"Choir of Westminster Abbey - Christmas Carols" is a timeless collection of choral music that captures the essence of the holiday season. Released on January 1, 1984, under the Deutsche Grammophon label, this album features the renowned Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Simon Preston and Douglas Guest. With a duration of 57 minutes, the album comprises 20 tracks, blending traditional carols with lesser-known gems, all performed with the precision and elegance that the choir is known for.
The album opens with "Up! Awake! From Highest Steeple" and closes with "Good King Wenceslas," taking the audience through a journey of classic Christmas tunes. Notable arrangements include "Resonet in laudibus" by Herbert Birtner and "In dulci jubilo" by Robert Lucas de Pearsall. The choir's performance is praised for its lively mixture of old and new, familiar and less familiar pieces, making it a delightful listen for both casual listeners and choral music enthusiasts.
This album is a testament to the Choir of Westminster Abbey's reputation for excellence, offering a serene and joyful celebration of the Christmas season. The meticulous craftsmanship of the choir, combined with the rich history of Westminster Abbey, makes this album a cherished addition to any music collection.
Up! Awake! From Highest Steeple - Arr. Jacob Praetorius (1586-1651)Anonymous, Christopher Herrick, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Remember O Thou ManArthur Oldham, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
There Stood In Heaven A Linden Tree - Arr. G.H. PalmerAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Alleluya, A New Work Is Come On HandPeter Wishart, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Salve puerule - Arr. John RutterMarc-Antoine Charpentier, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, Christopher Herrick
The Holly And The IvyTraditional, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Jesus Christ The Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Resonet in laudibus - Arr. Herbert Birtner (1900-1942)Michael Praetorius, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, Christopher Herrick
Ding Dong! Merrily On HighAnonymous, Thoinot Arbeau, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Nowell (Out Of Your Sleep Arise)Peter Maxwell Davies, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Allelujah! Freuet euch, ihr Christen alleAndreas Hammerschmidt, Christopher Herrick, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Up! Good Christen Folk, And ListenAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
In dulci jubilo (Gesangbuch von Joseph Klug, 14. Jhdt.) - Arr. Robert Lucas de Pearsall (1795-1856)Traditional, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"Felix Mendelssohn, Christopher Herrick, Simon Preston, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Puer Natus in BethlehemSamuel Scheidt, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Rocking - Arr. David WillcocksAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing DayJohn Gardner, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, Christopher Herrick
Illuminare JerusalemAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
A Shepherd's CarolBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston
Good King WenceslasAnonymous, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Simon Preston, Christopher Herrick
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