"Carols from the Old & New Worlds" is a captivating choral album released by Paul Hillier and his ensemble, Theatre of Voices, in 1994 under the harmonia mundi label. This collection is a unique blend of traditional and contemporary carols, offering a fresh perspective on holiday music. With a duration of just over an hour, the album features 24 tracks that span a variety of genres, including choral, minimalism, medieval, Gregorian chant, and avant-garde.
Paul Hillier, a renowned conductor and singer, curates a diverse selection of carols from different cultures and eras. The album includes both well-known pieces like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and lesser-known gems such as "En etsi valtaa, loistoa" and "Weihnachtslied." Hillier's arrangements, marked by their intricate detail and rich harmonies, bring a new depth to these familiar and unfamiliar tunes.
The album's standout tracks include "The Cherry Tree Carol," "In the Bleak Midwinter," and "There is no Rose," each showcasing the ensemble's exceptional vocal prowess and Hillier's masterful direction. The carols are performed in various languages, including English, Finnish, German, and Latin, adding a global dimension to the holiday celebration.
"Carols from the Old & New Worlds" is not just a collection of holiday music; it's a testament to Paul Hillier's artistic vision and the versatility of the Theatre of Voices. Whether you're a fan of classical choral music or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the season, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2013 harmonia mundi1994 harmonia mundi
Tracks
While Shepherds WatchedDaniel Read, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
The Shepherd's Star (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
A Christmas Carol (Arr. Hillier)Charles Ives, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Joy to the World! (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
The Apple TreeJeremiah Ingalls, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
A Virgin Unspotted (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Away in a MangerJ.S. Warren, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by NightSupply Belcher, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Hark! The Herald Angels sing (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
En etsi valtaa, loistoaJean Sibelius, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Still, O Himmel (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Süßer die Glocken (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Weihnachtslied (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Still, still, still (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Gaudete! Christus est natus (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Personent hodie (Arr. Hillier)Anonymous, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
The Yorkshire Wassail Song (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Green grow'th the hollyHenry VIII, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Here we Come A-Wassailing (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
The Cherry Tree Carol (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
In the Bleak MidwinterGustav Holst, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
There is no RosePaul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
A New Year's GiftTraditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
A Wassail, a Wassail Throughout all this Town! (Arr. Hillier)Traditional, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier