2026: Working List of New Classical and Choral Christmas Recordings
Updated: October 19, 2024
Adeste Fideles: Christmas Carols from Her Majesty's Chapel Royal
Adeste Fideles: Christmas Carols from her Majesty's Chapel Royal
by Various artists - The English choral Christmas album has tended
toward innovation, and it's good to hear that there's still a place for
the traditional kind, with lightly embroidered traditional hymns, just
ever so slightly wobbly, but utterly endearing, boy sopranos, and
strongly diatonic Christmas compositions that are consistently and
simply rapt in mood.
1. Sans Day Carol English Traditional arr. John Rutter
2. Mary Had a Baby American Spiritual, arr. Malcolm Sargent
3. Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Elizabeth Poston
4. Once in Royal David’s City Henry John Gauntlett, arr. Arthur Henry Mann & David Willcocks
5. Sussex Carol English Traditional, arr. David Willcocks
6. The Lamb John Tavener
7. A Maiden Most Gentle French Melody, arr. Andrew Carter
8. Hosanna to the Son of David Thomas Weelkes
9. The Three Kings Jonathan Dove, arr. Ivor Atkins
10. A Spanish Carol Spanish Traditional, arr. Andrew Carter
11. Suo G?n – Welsh Traditional arr. George Guest
12. There Shall a Star Come Out of Jacob Felix Mendelssohn
13. O Little Town of Bethlehem English Traditional, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams
14. I Saw Three Ships English Traditional, arr. David Willcocks
15. The Little Road to Bethlehem Michael Head
16. Ding Dong! Merrily on High French Traditional, arr. Charles Wood
17. A New Year Carol Benjamin Britten
18. Blessed Jesu! Here We Stand Richard Popplewell
19. Ave Maria Igor Stravisnky
20. Adeste Fideles John Francis Wade
21. Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar Peter Cornelius
22. De Virgin Mary American Spiritual, arr. Malcolm Sargent
23. The Holly and the Ivy John Gardner
24. A Spotless Rose Herbert Howells
25. Hark the Herald Angels Sing! Felix Mendelssohn, arr. David Willcocks
26. We Wish You a Merry Christmas English Traditional, arr. Andrew Gant
Christ Church Manchester
| Signum Classics | |
Christmas Carols Old And New For String Quartet
1. Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
2. What Sweeter Music Can We Bring
3. The Friendly Beasts
4. Shepherds
5. The Angel Gabriel
6. King Wenceslas' Feast
7. Christmas Lullaby
8. The Huron Carol
9. The Star
10. The Journey of the Magi
11. What Child Is This (Greensleeves)
Sir David Valentine Willcocks CBE MC (30 December 1919–17
September 2015) was one of the most influential choirmasters of his age,
working with singers of all ages, moulding voices and raising standards
in all his work.
This recording features twenty-three of his best-known arrangements, ranging from exquisite gems of quiet stillness to rousing shouts of majestic praise, sung by the Choir of Worcester Cathedral. The Cathedral Choir is joined by the Worcester Festival Choral Society and Sennet Brass for the magnificent large-scale favourites, including O come, all ye faithful and Hark! the herald-angels sing.
Christopher Allsop organ, Peter Nardone director
1. O come, all ye faithful * 7:30
2. Sussex Carol 2:12
3. God rest you merry, gentlemen 3:38
4. Ding, dong! merrily on high * 2:34
5. Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing? 4:35
6. Angelus ad virginem 2:50
7. Once in royal David’s city * 4:38
8. The infant King 3:59
9. Gabriel’s message 3:06
10. Unto us is born a son * 2:35
11. Cherry tree carol 2:07
12. Rocking 2:17
13. While shepherds watched * 2:40
14. Tomorrow shall be my dancing day 2:17
15. Infant holy, infant lowly 2:09
16. It came upon the midnight clear * 3:45
17. Away in a manger 2:56
18. I saw three ships 2:12
19. The first nowell * 5:51
20. Resonemus laudibus 2:01
21. O come, O come, Emmanuel 4:09
22. Deck the hall 1:30
23. Hark, the herald-angels sing * 4:04
Simon Hewitt Jones violin
Gavin Sutherland conductor
1. Christmas Party
2. Child of the Stable’s Secret Birth
3. Cameron’s Lament – Christmas Version
https://signumrecords.com/product/christmas-party/SIGCD821/
Siglo de Oro’s first commercial recording sees the choir and its director Patrick Allies in collaboration with saxophonist Sam Corkin. Their intriguing programme highlights the saxophone’s natural kinship with the human voice, as well as the endless expressive possibilities which this versatile instrument stimulates in the imaginations of modern composers.
