The Cambridge Singers Christmas Album, released in 2003, is a delightful collection of beloved Christmas carols and choral works, meticulously curated by the renowned composer and conductor John Rutter. This album features the Cambridge Singers, known for their pristine vocals and exquisite interpretation of choral music. With a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a perfect companion for the holiday season, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary pieces that celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
The album includes a mix of well-known carols and lesser-heard gems, all beautifully arranged by Rutter and other notable composers such as David Willcocks and Herbert Howells. Standout tracks include Rutter's own arrangements of "Gabriel's Message" and "Still, Still, Still," as well as classic pieces like "O Holy Night" and "O magnum mysterium." The album also features Rutter's own composition, "Fantasia on Christmas Carols," which serves as a fitting finale to this enchanting collection.
The Cambridge Singers, under Rutter's direction, deliver a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a rich and warm sound that fills the listener with a sense of warmth and joy. Whether you're a fan of traditional Christmas music or looking to discover new favorites, this album offers something for everyone. It's a timeless addition to any music collection, perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet moments of reflection.
2003 Collegium2003 Collegium
Tracks
The Holly & the Ivy (Arr. H. Walford Davies)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Blessed Be That Maid Mary (Arr. D. Willcocks)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Somerset Wassail (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Shepherds, in the Field Abiding (Arr. D. Willcocks)Edward Shippen Barnes, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Infant King (Arr. D. Willcocks)Traditional, Caroline Ashton, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
What Is This Lovely Fragrance? (Arr. H. Willan)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
Gabriel's Message (Arr. D. Willcocks)Traditional, Ruth Holton, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Still, Still, Still (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Quittez, pasteurs (Arr. J. Rutter & P. Ledger)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
Personent hodie (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
L’enfance du Christ, Op. 25, H 130, Pt. 2: II. L’adieu des bergers (Sung in English)Hector Berlioz, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
O Holy Night (Arr. J. Rutter)Adolphe Adam, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
O magnum mysteriumTomás Luis de Victoria, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Hodie Christus natus estJan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Messiah, HWV 56: No. 12, For Unto Us a Child Is BornGeorge Frideric Handel, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
In dulci jubiloSamuel Scheidt, The Cambridge Singers, Michael Meeks, Edward Hobart, John Scott, John Rutter
Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny ChildKenneth Leighton, Caroline Ashton, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Friday Afternoons, Op. 7: No. 5, A New Year CarolBenjamin Britten, The Cambridge Singers, Rachel Masters, John Rutter
3 Carols: No. 2, BalulalowPeter Warlock, Karen Kerslake, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
I Saw a Fair MaidenPeter Warlock, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The LambJohn Tavener, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Fantasia on Christmas CarolsRalph Vaughan Williams, Stephen Varcoe, Stephen Orton, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
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