Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "A Lullaby Carol: Christmas at Christ Church" by the renowned Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford. This exquisite choral album, set for release on November 29, 2024, under AVIE Records, offers a captivating journey through timeless Christmas carols and sacred music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this collection features a blend of traditional and contemporary arrangements, showcasing the choir's exceptional vocal prowess and the rich, resonant acoustics of Christ Church Cathedral.
The album opens with the lively "Make we joy now in this fest" and includes beloved classics such as "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree," "There is no rose," and "Silent night! Holy night!" Arranged by esteemed composers like David Maw and Stephen Darlington, these pieces are brought to life with fresh interpretations that honor their traditional roots while adding a touch of modern elegance. The choir's performance is complemented by the organ, adding depth and grandeur to the festive atmosphere.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Lullay, lullay, litel child," the joyous "Good Day, Sir Christemas!" and the majestic "Glory to the newborn King," arranged by Robert L. Morris. The album also features original compositions and improvisations, such as "little tree" and "Improvisation on Adeste, fidelis," showcasing the choir's versatility and artistic depth.
"A Lullaby Carol: Christmas at Christ Church" is a celebration of the holiday season, capturing the spirit of Christmas through the sublime harmonies and precise musicianship of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or new to the genre, this album promises to be a cherished addition to your holiday playlist.
(C) 2024 Christ Church Cathedral Choir(P) 2024 Christ Church Cathedral Choir
Tracks
Make we joy now in this festWilliam Walton, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl
Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl
There is no roseSimon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
MagnificatGiles Swayne, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
A Spotless RosePiers Connor Kennedy, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
All this timeWilliam Walton, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl
Drop down, ye heavens, from above (Arr. for Choir and Organ by David Maw)Judith Weir, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
I Saw Three Ships (Arr. for Choir and Organ by David Maw)Traditional, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
Away in a Manger (Arr. for Choir and Organ by David Maw)Traditional, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
Toccata-Gigue on the Sussex CarolGeorge Baker, Benjamin Sheen
Lullay, lullay, litel childDavid Maw, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
Benedicamus DominoPeter Warlock, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl
little treePiers Connor Kennedy, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
EpiphanyPiers Connor Kennedy, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
Silent night! Holy night! (Arr. for Choir and Organ by Stephen Darlington)Franz Xaver Gruber, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl
O nata luxSteven Grahl, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Benjamin Sheen
Illuminare, JerusalemJudith Weir, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
Improvisation on Adeste, fidelisFrancis Pott, Benjamin Sheen
Glory to the newborn King (Arr. for Choir and Organ by Robert L. Morris)Spiritual, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl
Bethlehem DownPeter Warlock, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl
Good Day, Sir Christemas!Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Steven Grahl, Benjamin Sheen
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