Its athletic vigour launches Will Todd’s O Wisdom, the first of eight settings of the Advent antiphons in English which, having been commissioned by the present artists, now form the backbone of this recording. Elsewhere the instrument soars above the voices’ urgent prophecy and imploration, while the choir is heard unaccompanied in glowing renditions of sixteenth-century polyphony – works by Pierre Certon, Antoine de Mornable, Michael Praetorius and Josquin des Prez, whose music complements the atmosphere of quiet expectancy proper to Advent.
https://www.delphianrecords.com/products/dcd34184?_pos=13&_sid=132e7e903&_ss=r
Hey for Christmas, The Oxford Waits with The Mellstock Band
Nowell, sing we! Is the second recording from Robert Quinney as director of New College Oxford Choir. This recording follows the trajectory of the last weeks of Michaelmas term at New College. The open format of a carol service allows for a wide variety in the choice of music, so long as none of the pieces is longer than a few minutes. The collection Nowell, sing we! Encompasses traditional carols and Counter Reformation composers through the twentieth century. New College Oxford Choirs previous release Symphony Anthems- John Blow under the directorship of Robert Quinney has been awarded Editors Choice in Gramophone and the release has enjoyed several weeks in the Specialist classical chart in the UK
Novum
On Christmas Night (Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford)
Roderick Williams (Barritone); Daniel Hyde (Director);
The much lauded Magdalen College Choir present a glorious programme celebrating the remarkable variety of the twentieth-century English carol. Combining well-loved standards and innovative choir favourites, the breadth of musical expression runs a range of emotions from quiet contemplation to joyous revelling at the wondrous miracle of Christmas. Acclaimed baritone Roderick Williams soars in Williams’ celebrated Fantasia, crowning the selection of carols and organ solos led by renowned director and organist Daniel Hyde.
Composer Jacob Narverud (b. 1986) composed a piece for this Season of Light recording. He responded with a two-stanza poem inspired by the title of the recording, and a brief a cappella work for mixed voices. His heartwarming and melodic style asks us to stop and reflect as we anticipate the beginning of holiday time in late November.
John Bucchino (b. 1952) conjures up the love and gratitude that we feel at Thanksgiving in his song “Grateful.” Originally written in 1995, for solo voice with piano, here for this recording it receives a new treatment for mixed voices and piano from Ryan Nowlin (b. 1978).
First, EVUSA sings the familiar and uplifting “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921) in the a cappella arrangement and English translation by Peter J. Wilhousky (1902-1978).
David Chase’s (b. 1964) arrangement of the English carol, “God Rest Ye,” (aka “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen”), commissioned by EVUSA for this recording and scored for mixed chorus and piano, has a recurring rhythmic figure in the accompaniment that infects us with the joy of the season. We continue on to remember the true sense of the season’s holiness as we present a serene polyphonic setting of Jean Mouton’s (1459-1522) “Ave Maria,” from the French Renaissance.
Another invocation of light occurs as the Jewish community kindles candles to celebrate the Festival of Chanukah. This holiday commemorates the ancient victory over an enemy that tried to deprive Jews of religious freedom. Stephen Schwartz (b. 1948) and lyricist Steven Young (b. 1965) transport us into another world in their uplifting piece, “The Chanukah Song” (“We Are Lights”).
English composer Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) expresses a serene hope in his piece “A New Year Carol,” scored for unison chorus and piano. The piece, originally written for children, is from Friday Afternoons, a collection of twelve songs by Britten, composed from 1933–35. He wrote it for the pupils of Clive House School, Prestatyn (Wales), where Britten’s brother, Robert, was headmaster. The text is anonymous.
We end with Tedd Firth’s (b. 1976) new year “carol” in a new jazz arrangement of “Auld Lang Syne.” The song, with text by Robert Burns, is traditionally used to bid farewell to the old year and sung at the stroke of midnight.
Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) is one of New York’s preeminent choral ensembles; it performs in many of the city’s iconic venues and events and records and premieres works by America’s finest composers and lyricists. Regularly on stage with the New York Pops in its Carnegie Hall subscription series, televised on NBC’s July 4th Macy’s 2014 Spectacular Fireworks and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting in 2011 and 2012, the ensemble comprises a talented roster of seasoned professionals and auditioned volunteers, dynamically fitted to the unique needs of each project. Among other national highlights, EVUSA participated in the 2013 Presidential Inaugural activities and held a month-long residency at National Public Radio.
https://www.sonoluminus.com/store/season-of-light
https://www.delphianrecords.com/products/dcd34184?_pos=13&_sid=132e7e903&_ss=r
Hey for Christmas, The Oxford Waits with The Mellstock Band
1. Hey for Christmas
2. The Christmas Goose
3. Christmas in 1859
4. The Christmas Holiday, or Stuff Your Guts
5. Come Bring with a Noise
6. Christmas with Friends at Home
7.Drive the Cold Winter Away
8. Herald Angels
9. The Mistletoe Bough
10. The Holly and the Ivy
Nowell, sing we! Is the second recording from Robert Quinney as director of New College Oxford Choir. This recording follows the trajectory of the last weeks of Michaelmas term at New College. The open format of a carol service allows for a wide variety in the choice of music, so long as none of the pieces is longer than a few minutes. The collection Nowell, sing we! Encompasses traditional carols and Counter Reformation composers through the twentieth century. New College Oxford Choirs previous release Symphony Anthems- John Blow under the directorship of Robert Quinney has been awarded Editors Choice in Gramophone and the release has enjoyed several weeks in the Specialist classical chart in the UK
Novum
This may be a rerelease of a previous album.
