
11 Hodie Christus natus est
12 A great and mighty wonder
13 O Little One Sweet
14 In Dulci Jubilo
15 Noel: mais on San es allé nau - Silas Standage
16 The Blessed Son Of God
17 O ye little flock
18 While Shepherds Watched
19 Shepherds' Cradle Song
20 The Lamb
21 As With Gladness
22 Here is the little door
23 In the Bleak Midwinter
24 Rhapsodie sur des Noels - Philip Rushforth
25 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
26 Illuminare, Jerusalem
27 Noel: Le Roy des cieux - Silas Standage
28 The Coventry Carol
29 Benedicamus Domino
Sony Classical
Cala Records
1 Up! Awake! from highest steeple
2 Remember, O Thou Man
3 There Stood in Heaven A Linden Tree: Arranged by G.H. Palmer
4 Alleluya, A New Work Is Come on Hand, for chorus, Op. 17/3
5 Work(s): Salve puerule
6 The Holly and the Ivy (English): Arranged by H. Walford Davies
7 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree (The Apple Tree Carol)
8 Resonet in laudibus a 7 (Eulogodia Sionia, 1611), motet
9 Ding Dong! Merrily on High (French): Arranged by Charles Wood
10 Nowell, carol for SATB chorus, J. 52C
11 Alleluja! Freuet Euch, Ihr Christen alle Achtstimmige, motet from 'Vierter Theil Musicalischer Andacten, 1646'
12 Up! Good Christian Folk, and Listen (Piae cantiones): Arranged by G.R. Woodward
13 In dulci jubilo (Piæ Cantiones): Arranged by R.L. Pearsall
14 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (adapted by W. H. Cummings from Mendelssohn's Festgesang for the Gutenberg Festival)
15 Puer natus
16 Rocking Carol (Czech): Arranged by David Wilcocks
17 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, for chorus, Op. 75/2
18 Illuminare Jerusalem
19 A Shepherd's Carol, for chorus
20 Good King Wenceslas (Piae Cantiones, 1582)
Deutsche Grammophon
1993
Record of the Week
"For many, the Huddersfield disc will embody all that is best about Christmas music. A large responsive choir, resonant and expert brass, familiar music in ingenious arrangement, nostalgia guaranteed... the band plays with typical flair, the Choral Society sings with customary zest and it is all very professional. A rousing start to Christmas morning..."
"For many, the Huddersfield disc will embody all that is best about Christmas music. A large responsive choir, resonant and expert brass, familiar music in ingenious arrangement, nostalgia guaranteed... the band plays with typical flair, the Choral Society sings with customary zest and it is all very professional. A rousing start to Christmas morning..."
Composer
William James
Composer
Franz Xaver Gruber
Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach
Composer
John Gardner
Composer
Gustav Holst
Composer
Johannes Brahms
Composer
William Mathias
Composer
Gordon Langford
Chandos
1994
1998
This disc includes some of the most beautiful baroque music on offer, performed by Simon Standage and Collegium Musicum 90, and is the perfect Christmas gift for the discerning buyer. It includes three popular favourites: Corelli’s Concerto ‘for Christmas Eve’, an idyllic Christmas concerto by Vivaldi and a Christmas Concerto grosso by Manfredini.
These are complemented by two little-known cantatas by Telemann and Scarlatti. Susan Gritton is a delightful soloist in Scarlatti’s cantata, which was described by Classic CD as ‘ravishing and ravishingly sung… worth anyone’s CD token’. This disc is a gem and now available for the first time at mid-price.
'Sultry seduction surfaces in Susan Gritton’s
reading of Alessandro Scarlatti’s ‘Cantata for the Birth of Our Lord’.
Collegium Musicum 90 and Simon Standage are also on seductive form in
famous ‘Christmas’ concertos by Vivaldi, Manfredini and Corelli/'
Chandos
1991
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
John Wade
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Traditional
Composer arr. A Carter
French Traditional
Composer
Sir David Willcocks
Composer
Reginald Jacques
Composer
John Rutter
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Piae Cantiones
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Henry John Gauntlett
Composer
William Mathias
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Franz Xaver Gruber
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
James Pierpont
Composer arr. D. Willcocks
Felix Mendelssohn
Chandos
1991
Chandos
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%208973
1996
Twenty-three carols, remarkably sung, including "I Saw Three Ships," "Un Flambeau Jeanette Isabelle," "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," plus Rutter's own "Star Carol" and "Shepherd's Pipe Carol." "First rate. The Cambridge Singers have done it again." -- Classics Today
1 I Saw Three Ships
2 Riu, Riu, Chiu
3 Mary's Lullaby
4 Sans Day Carol
5 Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle
6 Star Carol
7 What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
8 Wexford Carol
9 Balulalow
10 I Saw a Fair Maiden
11 Jesus Child
12 Quittez Pasteurs
13 The Lamb
14 Fantasia on Christmas Carols
15 Blessed Be That Maid Mary
16 Donkey Carol
17 Wildwood Carol
18 Go, Tell It on the Mountain
19 The Very Best Time of Year
20 Deck the Hall
21 Shepherd's Pipe Carol
22 Christmas Lullaby
23 We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Collegium
2007
In 1997, this recording became the most successful first-year release in Collegium history. Mastered from an original 1981 digital tape, once thought lost forever, it is actually the first-ever recording by The Cambridge Singers. It contains 22 Christmas songs, including The Christmas Song, written by Mel Tormé.
