Experience the magic of Christmas with "A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: The Centenary Service," a timeless celebration of the holiday season captured in stunning high-resolution audio. This special edition recording commemorates the 100th anniversary of the iconic Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, performed by the renowned Choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the direction of the esteemed Stephen Cleobury.
This album features a rich tapestry of beloved carols, traditional readings, and contemporary arrangements, all meticulously performed by one of the world's most prestigious choirs. From the opening notes of "Once in Royal David's City" to the triumphant finale of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," each track is a testament to the choir's unparalleled skill and the enduring beauty of these cherished Christmas classics.
The album includes a diverse selection of carols, ranging from ancient hymns like "Adam Lay Ybounden" to modern compositions such as the premiere of "O Mercy Divine." The readings, drawn from the Bible, provide a spiritual anchor, while the carols and arrangements by Cleobury and his successors add a touch of contemporary elegance.
Recorded in 96kHz, 24-bit audio, this release offers an immersive listening experience that captures the full richness and depth of the choir's performance. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols or discovering it for the first time, this album is a perfect addition to your holiday collection, offering a sense of tradition and celebration that transcends time.
Tracks
Once in royal David's City (Desc. Stephen Cleobury )Henry John Gauntlett, Arthur Henry Mann, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale, George Hill, Stephen Cleobury
Bidding Prayer, Lord's Prayer and BlessingAnonymous, The Revd Dr Stephen Cherry, The Congregation
Up! good Christen folkPiae Cantiones, George Ratcliffe Woodward, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Reading: First Lesson (Genesis 3.8-15, 17-19)Anonymous, A Chorister
Adam lay yboundenBoris Ord, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Reading: Second Lesson (Genesis 22.15-18)Anonymous, A Choral Scholar
In dulci jubilo (Arr. Robert de Pearsall)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
I saw three ships (Arr. Simon Preston)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale, George Hill, Stephen Cleobury
Reading: Third Lesson (Isaiah 9.2, 6-7)Anonymous, A Representative of Eton College
Nowell sing we (Ed. Stephen Cleobury)Mediaeval, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Unto us is born a Son (Arr. David Willcocks)Piae Cantiones, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury, Henry Websdale
Reading: Fourth Lesson (Isaiah 11.1-4a, 6-9)Anonymous, A Fellow
A Spotless RoseHerbert Howells, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Charlie Baigent, Stephen Cleobury
The LambJohn Tavener, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Reading: Fifth Lesson (Luke 1.26-35, 38)Anonymous, Master over the Choristers
Joys Seven (Arr. Stephen Cleobury)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale, Stephen Cleobury, Jack Bowley
Bogoróditse DyevoArvo Pärt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Reading: Sixth Lesson (Luke 2.1-7)Anonymous, A Representative of the City of Cambridge
What sweeter musicJohn Rutter, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale, Stephen Cleobury
Stille Nacht (Arr. Philip Ledger)Franz Xaver Gruber, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Reading: Seventh Lesson (Luke 2.8-16)Anonymous, Stephen Cleobury
In the bleak mid-winterHarold Darke, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale, James Micklethwaite, Stephen Cleobury
While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Desc. Stephen Cleobury)Christopher Tye, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Henry Websdale, Stephen Cleobury
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