On Christmas Night (Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford)
Roderick Williams (Barritone); Daniel Hyde (Director);
The much lauded Magdalen College Choir present a glorious programme celebrating the remarkable variety of the twentieth-century English carol. Combining well-loved standards and innovative choir favourites, the breadth of musical expression runs a range of emotions from quiet contemplation to joyous revelling at the wondrous miracle of Christmas. Acclaimed baritone Roderick Williams soars in Williams’ celebrated Fantasia, crowning the selection of carols and organ solos led by renowned director and organist Daniel Hyde.
https://www.opusarte.com/details/OACD9022D
O NATA LUX, Vocal Ensemble Gentleman Singers.
This album features music primarily related to the seasons of Advent and
Christmas. It includes a number of recent commissions for the male
vocal ensemble, Gentlemen Singers, and was recorded in their hometown
(Hradec Králové) in the Czech Republic. The programme also includes
fresh arrangements produced for the recording. The carols are performed
their original languages. Label: Convivium.
John Bucchino (b. 1952) conjures up the love and gratitude that we feel at Thanksgiving in his song “Grateful.” Originally written in 1995, for solo voice with piano, here for this recording it receives a new treatment for mixed voices and piano from Ryan Nowlin (b. 1978).
First, EVUSA sings the familiar and uplifting “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921) in the a cappella arrangement and English translation by Peter J. Wilhousky (1902-1978).
David Chase’s (b. 1964) arrangement of the English carol, “God Rest Ye,” (aka “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen”), commissioned by EVUSA for this recording and scored for mixed chorus and piano, has a recurring rhythmic figure in the accompaniment that infects us with the joy of the season. We continue on to remember the true sense of the season’s holiness as we present a serene polyphonic setting of Jean Mouton’s (1459-1522) “Ave Maria,” from the French Renaissance.
Another invocation of light occurs as the Jewish community kindles candles to celebrate the Festival of Chanukah. This holiday commemorates the ancient victory over an enemy that tried to deprive Jews of religious freedom. Stephen Schwartz (b. 1948) and lyricist Steven Young (b. 1965) transport us into another world in their uplifting piece, “The Chanukah Song” (“We Are Lights”).
English composer Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) expresses a serene hope in his piece “A New Year Carol,” scored for unison chorus and piano. The piece, originally written for children, is from Friday Afternoons, a collection of twelve songs by Britten, composed from 1933–35. He wrote it for the pupils of Clive House School, Prestatyn (Wales), where Britten’s brother, Robert, was headmaster. The text is anonymous.
We end with Tedd Firth’s (b. 1976) new year “carol” in a new jazz arrangement of “Auld Lang Syne.” The song, with text by Robert Burns, is traditionally used to bid farewell to the old year and sung at the stroke of midnight.
Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) is one of New York’s preeminent choral ensembles; it performs in many of the city’s iconic venues and events and records and premieres works by America’s finest composers and lyricists. Regularly on stage with the New York Pops in its Carnegie Hall subscription series, televised on NBC’s July 4th Macy’s 2014 Spectacular Fireworks and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting in 2011 and 2012, the ensemble comprises a talented roster of seasoned professionals and auditioned volunteers, dynamically fitted to the unique needs of each project. Among other national highlights, EVUSA participated in the 2013 Presidential Inaugural activities and held a month-long residency at National Public Radio.
https://www.sonoluminus.com/store/season-of-light
Songs of the Nativity, The Sixteen
On this release, The Sixteen contrasts the dramatic intensity of music by some of today's most admired composers with such traditional and modern carols as Boris Ord's Adam Lay Ybounden and Henry Walford Davis' version of O Little Town of Bethlehem. Much-loved classics appear on this album along with many others that, with time, will become classics.
Every work on this album captures the joy and sincerity of the most wonderful of seasons. The album provides a perfect peaceful and uplifting antidote to the hectic pre-Christmas rush.