1992
London Records
1996
Twenty-three carols, remarkably sung, including "I Saw Three Ships," "Un Flambeau Jeanette Isabelle," "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," plus Rutter's own "Star Carol" and "Shepherd's Pipe Carol." "First rate. The Cambridge Singers have done it again." -- Classics Today
1 I Saw Three Ships
2 Riu, Riu, Chiu
3 Mary's Lullaby
4 Sans Day Carol
5 Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle
6 Star Carol
7 What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
8 Wexford Carol
9 Balulalow
10 I Saw a Fair Maiden
11 Jesus Child
12 Quittez Pasteurs
13 The Lamb
14 Fantasia on Christmas Carols
15 Blessed Be That Maid Mary
16 Donkey Carol
17 Wildwood Carol
18 Go, Tell It on the Mountain
19 The Very Best Time of Year
20 Deck the Hall
21 Shepherd's Pipe Carol
22 Christmas Lullaby
23 We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Collegium
| 1995 1 We Wish You a Merry Christmas 2 A Christmas Festival Overture: Joy to the World/Deck the Hall/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 3 Nativity Carol 4 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 5 Farandole (Suite L'arlesienne) 6 The Shepherd's Farewell 7 Ring Out, Wild Bells 8 For Unto Us a Child Is Born 9 Shepherd's Hey 10 The Twelve Days of Christmas 11 O Come, All Ye Faithful 12 Sussex Carol 13 A Christmas Fantasy: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear/In Dulci Jubilo/Unto Us a Child Is Born Chandos https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%204541 |
2007
An incredible collection of 22 carols, old and new, including "I Wonder As I Wander," "Away In A Manger," "O Tannenbaum," and "In Dulci Jubilo." "In the field of choral Christmas CDs, Christmas Night shines brightest of all." David Vernier – Classics Today
"The theme of this album is the birth of Christ, reflected in the words and music of 22 carols spanning more than six centuries."
"The theme of this album is the birth of Christ, reflected in the words and music of 22 carols spanning more than six centuries."
This description might also say that the program contains some of the best and best-loved Christmas choral pieces of all time, presented in a pleasing mix of familiar carols and lesser-known original works.
Among the best-known selections are Darke's "In the bleak mid-winter" and Howells's "A spotless rose." Several original pieces by John Rutter appear here for the first time --"Christmas Night," "There is a flower," and "Nativity Carol." Other notable highlights are Peter Cornelius's "The three kings" and the lively Willcocks arrangement of "Tomorrow shall be my dancing day." Of course, the singing is among the best on the planet--in fact, there may even be a few heavenly angels in the soprano section. -- David Vernier
1 In Dulci Jubilo
2 Adam Lay Ybounden
3 Christmas Night
4 Once, as I Remember
5 A Spotless Rose
6 In the Bleak Midwinter
7 There Is a Flower
8 The Cherry Tree Carol
9 I Wonder as I Wander
10 Candlelight Carol
11 O Tannenbaum
12 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
13 A Virgin Most Pure
14 I Sing of a Maiden
15 Lute-Book Lullaby
16 The Three Kings
17 Myn Lyking
18 O Little One Sweet
19 All My Heart This Night Rejoices
20 I Saw a Maiden
21 Away in a Manger
22 Nativity Carol
Collegium Records
1 In Dulci Jubilo
2 Adam Lay Ybounden
3 Christmas Night
4 Once, as I Remember
5 A Spotless Rose
6 In the Bleak Midwinter
7 There Is a Flower
8 The Cherry Tree Carol
9 I Wonder as I Wander
10 Candlelight Carol
11 O Tannenbaum
12 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
13 A Virgin Most Pure
14 I Sing of a Maiden
15 Lute-Book Lullaby
16 The Three Kings
17 Myn Lyking
18 O Little One Sweet
19 All My Heart This Night Rejoices
20 I Saw a Maiden
21 Away in a Manger
22 Nativity Carol
Collegium Records
1990
If you're looking for a single classical/pops Christmas album you can play year after year, Erich Kunzel's Christmas with the Pops might just be it. At the helm of his familiar Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and accompanied by a full roster of guest stars, Kunzel steps through 70 minutes of mostly traditional favorites for orchestra with and without chorus (a children's chorus and bell choir are also on hand). The guest stars are Doc Severinsen ("The Christmas Song"), Rosemary Clooney ("White Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"), Toni Tenille ("The Christmas Waltz"), Sherrill Milnes ("Go Tell It on the Mountain"), and boy soprano Stephen Van Dyck ("Walking in the Air" from The Snowman television special). Count on making Christmas with the Pops an annual tradition in your home. --David Horiuchi
Telarc
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: Christmas Cantatas
