100 Years of Nine Lessons & Carols

Album Description

Celebrate a century of musical tradition with "100 Years of Nine Lessons & Carols," a stunning double album from the renowned Choir of King's College, Cambridge, directed by Stephen Cleobury. This exquisite collection marks the centenary of the iconic Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, offering a rich tapestry of beloved carols and historical recordings that span a hundred years of choral excellence.

The album features a diverse array of carols, from timeless classics like "O Holy Night" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to lesser-known gems such as "The Fayrfax Carol" and "Carol Eliseus." Each track is meticulously arranged and performed, showcasing the choir's unparalleled skill and the visionary direction of Stephen Cleobury, along with his predecessors David Willcocks and Philip Ledger.

Spanning from 1958 to 2017, the album includes both new recordings and historic live broadcasts, providing a unique perspective on the evolution of this cherished tradition. The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, is renowned for its pure, ethereal sound, and this album is a testament to their enduring legacy. With a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes, "100 Years of Nine Lessons & Carols" is a comprehensive and captivating journey through a century of choral masterpieces, perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.

Released on November 9, 2018, this album debuted at number one in the UK Classical music chart, where it remained for an impressive nine weeks. Whether you're looking to enhance your holiday playlist or simply appreciate the beauty of choral music, this album is an essential addition to your collection. The album is released by the King's College Cambridge label, ensuring the highest quality in both performance and production.

9 nov 2018

2018 King's College, Cambridge

About Stephen Cleobury

Sir Stephen Cleobury was a renowned English organist and music director, celebrated for his profound impact on the world of choral music. Born in Bromley, Kent, Cleobury's musical journey began as a chorister at Worcester Cathedral, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Douglas Guest and Christopher Robinson. His academic and musical pursuits led him to St John's College, Cambridge, where he served as an organ scholar, and later to Westminster Abbey as sub-organist. Cleobury's most notable tenure was as the Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge, where he led the world-famous choir for an impressive 37 years, from 1982 until his retirement in 2019. Under his baton, the choir achieved international acclaim, with broadcasts of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols reaching millions of people worldwide. Cleobury's contributions to music were recognized with a knighthood in 2019, just months before his passing on November 22, the Feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music. His legacy endures as a testament to his dedication, passion, and unparalleled influence on Anglican choral music.