Carl Davis - Sacred Seasons (LP)

Carl Davis, a renowned composer and conductor, presents a captivating orchestral journey with his album "Sacred Seasons," released on October 26, 2010, under the Carl Davis Collection label. This exquisite compilation of classical pieces is a testament to Davis's mastery and his ability to blend timeless compositions with contemporary arrangements.

The album is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern, featuring works inspired by the seasons and the sacred. It opens with a series of arrangements from "A Christmas Carol" by Carl Davis himself, each track painting a vivid musical portrait of the story's characters. Following this, the album delves into the nativity story with "Ben-Hur, the Nativity Story," a six-part suite arranged by Christopher Matthews that narrates the story of Jesus's birth with profound musical elegance.

The album also includes "Eine Kleine Bach Musik," a playful homage to Johann Sebastian Bach, and "Serenade of Carols," a four-movement suite that showcases Davis's ability to create a rich tapestry of sound. The album concludes with "Sacred Seasons," a four-part suite inspired by the seasons and based on the works of Bach, and "Mozartiana," a suite by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

With a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, "Sacred Seasons" is a comprehensive exploration of classical music that spans various themes and moods. Davis's meticulous arrangements and the orchestra's impeccable performance make this album a captivating listen for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're in the mood for a festive carol, a sacred hymn, or a playful Bach-inspired piece, "Sacred Seasons" has something to offer.