Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Christmas at Westminster Abbey, a captivating choral album by The Choir of Westminster Abbey, released in 1984. This enchanting collection of 20 classic Christmas carols and hymns offers a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary pieces, showcasing the choir's exceptional vocal prowess and the rich acoustic ambiance of Westminster Abbey in London, UK.
Under the skilled direction of Simon Preston, the choir delivers a mesmerizing performance that spans a variety of styles, from modern to folk, and features arrangements by renowned composers such as Jacob Praetorius, John Rutter, and Robert Lucas de Pearsall. The album includes beloved carols like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "Good King Wenceslas," as well as lesser-known gems like "There Stood in Heaven a Linden Tree" and "In dulci jubilo."
Recorded between February 28 and March 2, 1984, with balance engineering by Hans-Peter Schweigmann, this album captures the essence of the holiday season with a sense of warmth and reverence. The Choir of Westminster Abbey's impeccable harmonies and the resonant organ accompaniment by Christopher Herrick create an atmosphere of tranquility and joy, making this album a cherished addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply looking to experience the magic of Christmas, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
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