Collegium Vocale Gent, Philippe Herreweghe
Das neugeborne Kinderlein BWV 122
Le petit enfant nouveau-né
The new-born little baby
· Choral Das neugeborne Kinderlein (3'06)
· Aria O Menschen, die ihr täglich sündigt (5'11)
· Recitativo Die Engel, welche sich zuvor (1'21)
· Aria Ist Gott versöhnt und unser Freund (2'11)
· Recitativo Dies ist ein Tag, den selbst der Herr gemacht (1'10)
· Choral Es bringt das rechte Jubeljahr (0'38)
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110
Que notre bouche s'emplisse de rires
Let our mouths be filled with laughter
· Chor Unser Mund sei voll Lachens (6'38)
· Aria Ihr Gedanken und ihr Sinnen (4'23)
· Recitativo Dir, Herr, ist niemand gleich (0'30)
· Aria Ach Herr, was ist ein Menschenkind (4'31)
· Duetto Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe (3'45)
· Aria Wacht auf, ihr Adern und ihr Glieder (3'41)
· Choral Alleluja! Gelobt sei Gott (0'56)
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57
Heureux l'homme
Blessed is the man
· Aria Selig ist der Mann (3'35)
· Recitativo Ach! dieser süße Trost (1'26)
· Aria Ich wünschte mir den Tod (5'34)
· Recitativo Ich reiche dir die Hand (0'24)
· Aria Ja, ja, ich kann die Feinde schlagen (5'32)
· Recitativo In meiner Schoß liegt Ruh und Leben (1'29)
· Aria Ich ende behende (4'11)
· Choral Richte dich, Liebste, nach meinem Gefallen (0'45)
Harmonia Mundi
Laserlight
1997
1 Good Christian Men, Rejoice 2 I Wonder As I Wander 3 All My Heart This Night Rejoices 4 Silent Night 5 Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming 6 Ding Dong! Merrily on High 7 Three Kings of Orient 8 How Great Our Joy 9 Angels We Have Heard on High 10 Joy to the World 11 Away in a Manger 12 Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle 13 God Rest You Merry Gentlemen 14 What Child Is This? 15 'Twas in the Moon of Winter Time 16 O Little One Sweet 17 Go, Tell It on the Mountain 18 Away in a Manger 19 Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow 20 The Christmas Song 21 We Wish You a Merry Christmas 22 O Come All Ye Faithful Collegium |
1999
The Master Chorale of Washington (formerly the Paul Hill Chorale) has attracted the praise of critics nationwide through over 200 performances at the Kennedy Center, American and European tours, and national radio and television broadcasts. Since 1969, the Chorale has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra under Howard Mitchell, Antal Dorati, Dmitri Kabalevsky, Julius Rudel, Neville Marriner and Mstislav Rostropovich.
In 1971, the Chorale was featured in the inaugural concerts of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, and performs an annual series of concerts in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. There are 140 singers in the group, including a professional core. In June 1999, the Chorale was awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America.
https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy0353/
https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy0353/
Maggie's Music
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, Christmas Oratorio
La Chapelle Royale, Collegium Vocale Gent, Orchestre des Champs-Élysées, Philippe Herreweghe
The Christmas Oratorio is the sublime outcome of a vast project
that Bach completed between December1734 and January 1735. This
monumental fresco inspired by the history of the Nativity for narrators,
soloists, choirs and orchestra comprises no fewer than six sections,
each one a huge cantata. The general tone, reconciling the most daring
polyphony with the spirit of Christmas and a moving naiveté, endows this
masterpiece with an extraordinary freshness.
1996
2 The Holly And The Ivy 2:55
3 Ding Dong Merrily 1:50
4 Silent Night 2:03
5 O Little Town Of Bethlehem 2:34
6 I Saw Three Ships 2:05
7 Away In A Manger 2:41
8 The First Noel 5:04
9 The Coventry Carol 2:30
10 The Shepherds' Farewell 5:17
11 Unto Us Is Born A Son 2:05
12 There Is No Rose 2:25
13 I Sing Of A Maiden 2:41
14 Personent Hodie 1:58
15 The Three Kings 2:44
16 Hark The Herald Angels Sing 3:00
1990
This isn't an oratorio in the Handelian sense, but a series of cantatas for various days from Christmas to Epiphany. Bach's music is loaded with treats: an echo aria for soprano and oboe; a "pastoral" sinfonia; bravura arias for tenor with flute and bass with trumpet; a giddy soprano-bass duet; a transporting lullaby for alto.
This isn't an oratorio in the Handelian sense, but a series of cantatas for various days from Christmas to Epiphany. Bach's music is loaded with treats: an echo aria for soprano and oboe; a "pastoral" sinfonia; bravura arias for tenor with flute and bass with trumpet; a giddy soprano-bass duet; a transporting lullaby for alto.
