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.
O Holy Night (Arr. John Rutter)Adolphe Adam, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale
The Linden Tree Carol (Arr. Stephen Cleobury)Traditional, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale
The LambJohn Tavener, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (Arr. David Willcocks): God rest you merry, gentlemen (Arr. David Willcocks)Sir David Willcocks, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
The Shepherds' FarewellHector Berlioz, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Donal McCann
I saw three ships (Arr. Philip Ledger)Philip Ledger, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
We three kings of Orient are (Arr. Martin Neary)John Henry Hopkins, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale
Can I not syng but hoy?Francis Jackson, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
The Magi's DreamJames Whitbourn, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale
There is no RoseBen Rowarth, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Adam's FallRichard Elfyn Jones, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
How shall I fitly meet thee?Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Donal McCann
Love came down at Christmas (Arr. Stephen Cleobury)Reginald Owen Morris, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale
Break forth, O beauteous heavenly lightJohann Sebastian Bach, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Donal McCann
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Arr. David Willcocks)John Francis Wade, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Desc. Stephen Cleobury): Hark! The herald angels sing (Desc. Stephen Cleobury)Felix Mendelssohn, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Gabriel's Message (Arr. Pettman) [1958]Traditional, Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Adam lay ybounden [1963]Boris Ord, Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Ding! dong! merrily on high (Arr. Charles Wood) [1963]XVI Century French, Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Sussex Carol (Arr. David Willcocks) [1963]English Traditional, Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
O come, all ye faithful (Arr. David Willcocks) [1963]John Francis Wade, Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
In dulci jubilo (Arr. Robert L. de Pearsall, Ed. Reginald Jacques) [1980]German Traditional, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Unto us is born a Son (Arr. David Willcocks) [1980]Piae Cantiones, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Hark! the herald angels sing (arr. Philip Ledger) [1978]Felix Mendelssohn, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Illuminare, Jerusalem [1985 – premiere]Judith Weir, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
The holly and the ivy (Arr. Henry Walford Davies) [1994]Traditional, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Benedicamus Domino [1994]Peter Warlock, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
I saw three ships (Arr. Simon Preston) [1994]Traditional, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
The Fayrfax Carol [1997 – Premiere]Thomas Adès, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day [1997]John Gardner, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
I wonder as I wander [2000]Carl Rütti, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
The Shepherd's Carol [2001]Bob Chilcott, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Dormi, Jesu [2007]John Rutter, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Bogoróditse Djévo [2007]Arvo Pärt, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
This Endernight [2016 – Premiere Recording]Lennox Berkeley, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Carol Eliseus [2017 – Premiere Recording]Huw Watkins, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Once in royal David's city (Desc. Stephen Cleobury) [2017]Manfred Mann, Henry John Gauntlett, Stephen Cleobury, Choir of King's College, Cambridge