1 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Konvulsionslåten - the Celt
2 Divinum Mysterium - Tàladh Ar Slànaigheir
3 Away in the Manger (Flow Gently, Sweet Afton) - Polonessa Spoof
4 Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen
5 I Wonder As I Wander
6 Greensleeves
7 Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agréable - Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein
8 The Surround - Snowy Path - Half C
9 Une Vierge Pucelle - Joseph Est Bien Marié
10 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Good King Wenceslas
11 At Midnight Hour - Joy Be with You
12 Carol of the Birds
13 Winter's Falling Light
14 The Wexford Carol - Shetland Reel
15 Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning - Farewell to Goirtin
16 Silent Night
https://www.sonoluminus.com/store/surrounded-by-angels-cd
There is No Rose, Vocal Groups Concert Clemens
This new release of Christmas tunes comes from the Danish choir vocal group Concert Clemens. Featuring a selection of festive favorites and lesser-known works, many of which have been newly arranged and recorded for the first time, this release will put you in the Holiday spirit. Entitled There is no Rose, the recording follows the theme of the rose as a symbol of love. Concert Clemens is an ambitious classical vocal group resident in Aarhus, Denmark. Formed in 1997 by conductor Carsten Seyer-Hansen, the ensemble aims to present classical vocal music with precision and warmth, and performs at music festivals, competitions and in concerts around the world.
Upon a Winter's Night, Cara Dillon
Multi award winning and internationally acclaimed Irish folk singer Cara Dillon, captures the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs ancient and modern providing a welcome antidote to 21st century Yuletide excess. Here, the story of Christmas is retold and explored through an array of musical guises brimming with gravitas, reverence, mythology and atmosphere. Along the way the mood shifts from joyous wonder to reflection, faith and celebration. Traditional favourites "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "O Holy Night" are as stunning as anything in Cara's back catalogue, the latter being an arresting a-cappella version sung with her sister Mary Dillon. Other highlights include the atmospheric "Wexford Carol" with newly added cinematic instrumental sections. Sitting perfectly alongside these classics are three originals written by Cara and long time musical partner, Sam Lakeman, including the dynamic title track "Upon A Winter's Night". "Standing By My Christmas Tree", a secular reflection touching on the loneliness and nostalgia felt at Christmas. The final original, "Mother Mary", envisages the Virgin Mary soothing her newborn in a delicate and pensive lullaby "Go to sleep my darling child, for at your feet will fall, the hopes and prayers of all... I am your Mother Mary".
Charcoal Records
1 O Magnum Mysterium 2 Adam Lay Ybounden 3 The Saviour's Work 4 The Christ-Child 5 Bethlehem Down 6 A Gallery Carol 7 My Lord Has Come 8 The Holy Boy 9 O Little Town of Bethlehem 10 When Christ Was Born of Mary Free 11 Now May We Singen 12 Children's Song of the Nativity 13 Adam Lay Ybounden 14 Song of the Shepherds 15 Somerset Carol 16 The Shepherd's Carol 17 This Endris Night 18 There Is a Flower 19 Christmas Eve 20 And All the Stars Looked Down 21 Dutch Carol 22 O Radiant Dawn |
Label: Coro
Surrounded by Angels: A Christmas Celebration with Ensemble Galilei
Ensemble Galilei showcases their astounding playing as well as arranging talents on this release, Surrounded by Angels. Each member of Ensemble Galilei is renowned in thier own field - two winners of the All-Ireland Senior Championship, two winners of teh U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship, a four-time winner of the U.S. National Scottish Harp Championship, a Fulbright Scholar - they bring uncontested talents to this release. This release is so rich, soulful and deep that it transcends the genres of Irish or Scottish or Early Music.1 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Konvulsionslåten - the Celt
2 Divinum Mysterium - Tàladh Ar Slànaigheir
3 Away in the Manger (Flow Gently, Sweet Afton) - Polonessa Spoof
4 Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen
5 I Wonder As I Wander
6 Greensleeves
7 Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agréable - Jesu Kreuz, Leiden Und Pein
8 The Surround - Snowy Path - Half C
9 Une Vierge Pucelle - Joseph Est Bien Marié
10 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Good King Wenceslas
11 At Midnight Hour - Joy Be with You
12 Carol of the Birds
13 Winter's Falling Light
14 The Wexford Carol - Shetland Reel
15 Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning - Farewell to Goirtin
16 Silent Night
Label: Sono Luminus
There is No Rose, Vocal Groups Concert Clemens
This new release of Christmas tunes comes from the Danish choir vocal group Concert Clemens. Featuring a selection of festive favorites and lesser-known works, many of which have been newly arranged and recorded for the first time, this release will put you in the Holiday spirit. Entitled There is no Rose, the recording follows the theme of the rose as a symbol of love. Concert Clemens is an ambitious classical vocal group resident in Aarhus, Denmark. Formed in 1997 by conductor Carsten Seyer-Hansen, the ensemble aims to present classical vocal music with precision and warmth, and performs at music festivals, competitions and in concerts around the world.
Charcoal Records
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