Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas with John Rutter's "Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival." Released on November 19, 2013, under the Collegium label, this captivating choral album spans a generous 2 hours and 14 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of traditional and contemporary Christmas music.
John Rutter, a renowned composer and conductor, has curated a collection that celebrates the spirit of the season with a diverse range of pieces. From beloved carols like "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" to lesser-known gems such as "Piae Cantiones: Gaudate" and "El Noi de la Mare," the album is a testament to Rutter's deep appreciation for the festive season's musical heritage.
The album features a mix of arrangements by Rutter himself and other notable arrangers, including David Willcocks and John Rutter. Each track is performed with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the beauty and power of choral music. The performances are vibrant and full of warmth, capturing the essence of Christmas in all its glory.
"Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival" is not just a collection of songs; it's an experience. The album begins with the majestic "Adeste fidelis" and takes you on a journey through the Christmas season, from the anticipation of Advent to the joyous celebration of Christmas Day. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of styles and moods, from the contemplative "Ave Maria" to the lively "Ding dong! merrily on high."
Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or simply looking for a way to enhance your holiday celebrations, this album is sure to delight. It's a perfect blend of the familiar and the new, offering something for everyone. So, gather your loved ones, dim the lights, and let the soothing sounds of "Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival" fill your home with the magic of the season.
Tracks
Adeste fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful) (arr. D. Willcocks)Sir David Willcocks, John Francis Wade, The Cambridge Singers, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Piae Cantiones: GaudateAnonymous, John Rutter, Michael Neaum, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Shepherd's CarolBob Chilcott, The Cambridge Singers
Nos Galan (New Year's Eve)John Rutter, Traditional, Elin Manahan Thomas, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I wonder as I wanderJohn Rutter, Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Andrew Williams, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Ave MariaJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tomorrow shall be my dancing dayJohn Rutter, Traditional, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Rejoice and Be MerryJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
El Noi de la Mare (The Son of the Virgin)John Rutter, Traditional, Clara Sanabras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
A Christmas OvertureNigel Hess, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Born on a New Day (arr. P. Knight)Peter Knight, John David, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Magical KingdomJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mary's Boy Child (arr. J. Rutter)Jester Hairston, John Rutter, Melanie Marshall, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Esta noche (This Night)John Rutter, Traditional, Clara Sanabras, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
3 Small Tone Poems: No. 2. Winter Night (Sleigh Ride)Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby BoyJohn Rutter, Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
New YearJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I Wish You ChristmasJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Festgesang, MWV D4, "Gutenberg-Kantate": No. 2. (adap. W.H. Cummings as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) (arr. D. Willcocks)Sir David Willcocks, Felix Mendelssohn, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (arr. J. Rutter)Hugh Martin, John Rutter, Melanie Marshall, John Anderson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Good Christian men, rejoiceJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
I Wonder as I Wander (arr. J. Rutter): I wonder as I wanderJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Clara Sanabras
All My Heart this Night Rejoices: All my heart this night rejoicesJohann Georg Ebeling, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Silent NightFranz Xaver Gruber, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Lo how a rose e'er blooming (Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen): Lo, how a Rose e'er bloomingMichael Praetorius, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Ding dong! merrily on highCharles Wood, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
We Three Kings of Orient Are (arr. J. Rutter): Three kings of OrientJohn Henry Hopkins, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
How great our joyJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Angels We Have Heard on HighJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
Joy to the worldJohn Rutter, Lowell Mason, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Away in a mangerJames Ramsey Murray, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Un flambeau, Jeannette, IsabelleJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
God rest you merry, gentlemenJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
What child is this?John Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
'Twas in the moon of winter timeJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
O Little One Sweet (after J.S. Bach's O Jesulein suss, o Jesulein mild, BWV 493): O little one sweetTraditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Go, tell it on the mountainJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Away in a mangerWilliam J. Kirkpatrick, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
Rise up shepherd, and followJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
The Christmas SongRobert Wells, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
We Wish You a Merry ChristmasJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Adeste fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful): O come, all ye faithfulJohn Francis Wade, Peter Breiner, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
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