Gustav Holst's "Alpha & Omega" is a captivating classical album that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Christmas through a rich tapestry of choral and organ compositions. Released on December 13, 2019, under the EM Records label, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 22 minutes, offering a serene and festive auditory experience.
The album features a diverse collection of Holst's works, including well-known carols and lesser-known gems. It opens with the majestic "Christmas Day, H. 109 (Version for Choir & Organ)" and includes beloved pieces like "In the Bleak Midwinter, H. 73" and "Lullay My Liking, Op. 34 No. 2, H. 129." The album also showcases Holst's skill in blending traditional English carols with his distinctive compositional style, as heard in the "4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82" and "2 Carols, H. 91."
Holst's mastery of the organ is evident in the "4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts)," which provide a soothing interlude between the choral pieces. The album concludes with the poignant "Scherzo, H. 192 (Arr. R. Brasier for Organ)," leaving the listener with a sense of tranquility and reflection.
"Alpha & Omega" is a testament to Gustav Holst's enduring legacy as a composer, offering a timeless collection of Christmas music that is both uplifting and contemplative. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or new to the genre, this album promises a delightful and enriching listening experience.
Tracks
Christmas Day, H. 109 (Version for Choir & Organ)Gustav Holst, Jocelyn Coates, Lydia Challen, Gareth Moss, Oly Longland, Adrian Ball, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
In the Bleak Midwinter, H. 73Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 1, A Babe Is BornGustav Holst, Jocelyn Coates, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 2, Now Let Us SingGustav Holst, Ailbhe Rees, Gareth Moss, David Young, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 3, Jesu, Thou the Virgin-BornGustav Holst, Thea Waxman, Gareth Moss, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 4, The Saviour of the World Is BornGustav Holst, Jocelyn Coates, Ailbhe Rees, Gareth Moss, David Young, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 1, March in C MajorGustav Holst, John Wright
2 Carols, H. 91: No. 1, A Welcome SongGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Charlotte Evans, Alison Moncrieff Kelly, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
2 Carols, H. 91: No. 2, Terly TerlowGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Charlotte Evans, Alison Moncrieff Kelly, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 2, Allegretto pastoraleGustav Holst, John Wright
Lullay My Liking, Op. 34 No. 2, H. 129Gustav Holst, Sophie Hopkins, Oly Longland, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
3 Carols, H. 133 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 1, I Saw Three ShipsGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
3 Carols, H. 133 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 2, Christmas SongGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
3 Carols, H. 133 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 3, Masters in This HallGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 3, Postlude in C MajorGustav Holst, John Wright
Of One That Is So Fair and Bright, Op. 34 No. 3, H. 130Gustav Holst, Sophie Hopkins, Thea Waxman, Gareth Moss, David Young, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
This Have I Done for My True Love, Op. 34 No. 1, H. 128Gustav Holst, Sophie Hopkins, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
Bring Us in Good Ale, Op. 34 No. 4, H. 131Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 4, Funeral March in G MinorGustav Holst, John Wright
A Dream of Christmas, H. 139 (Arr. for Choir & Organ)Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
Wassail Song, H. 182Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
Scherzo, H. 192 (Arr. R. Brasier for Organ)Gustav Holst, Richard Brasier, Tom Bell
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