Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "Xmas from King's - Christmas Classics" by the renowned Choir of King's College, Cambridge. This captivating album, released on December 26, 2023, under Warner Classics, is a beautifully curated collection of 25 timeless Christmas carols and classical pieces, spanning a rich tradition of sacred and festive music.
From the lively "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" to the serene "In the Bleak Mid-Winter," this album showcases the choir's exquisite vocal prowess and the depth of their musical artistry. The tracklist includes beloved classics such as "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," and "The First Nowell," as well as lesser-known gems like "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing?" and "A Spotless Rose." The arrangements, by esteemed composers and arrangers like John Rutter, David Willcocks, and John Tavener, add a layer of sophistication and beauty to these cherished tunes.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes, this album is perfect for setting the mood during the holiday season, whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, brings a sense of warmth, joy, and reverence to each piece, making this album a true celebration of the Christmas spirit.
"Xmas from King's - Christmas Classics" is not just an album; it's an experience that captures the essence of Christmas through the power of music. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or new to the genre, this collection is sure to delight and inspire.
Traditional: Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Rutter: Joy to the World!Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Peter Stevens, Stephen Cleobury
Kirkpatrick: Away in a Manger (Arr. Ledger)William James Kirkpatrick, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: O Come, All Ye Faithful (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, Sir David Willcocks
Cummings & Mendelssohn: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (After Mendelssohn's Gutenberg Cantata, WoO 9, MWV D4)Felix Mendelssohn, William Hayman Cummings, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, Sir David Willcocks
Holst: 3 Hymns for the English Hymnal: No. 1, In the Bleak Mid-WinterGustav Holst, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional: The Holly and the Ivy (Arr. Davies)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: Angels from the Realms of Glory (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: O Little Town of Bethlehem (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Francis Grier, Philip Ledger
Traditional: In dulci jubilo (Arr. Pearsall)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Traditional: I Saw Three Ships (Arr. Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Goss / Arr. Willcocks: See Amid the Winter's SnowJohn Goss, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Peter Stevens, Stephen Cleobury
Tavener: The LambJohn Tavener, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional: On Christmas Night All Christians SingTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: The First Nowell (Arr. Stainer & Ledger)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Francis Grier, Philip Ledger
Traditional: Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing? (Arr. Willcocks)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional: A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Gareth Morrell, Philip Ledger
Darke: In the Bleak MidwinterHarold Darke, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, John Wells, Stephen Varcoe, Sir David Willcocks
Anonymous: Up! Good Christen Folk and Listen (Arr. Woodward from Piae cantiones)Anonymous, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Philip Ledger
Praetorius: Quem pastores laudavereMichael Praetorius, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Pettman: Gabriel's MessageTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: The Infant KingTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Poston: Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks
Traditional / Arr. Willcocks: Of the Father's Heart BegottenTraditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ian Hare, Sir David Willcocks