Then there are the choruses, featuring the Monteverdi Choir at their best: exuberant full-orchestra choruses in parts one and three; a lilting triple-time chorus with horns in part four; the joyful skittering chorus in part five; and the triumphant opening and closing of part six (with spectacular trumpet solos). John Eliot Gardiner's direction is vigorous; the soloists, the best group you'll find on CD, include a terrific young Anne Sofie von Otter. --Matthew Westphal
1 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Coro - The Monteverdi Choir
2 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Evangelista: Und Da Acht Tage Um Waren - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
3 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Recitative (Basso): Immanuel, O Susses Wort; Arioso (Soprani, Basso): Jeu, Du Mein Liebstes Leben - Olaf Bar/Nancy Argenta
4 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Aria (Soprano, Echo Soprano): Flosst, Mein Heiland, Flosst Dein Namen - Nancy Argenta/Anne Sofie Von Otter
5 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Recitative - Choral - Olaf Bar/The Monteverdi Choir
6 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Aria - Hans Peter Blochwitz
7 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
8 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Coro - The Monteverdi Choir
9 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
10 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Coro - Recitativo - The Monteverdi Choir/Anne Sofie Von Otter
11 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
12 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Aria - Olaf Bar
13 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
14 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Recitativo - Anne Sofie Von Otter
15 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
16 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Terzetto - Nancy Argenta/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Hans Peter Blochwitz
17 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Recitativo - Anne Sofie Von Otter
18 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
19 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Coro - The Monteverdi Choir
20 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Evangelista - Herodes - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
21 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Recitativo - Nancy Argenta
22 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Aria - Nancy Argenta
23 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
24 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
25 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
26 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Recitativo - Hans Peter Blochwitz
27 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Aria - Hans Peter Blochwitz
28 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Recitativo - Schrecken - Nancy Argenta/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Hans Peter Blochwitz/Olaf Bar
29 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
Archiv
1 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Coro - The Monteverdi Choir
2 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Evangelista: Und Da Acht Tage Um Waren - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
3 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Recitative (Basso): Immanuel, O Susses Wort; Arioso (Soprani, Basso): Jeu, Du Mein Liebstes Leben - Olaf Bar/Nancy Argenta
4 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Aria (Soprano, Echo Soprano): Flosst, Mein Heiland, Flosst Dein Namen - Nancy Argenta/Anne Sofie Von Otter
5 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Recitative - Choral - Olaf Bar/The Monteverdi Choir
6 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Aria - Hans Peter Blochwitz
7 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - for the Feast of the Circumcision: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
8 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Coro - The Monteverdi Choir
9 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
10 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Coro - Recitativo - The Monteverdi Choir/Anne Sofie Von Otter
11 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
12 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Aria - Olaf Bar
13 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
14 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Recitativo - Anne Sofie Von Otter
15 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
16 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Terzetto - Nancy Argenta/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Hans Peter Blochwitz
17 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Recitativo - Anne Sofie Von Otter
18 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - for the 1st Sunday in the New Year: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
19 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Coro - The Monteverdi Choir
20 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Evangelista - Herodes - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
21 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Recitativo - Nancy Argenta
22 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Aria - Nancy Argenta
23 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
24 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
25 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Evangelista - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
26 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Recitativo - Hans Peter Blochwitz
27 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Aria - Hans Peter Blochwitz
28 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Recitativo - Schrecken - Nancy Argenta/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Hans Peter Blochwitz/Olaf Bar
29 Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - for the Feast of Epiphany: Choral - The Monteverdi Choir
Archiv
1995
Conifer Records
The Lutheran Reformation inaugurated what was to become a distinctive tradition of liturgical music, that reached its zenith in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. A significant part of this musical tradition was the provision of extended musical settings of the biblical narratives concerning the life of Christ, performed on the respective feasts and fasts of the church year. Passions formed the greater part of these Historiae, as they were termed, but there were also musical expositions of the birth, resurrection and ascension of Christ.
—Robin A. Leaver
BWV 248
Disc 1
Part I
1. Chorus
2. Recitative — Evangelist
3. Recitative — Alto
4. Aria — Alto
5. Chorale
6. Recitative — Evangelist
7. Chorale — Soprano and Recitative — Bass
8. Aria — Bass
9. Chorale
Part II
10. Sinfonia
11. Recitative — Evangelist
12. Chorale
13. Recitative — Evangelist and Soprano
14. Recitative — Bass
15. Aria — Tenor
16. Recitative — Evangelist
17. Chorale
18. Recitative — Bass
19. Aria — Alto
20. Recitative — Evangelist
21. Chorus
22. Recitative — Bass
23. Chorale
Part III
24. Chorus
25. Recitative — Evangelist
26. Chorus
27. Recitative — Bass
28. Chorale
29. Aria Duetto — Soprano and Bass
30. Recitative — Evangelist
31. Aria — Alto
32. Recitative — Alto
33. Chorale
34. Recitative — Evangelist
35. Chorale
36. Chorus (Repeat of No. 24)
Disc 2
Part IV
1. Chorus
2. Recitative — Evangelist
3. Recitative and Chorale — Bass and Soprano
4. Aria — Soprano, Echo
5. Recitative and Chorale — Bass and Soprano
6. Aria — Tenor
7. Chorale
Part V
8. Chorus
9. Recitative — Evangelist
10. Chorus and Recitative — Alto
11. Chorale
12. Aria — Bass
13. Recitative — Evangelist
14. Recitative — Alto
15. Recitative — Evangelist
16. Aria Terzetto — Soprano, Alto, Tenor
17. Recitative — Alto
18. Chorale
Part VI
19. Chorus
20. Recitative — Evangelist and Bass
21. Recitative — Soprano
22. Aria — Soprano
23. Recitative — Evangelist
24. Chorale
25. Recitative — Evangelist
26. Recitative — Tenor
27. Aria — Tenor
28. Recitative — Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
29. Chorale
1995
"Although this is not a new release (it was first issued in 1995, in the days pre-Classicstoday.com), its program and performances are very worthy of the attention of choral music fans. The Christmas-themed repertoire, an enduring collection of mostly newer works coupled with several classics, brings us top-notch renditions of Stravinsky's Ave Maria and Poulenc's motet Quem vidistis pastores dicite as well as the rarely heard Herbert Howells piece Long, long ago (choirs usually opt for his A spotless rose) and Arvo Pärt's increasingly popular Magnificat. Stephen Paulus' Evensong (a setting of an obscure 19th-century German poem by Matthias Claudius) is a highlight, as is Basque composer Javier Busto's lovely Ave Maria (which should be in the standard repertoire of every choir!). There's more, much more, and I'll leave it to you to discover the many delights of this well-chosen program.
