Three Christmas Cantatas

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas with "Three Christmas Cantatas" by the legendary Sir David Willcocks. This captivating album, released on November 4, 2022, under Heritage Records, is a celebration of choral and Christmas music that spans a little over an hour and seven minutes. Sir David Willcocks, a name synonymous with Christmas, brings together the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal College of Music Chamber Choir to perform two rarely heard twentieth-century Christmas cantatas by Geoffrey Bush and George Dyson, along with Benjamin Britten's iconic "A Ceremony of Carols."

The album opens with "In Praise of Mary," a six-part cantata that showcases Willcocks' masterful arrangements and the choir's ethereal harmonies. The second part of the album features "A Ceremony of Carols," a beloved collection of carols that Britten composed during World War II. The final track, "The Bells of St Chad's," is a delightful bonus that adds a touch of festive cheer to the album.

Sir David Willcocks, who passed away in 2015, was a prominent figure in post-war British musical life. His contributions to Christmas music are unparalleled, and this album is a testament to his enduring legacy. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply looking for the perfect soundtrack to your holiday season, "Three Christmas Cantatas" is sure to delight and inspire. So, sit back, relax, and let the magical sounds of Christmas transport you to a world of wonder and joy.

Sir David Willcocks was a beloved and influential figure in British choral music, renowned for his exceptional talent as a conductor, organist, and composer. Born in Cornwall in 1919, Willcocks' career spanned over six decades, during which he made an indelible mark on the musical landscape. He is perhaps best known for his tenure as the director of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, from 1957 to 1974, where he transformed a group of young choristers into one of the world's most celebrated choirs. His annual performances of the Nine Lessons and Carols became a cherished tradition, and his arrangements and descants for these services are still widely performed and beloved today. Willcocks' contributions to choral music extend far beyond King's College; he also served as the director of the Royal College of Music in London and the musical director of the Bach Choir for 38 years. His extraordinary memory and musical prowess allowed him to conduct complex works from memory, a testament to his deep understanding and passion for music. Willcocks' legacy as a choral conductor, composer, and educator continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers alike.