Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "Festive Frolic - A Celebration of Christmas" by Roderick Elms and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Released on November 27, 2007, this captivating album is a delightful blend of classical and symphonic rock genres, offering a fresh and vibrant take on traditional Christmas carols and festive music.
Comprising 20 tracks, the album spans a full hour of joyful melodies, expertly arranged and performed by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the skilled direction of conductor Stephen Bell. Roderick Elms, a talented composer and arranger, has crafted a collection that is both familiar and innovative, featuring beloved carols such as "O come, O come, Emmanuel," "Silent Night," and "We Three Kings of Orient Are," alongside lesser-known gems like "Cherry Tree Carol" and "Wassail down the Wind."
The album opens with the lively "Fanfare da Festa," setting the stage for a musical journey that celebrates the spirit of Christmas. Elms' arrangements are notable for their intricate details and dynamic range, showcasing the full power and versatility of the orchestra. The inclusion of pieces like "Festive Frolic" and "Sleep, Sweet Babe!" adds a unique touch to the collection, highlighting Elms' ability to create engaging and memorable compositions.
Recorded in the acoustically superb St John's, the album benefits from the exceptional sound quality that Naxos is known for. The result is a rich and immersive listening experience that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply looking to enhance your festive playlist, "Festive Frolic - A Celebration of Christmas" is a must-listen that will bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations.
(C) 2007 Naxos(P) 2007 Naxos
Tracks
Fanfare da FestaRoderick elms, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
O come, O come, Emmanuel (Arr. R. Elms)Anonymous, Mark Wilde, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
3 Carols: No. 1, Gabriel's Message (Arr. R. Elms)Traditional, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell, Peter Broadbent
3 Carols: No. 2, Rocking (Arr. R. Elms)Traditional, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell, Peter Broadbent
3 Carols: No. 3, Angels from the Realms of Glory (Arr. R. Elms)Traditional, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell, Peter Broadbent
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140: Chorale. Zion hort die Wachter singen (Arr. R. Elms)Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Owen, Andrew Fletcher, Alistair Young, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Cherry Tree Carol (Arr. R. Elms)Traditional, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Away in a Manger (Arr. R. Elms)William J. Kirkpatrick, Mark Wilde, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Wassail down the Wind: I. The Boar's Head, CoventryRoderick elms, Stuart Nicholson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Wassail down the Wind: II. Merry GentsRoderick elms, Stuart Nicholson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Wassail down the Wind: III. Wassailing in the DarkRoderick elms, Stuart Nicholson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
3 More Carols: No. 1, Coventry Carol (Arr. R. Elms)Traditional, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
3 More Carols: No. 2, Silent Night (Arr. R. Elms)Traditional, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
3 More Carols: No. 3, In Dulci Jubilo (Arr. R. Elms)Traditional, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd!, BWV 208: Aria. Schafe konnen sicher weiden (Sheep may safely graze) [arr. R. Elms]Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Owen, Andrew Fletcher, Alistair Young, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Festive FrolicRoderick elms, Stuart Nicholson, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Sleep, Sweet Babe! (Dormi Jesu)Roderick elms, Mark Wilde, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
We Three Kings of Orient Are (Arr. R. Elms)John Henry Hopkins, Simon Filsell, Garrod Stephen, Christopher Williams, Stephen Quigley, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Arr. R. Elms)Johnny Marks, Mark Wilde, Joyful Company Of Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Bell