Of course, the Dale Warland Singers invariably offer first-rate singing and interpretations, especially in their performances of more modern repertoire, and they do so here, complemented by very fine sound from (appropriately) The Church of the Nativity in St Paul, Minnesota. Highly recommended!"
--David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com
1 Long, Long Ago
2 Song of Cherubim
3 The Rune of Hospitality
4 Corpus Christi Carol
5 Magnificat
6 All Night Vigil, Opus 37: Praise the Name of the Lord
7 The Oxen
8 Ave Maria
9 Ave Maria
10 Four Motets for Christmastime: Quem Vidistis Pastores Dicite
11 Evensong
12 Little Tree
1994
Gamut
Leo Sowerby's choral music has never been out of the repertory and several of his works for Christmas, particularly this collection's title anthem, "Love Came Down at Christmas," and the Epiphany anthem, "Now There Lightens Upon Us," are prominent among the reasons why.
This collection, which includes nearly all of Sowerby's Christmas music, presents a comprehensive overview; from his very first, "A Carol for New Year's Day," dating from his eighteenth year, to "A Prayer for Christmas," composed in his 72nd year for the choir of his last parish church, Christ Church, Georgetown.
From the immediately engaging arrangements of traditional folk tunes, to the soaring vocal heights and harmonic moodiness of the a cappella "A Great and Mighty Wonder" to the virtuosic choral-Organ collaborations, the composer displays a sure and ever-changing harmonic spectrum woven brilliantly into the choral fabric.
All of these carols are a true testament to Leo Sowerby's craft and faith and his convictions of the joy and splendor of this magnificent season. This disc contains some magnificent music, appealing no matter what the season.
"A Spanish Nativity": Carols from the Spanish Golden Century
Emotionally powerful and moving music by Peter Abelard, the most celebrated teacher of his time. Also a remarkable composer, Abelard wrote hymns and laments (planctus), six of which survive and are recorded here. Four planctus from the important Codex Las Huelgas complete this recording.
PETER ABELARD [1079-1142] ·
O quanta qualia
Virgines caste
Planctus cigne
ANONYMOUS
Quis dabit
O monialis
Rex obiit
Plange, Castella
PETER ABELARD [1079-1142]
De profundis
Epithalamica
Planctus David
1997
The end of the 15th century in Spain saw a consolidation of power and a resulting political stability. The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castille brought about a union of these two kingdoms in 1479. Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, was conquered in 1492, the same year in which Columbus set out on a voyage of discovery which took him to what would later be known as the Americas.
Thus, the Spanish Renaissance, the Siglo de Oro ("Golden Age"), and the period from which the pieces on this recording are taken, began with Spain at the height of political and military strength.
—Felix Cox
From "Villancicos de diversos autores" Venice, 1556 - Anonymous
1. Verbum caro factum est 1:09
2. No la deuemos dormir 1:16
3. Alta Reyna soberana 1:44
4. Yo me soy la morenica 1:47
5. Señores, el qu’es nascido 1:51
6. Riu, riu chiu 2:57
7. Dadme al bricias 1:22
From "Canciones y villanescas espirituales" Venice 1589 - Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599)
8. Oyd, oyd una cosa 2:03
9. Vamos al portal 3:24
10. Zagales, sin seso vengo 2:10
11. Virgen sancta 3:40
12. A un niño llorando 2:38
13. Canite tuba - Francisco Guerrero 2:25
14. Rorate caeli - Francisco Guerrero 2:20
15. Veni Domine - Cristobal de Morales
(c.1500-1553) 2:21
16. Ave Maria - Tomás Luis de Victoria
(1548-1611) 1:57
17. Ne timeas Maria - Tomás Luis de Victoria 4:09
18. Pastores loquebantur - Francisco Guerrero 3:21
19. Tria sunt munera - Juan Esquivel
(c.1565-after 1613) 1:41
20. O magnum mysterium - Tomás Luis de Victoria 3:45
Missa O magnum mysterium - Tomás Luis de Victoria
21. Kyrie 1:52
22. Gloria 3:40
23. Credo 5:20
24. Sanctus/Benedictus 4:13
25. Agnus Dei 2:06
—Felix Cox
From "Villancicos de diversos autores" Venice, 1556 - Anonymous
1. Verbum caro factum est 1:09
2. No la deuemos dormir 1:16
3. Alta Reyna soberana 1:44
4. Yo me soy la morenica 1:47
5. Señores, el qu’es nascido 1:51
6. Riu, riu chiu 2:57
7. Dadme al bricias 1:22
From "Canciones y villanescas espirituales" Venice 1589 - Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599)
8. Oyd, oyd una cosa 2:03
9. Vamos al portal 3:24
10. Zagales, sin seso vengo 2:10
11. Virgen sancta 3:40
12. A un niño llorando 2:38
13. Canite tuba - Francisco Guerrero 2:25
14. Rorate caeli - Francisco Guerrero 2:20
15. Veni Domine - Cristobal de Morales
(c.1500-1553) 2:21
16. Ave Maria - Tomás Luis de Victoria
