A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: The Centenary Service

Album Description

Experience the timeless tradition of King's College, Cambridge, with "A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: The Centenary Service," conducted by the esteemed Stephen Cleobury. This exquisite recording captures the 2018 centenary service, marking a century of this beloved Christmas Eve broadcast. The album features the renowned King's College Choir, delivering a program that intertwines biblical readings with cherished carols and choral works, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere.

The album spans a rich duration of 1 hour and 21 minutes, encompassing 33 tracks that include both well-known and lesser-heard pieces. From the opening "Once in royal David's City" to the closing "In dulci jubilo, BWV 729," each track is meticulously performed, showcasing the choir's exceptional vocal prowess and Cleobury's masterful direction. Highlights include traditional carols like "In dulci jubilo," "O come, all ye faithful," and "Hark! the herald angels sing," alongside contemporary compositions and rare gems such as the premiere of "O mercy divine."

Released on November 8, 2019, this album is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Presented in a premium hardback booklet with over 50 pages of notes, commentary, and photography, it offers an in-depth look into the history and significance of this cherished service. The recording is available in SACD Hybrid format, providing both 5.1 surround sound and high-resolution stereo, ensuring an immersive listening experience.

Sadly, Sir Stephen Cleobury passed away shortly before Christmas Eve in 2019, making this recording a poignant tribute to his remarkable career and the enduring tradition he helped preserve. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or new to the genre, this album is a captivating journey through a century of musical history, celebrated by one of the world's most prestigious choirs.

8 nov 2019

2019 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.