Experience the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with Belfast Cathedral Choir's captivating album, "A Belfast Christmas." This beautifully crafted collection of 20 songs, recorded in the resplendent acoustics of Belfast Cathedral, offers a serene and uplifting journey through timeless Christmas carols and choral masterpieces. Under the skilled direction of Matthew Owens, the choir brings together some of Northern Ireland's finest vocal talents, delivering a performance that is both intimate and grand.
The album, released on October 29, 2021, under the Resonus Classics label, features a diverse range of compositions, from traditional carols like "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Good King Wenceslas" to lesser-known gems such as "Watts' Cradle Song" and "The Holy Boy (A Carol of the Nativity)." Each track is performed with precision and passion, showcasing the choir's versatility and the rich, resonant tones of the cathedral.
"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" and "The Voice of the Angel Gabriel" are among the standout tracks, highlighting the choir's ability to blend harmonies and create a sense of unity and celebration. The album also includes unique arrangements and compositions, such as "Four Carols, Op. 109: IV. A Gallery Carol" and "Two Carols in Memory of Peter Warlock: II. O Bethlehem," adding depth and variety to the collection.
Recorded during a brief pause in the coronavirus pandemic, "A Belfast Christmas" captures the essence of the holiday season with warmth and clarity. Whether you're a fan of traditional choral music or simply looking to enhance your Christmas playlist, this album is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
(C) 2021 Resonus Limited(P) 2021 Resonus Limited
Tracks
Jesus Christ the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
The Voice of the Angel GabrielPhilip Ledger, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
Rorate coeli desuper!Gary Davison, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Gráinne Meyer, Matthew Owens
Adam Lay YboundenPhilip Stopford, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
Immortal BabePhilip Moore, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
The Holy Boy (A Carol of the Nativity)John Ireland, Matthew Owens
A Great and Mighty WonderErling Pedersen, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
I Sing of a MaidenPatrick Hadley, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
Mary's LullabyJohn Rutter, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
Lullay, My LikingPhilip Stopford, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
Watts' Cradle SongPhilip Moore, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
Four Carols, Op. 109: IV. A Gallery CarolJohn Gardner, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
Moonless Darkness Stands BetweenPhilip Wilby, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Gráinne Meyer, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
Still, Still, StillPhilip Ledger, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
Two Carols in Memory of Peter Warlock: II. O BethlehemElizabeth Poston, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
In the Bleak MidwinterPhilip Moore, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
On Christmas Night (Sussex Carol)Philip Ledger, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens
What Shall We Offer Thee, O ChristPhilip Stopford, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Matthew Owens
Toccata on Good King WenceslasMatthew Owens
Good King WenceslasBob Chilcott, Belfast Cathedral Choir, Jack Wilson, Matthew Owens