(1548-1611) 1:57
17. Ne timeas Maria - Tomás Luis de Victoria 4:09
18. Pastores loquebantur - Francisco Guerrero 3:21
19. Tria sunt munera - Juan Esquivel
(c.1565-after 1613) 1:41
20. O magnum mysterium - Tomás Luis de Victoria 3:45
Missa O magnum mysterium - Tomás Luis de Victoria
21. Kyrie 1:52
22. Gloria 3:40
23. Credo 5:20
24. Sanctus/Benedictus 4:13
25. Agnus Dei 2:06
1998
Chandos
1997
1 O Come, Emmanuel
2 Alleluia
3 The First Nowell
4 The Carol of the Birds
5 Allon, Gay Bergeres
6 A Hymn to the Virgin
7 O Magnum Mysterium
8 Christmas Oratorio: Rejoice and Sing
9 Ave Maria
10 What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
11 Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
12 Sing Lullaby
13 While By My Sheep
14 Christmas Oratorio: Break Forth, O Wondrous Heavenly Light
15 Heavenly Light
16 Adeste Fideles
17 Ceremony of Carols: Procession - Hodie Christus Natus Est
18 Ceremony of Carols: Wolcum Yole!
19 Ceremony of Carols: There Is No Rose
20 Ceremony of Carols: That Yonge Child
21 Ceremony of Carols: Balulalow
22 Ceremony of Carols: As Dew in Aprille
23 Ceremony of Carols: This Little Babe
24 Interlude (Harp Solo)
25 Ceremony of Carols: In Freezing Winter Night
26 Ceremony of Carols: Spring Carol
27 Ceremony of Carols: Deo Gracias
28 Ceremony of Carols: Recession: Hodie Christus Natus Est
Telarc
1992
New in original long cd box. Told by Morgan Freeman. Music by The Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Rabbit Ears
| 1999 1 Silent Night - The Choir Of King's College/Stephen Cleobury 2 In The Bleak Mid-Winter - John Bowen/David Briggs/The Choir Of King's College/Stephen Cleobury 3 Child In A Manger - The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College/John Rutter 4 Cradle Song - The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College/John Rutter 5 Born On Earth - Stephen Cleobury/The Choir Of St. John's College/George Guest 6 Away In A Manger - Mark Tinkler/Stephen Cleobury/The Choir Of St. John's College/George Guest 7 Shepherd's Pipe Carol - Stephen Cleobury/The Choir Of St. John's College/George Guest 8 Suo Gan - Lynton Atkinson/Simon Keenlyside/Robert King/Stephen Cleobury/The Choir Of St. John's College/George 9 In Dulci Jubilo - The Choir Of King's College/Sir David Willcocks 10 The Infant King - The Choir Of King's College/Stephen Cleobury 11 King Jesus Hath A Garden - The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College/John Rutter 12 Gabriel's Message - Mary Hitch/The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College/John Rutter 13 A Spotless Rose - Donald Sweeney/The Choir Of Winchester Cathedral/David Hill 14 Lullaby My Jesus - The Choir Of Winchester Cathedral/David Hill 15 The Blessed Son Of God - The Choir Of Winchester Cathedral/David Hill 16 Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable - The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College/John Rutter 17 The Holly And The Ivy - Jonathan Lamb/Christopher Hughes/Simon Haynes/Roland Robertson/The Choir Of King's College... 18 Rocking - The Choir Of King's College/Sir David Willcocks 19 Coventry Carol - The Choir Of King's College/Sir David Willcocks 20 Myn Lyking - Simon Preston/The Choir Of King's College/Sir David Willcocks 21 The Crown Of Roses - The Choir Of Clare College/John Rutter 22 Mary's Lullaby - The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College/John Rutter 23 I Sing Of A Maiden - Simon Preston/The Choir Of King's College/Sir David Willcocks 24 Remember, O Thou Man - The Choir Of King's College/Sir David Willcocks 25 O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Simon Preston/The Choir Of King's College/Sir David Willcocks  |
1996
In addition to performing with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Men and Boys have sung numerous commissioned works and have frequently appeared on radio and television broadcasts, including the nationally televised series 'The Joy of Music' hosted by organist Diane Bish.
The Choir has toured Great Britain and Europe, singing in London (St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey), Canterbury, Ely, Truro, Dublin (Christ Church Cathedral), Paris (Notre Dame), and in the cities of Chartres, Munich, Berlin, Leipzig, Venice (St. Mark's), and Rome (St. Peter's Basilica).
The Cathedral Girl's Choir is made up of girls ages 8 through 18. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary year with a choir reunion service and concert for present and former members, three of whom had entered the Choir with the very first group of girls in 1945.
The Girl's Choir has appeared in concert with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared on overseas tours as well, appearing in many of the great cathedrals of Europe.
