Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of Christmas with "A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: The Centenary Service" by Stephen Cleobury and the renowned Kings College Cambridge choir. Released on November 8, 2019, this choral masterpiece captures the essence of the annual service broadcast from King's College Chapel, Cambridge, on Christmas Eve. The album spans a rich 81 minutes, offering a blend of classic carols and lesser-known gems, all performed with the precision and grace that Kings College Cambridge is celebrated for.
Under the expert direction of Stephen Cleobury, the choir delivers a captivating performance that includes both well-loved carols like "Hark! the herald angels sing" and "O come, all ye faithful," as well as beautiful, lesser-known pieces such as "O mercy divine," which makes its premiere here. The album also features readings from the Bible, interspersed between the musical selections, adding a reflective and spiritual dimension to the listening experience.
The album's genre classification as choral and classical is a testament to the high-quality performances and the rich, resonant sound of the choir. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or a newcomer looking to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas service, this album offers a profound and uplifting journey through the season's most beloved musical traditions.
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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