Gabriel Jackson's "The Christmas Story" is a captivating choral journey that spans the period from Advent to Candlemas, blending biblical narratives with liturgical texts and specially commissioned poems. This 26-track album, released on Delphian Records, offers a rich and imaginative retelling of the foretelling, birth, and early life of Christ, drawing from familiar passages of the Gospels and the Old Testament.
Premiered in London in December 2023, this cantata is performed by the esteemed Choir of Merton College, Oxford, and showcases Gabriel Jackson's striking and colorful compositional style. With a duration of over an hour, the album is divided into distinct sections, each exploring different aspects of the Christmas story. From the anticipation of Advent to the joyous celebration of Christmas and the reflection of Candlemas, Jackson's music beautifully captures the essence of each season.
"The Christmas Story" is not just a collection of seasonal carols but a profound exploration of the age-old narrative. Jackson's music is richly imaginative, interweaving familiar texts with new poetic contributions, creating a unique and engaging listening experience. Whether you are a fan of choral music or simply looking for a deeper understanding of the Christmas story, this album offers a compelling and thought-provoking journey through the liturgical year.
Tracks
The Christmas Story, Advent: I. Conditor alme siderumGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Advent: II. I look from afarGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Advent: III. ExpectingGabriel Jackson, The Girl Choristers of Merton College, Oxford, Francois Cloete, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Advent: IV. Sit Christe rexGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Christmas: I. Veni redemptor gentiumGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Christmas: II. And it came to pass in those daysGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Christmas: III. Lullaby of the BeastsGabriel Jackson, The Girl Choristers of Merton College, Oxford, Owen Chan, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Christmas: IV. And there were in the same countryGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Christmas: V. O magnum mysteriumGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Christmas: VI. ToccataGabriel Jackson, Owen Chan, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Epiphany: I. Tribus miraculis ornatumGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Epiphany: II. Now when Jesus was born in BethlehemGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Epiphany: III. Wie schön leuchtet der MorgensternGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Epiphany: IV. And the third day there was a marriageGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Epiphany: V. A Guest at CanaGabriel Jackson, The Girl Choristers of Merton College, Oxford, Francois Cloete, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Epiphany: VI. And it came to pass in those daysGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Epiphany: VII. Benedicite omnia operaGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: I. Lumen ad revelationem gentiumGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: II. When the days of Mary’s purificationGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: III. Nunc dimittis servum tuumGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: IV. Joseph and his motherGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: V. Lumen ad revelationem gentiumGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: VI. And there was one AnnaGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: VII. Anna’s SongGabriel Jackson, The Girl Choristers of Merton College, Oxford, Owen Chan, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: VIII. And when they had performed all thingsGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas
The Christmas Story, Candlemas: IX. O nata lux de lumineGabriel Jackson, Choir of Merton College, Oxford, Oxford Contemporary Sinfonia, Benjamin Nicholas, The Girl Choristers of Merton College, Oxford, Francois Cloete
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