FREDERICK BURGOMASTER, Director Frederick Burgomaster is Organist and Choirmaster of Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis, and Conductor and Music Director of the Indianapolis Festival Chorus and Orchestra. He holds a DMA degree from the University of Southern California, an SMM degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and the Associate Certificate from the American Guild of Organists.
As a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship, he studied organ and conducting for two years in Munich, Germany with noted Bach interpreter Karl Richter, and sang with the Munich Bach Choir. He was also a scholarship grantee at the International Bach Week in Ansbach.
He was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship for advanced choral study in Oxford, England. A former president of the Association of Anglican Musicians, he has also served on the Standing Commission on Church Music of the Episcopal Church. Four Winds Albums by The Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Indianapolis:
George Frideric Handel: Messiah ~ Highlights from Parts I & II On August 22, 1741, at a low point in his life and career, and suffering from partial paralysis due to a stroke, George Frideric Handel began work on Messiah.
In an incredible 24 days, the great dramatic composer completed perhaps the most powerful, spiritually moving, and popular oratorio of all time.
Benjamin Britten: 'Saint Nicolas' (FW 3023) The cantata 'Saint Nicolas' is based on the poetry of Eric Crozier, and tells the story of Nicolas from his birth, through his becoming Bishop of Myra, and serving the diocese faithfully until his death. Britten's music is highly pictorial, describing the life of St. Nicolas, universally known as Santa Claus, as if it had been recorded in vivid paitings and sketches.
Benjamin Britten: 'A Ceremony of Carols' & Medieval Chants and Carols (FW3011) Britten's 'A Ceremony of Carols' is one of the great works of the 20th century for treble voices. The sound is fresh and bright, with virtuosic passages for both voices and harp.
'Sing, Choirs of Angels' (FW 3003) Under the direction of Frederick Burgomaster, the choir captures all of the glory of Christmas in this collection of favorites and rarely recorded gems. Includes traditional Christmas carols, medieval chants and carols, and contemporary Christian music. 'Into The Light...Divine Choral Music of the Renaissance and Beyond' (FW 3001) Contains glorious live performances of motets and anthems from several of the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boy's European tours, recorded in some of the great European cathedrals in Great Britain, Germany, France, and Italy.
1 Sussex Carol (Traditional)
2 O Come, All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
3 Nativity Carol (John Rutter)
4 Good King Wenceslas
5 Lullay, My Liking (Gustav Holst)
6 A Babe Is Born (William Mathias)
7 Away in a Manger (William Mathias)
8 Sans Day Carol (Traditional)
9 Quem Vidistis (Francis Poulenc)
10 In Dulci Jubilo (J.S. Bach)
11 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (Traditional)
12 Hodie, Christus, Natus Est Nobis (Gregorian Chant)
13 Nowell, Nowell: Out of Your Sleep (Anonymous)
14 Puer Natus Est Nobis (Gregorian Chant)
15 Noel Etranger (Louis Claude Daquin)
16 The Holly and the Ivy (Traditional)
17 I Wonder As I Wander (Appalachian Carol)
18 Ave Rex Angelorum (Peter Maxwell Davies)
19 Masters in This Hall (Traditional)
1 Sussex Carol (Traditional)
2 O Come, All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
3 Nativity Carol (John Rutter)
4 Good King Wenceslas
5 Lullay, My Liking (Gustav Holst)
6 A Babe Is Born (William Mathias)
7 Away in a Manger (William Mathias)
8 Sans Day Carol (Traditional)
9 Quem Vidistis (Francis Poulenc)
10 In Dulci Jubilo (J.S. Bach)
11 Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (Traditional)
12 Hodie, Christus, Natus Est Nobis (Gregorian Chant)
13 Nowell, Nowell: Out of Your Sleep (Anonymous)
14 Puer Natus Est Nobis (Gregorian Chant)
15 Noel Etranger (Louis Claude Daquin)
16 The Holly and the Ivy (Traditional)
17 I Wonder As I Wander (Appalachian Carol)
18 Ave Rex Angelorum (Peter Maxwell Davies)
19 Masters in This Hall (Traditional)
1996
1994
1 God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
2 Angels We Have Heard on High
3 O Come, O Come Emmanuel
4 How Unto Bethlehem?
5 The Boar's Head Carol
6 O Tannenbaum - Timothy Stalter
7 Masters in This Hall - Donna Carter/Victor Ledbetter
8 My Dancing Day
9 Away in a Manger
10 Good Christian Men, Rejoice
11 The Holly and the Ivy - Frank Timmerman
12 Good King Wenceslas - Katherine Murray/Victor Ledbetter
13 Wassail Song
14 Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
15 Fum, Fum, Fum
16 Mary Had a Baby - Christopher Cock
17 Hacia Belen Va Un Borrico - Victor Ledbetter
18 Christ Was Born on Christmas Day - Katherine Murray/Victor Ledbetter
19 March of the Kings
20 Coventry Carol
21 Deck the Halls
22 The Cherry Tree Carol - Christopher Cock
23 We Three Kings of Orient Are - Ronald Burrichter/Victor Ledbetter/Wayne Baughman
24 Toruo-Louro-Louro!
25 So Blest a Sight - Donna Carter
26 I Saw Three Ships
27 What Child Is This? - Christopher Cock/Victor Ledbetter
28 Susanni
29 In the Bleak Midwinter
Telarc
1998
13 tracks including O Holy Night, Silent Night, The First Noel, Ave Maria, White Christmas, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing and more
London
1999
1997
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%204550
Old carols, known and less known, for Celtic harp, steel and nylon string guitars and lute.
1994
1 God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
2 Angels We Have Heard on High
3 O Come, O Come Emmanuel
4 How Unto Bethlehem?
5 The Boar's Head Carol
6 O Tannenbaum - Timothy Stalter
7 Masters in This Hall - Donna Carter/Victor Ledbetter
8 My Dancing Day
9 Away in a Manger
10 Good Christian Men, Rejoice
11 The Holly and the Ivy - Frank Timmerman
12 Good King Wenceslas - Katherine Murray/Victor Ledbetter
13 Wassail Song
14 Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
15 Fum, Fum, Fum
16 Mary Had a Baby - Christopher Cock
17 Hacia Belen Va Un Borrico - Victor Ledbetter
18 Christ Was Born on Christmas Day - Katherine Murray/Victor Ledbetter
19 March of the Kings
20 Coventry Carol
21 Deck the Halls
22 The Cherry Tree Carol - Christopher Cock
23 We Three Kings of Orient Are - Ronald Burrichter/Victor Ledbetter/Wayne Baughman
24 Toruo-Louro-Louro!
25 So Blest a Sight - Donna Carter
26 I Saw Three Ships
27 What Child Is This? - Christopher Cock/Victor Ledbetter
28 Susanni
29 In the Bleak Midwinter
Telarc
1998
13 tracks including O Holy Night, Silent Night, The First Noel, Ave Maria, White Christmas, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing and more
London
An enchanting companion album to A Victorian Christmas... Oliver
Cromwell and the Puritans officially outlawed all festivals, including
the ancient Yuletide celebrations so beloved by the people.
In
rediscovering the ancient feast of Christmas, the Victorians searched
throughout Europe to find old carols, transporting them across borders
and language barriers. Here is a collection of well-known melodies from
Provence: Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella; Burgandy: Patapan; Germany:
O, Tannenbaum; France: Wherefore This Great Joy (Angels We Have Heard on
High)—along with lesser-known gems from Poland, Alsace, Sicily,
Finland, Holland, Austria, Catalonia, Denmark, Galicia and the Basque
country.
| 1 | Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella • Il Est Né, le Divine Enfant |
| 2 | Infant Holy• I Saw Three Ships • The Builders |
| 3 | At the Nativity• Bethlehem's Stall |
| 4 | Fum Fum Fum• Patapan |
| 5 | Christ Is Born in Bethlehem • We'll Speak Very Softly |
| 6 | O Tannenbaum • Lippai |
| 7 | Lovely Is the Dark Blue Sky • Come Hear the Wonderful Tidings |
| 8 | In Dulci Jubilo • Shepherd's Cradle Song • Canzone d'i Zampognari |
| 9 | Gabriel's Message Does Away • Adam and His Helpmate |
| 10 | Masters in This Hall • Wherefore This Great Joy |
| 11 | To Bethlehem • The Message |
| 12 | As Lately We Watched |
| 13 | Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella (reprise) |
Gourd Music
1999
Saydisc
1997
"... Only the stoniest heart would be failed to be captivated by the musicianship, the warmth of tone, the technical excellence and sheer verve of it all..."
Composer
Irving Berlin
Composer
Cootes / Gillespie
Composer
Bernard Smith
Composer
Leroy Anderson
Composer
Ure / Geldof
Composer
John Marks
Composer
Howard Blake
Composer
Zacar
Composer
Sergei Prokofiev
Composer
Goff Richards
Composer
John Golland
Composer
Strachan / Paul / Stewart
Composer
James Curnow
Composer
Nelson / Rollins
Composer
Peter Graham
Composer
Simeone / Onorati / Davis
Composer
Jester Joseph Hairston
Composer
Chandos
Megha Morganfield's Winter Solstice Carols The Winter Solstice Carols are a collection of 15 holiday songs celebrating the return of the light and hope, renewed for peace and community. Inspired by Mary Daly's book 'Gyn/Ecology', Morganfield rewrote 12 tradition carols, retaining their melodies, but enlivening them with universal transcendent messages. Three of the pieces on this CD are Megha's original works... A collaborative production, the Winter Solstice Carols is a recording with harp, guitar, piano, violin and voice.
Old carols, known and less known, for Celtic harp, steel and nylon string guitars and lute.
| 1 Merrily On High 2 In Dulci Jubilo 3 The Castle Keep/Masters In This Hall 4 El Noy De La Mare 5 The Gower Wassail 6 Once In Royal David's City 7 Canarios 8 We Three Kings 9 The Hunt's Up 10 Lo, How A Rose Is Blooming 11 People Look East 12 Drive The Cold Winter Away 13 Villancico De Navidad 14 The Wexford Carol 15 Herrick's Carol 16 Here We Come A-Wassailing 17 Un Flambeau Jeanette Isabella 18 Green Grow'th The Holly 19 Blessed Be That Maid Marie |
Oak Leaf
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