Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas with John Rutter's "Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival." This captivating album, released on November 19, 2013, under the Collegium label, is a treasure trove of choral and Christmas music that spans over two hours and fourteen minutes. Featuring the renowned Cambridge Singers and conducted by John Rutter himself, this collection is a celebration of the festive season, brimming with both traditional carols and contemporary compositions.
The album boasts an impressive 42 tracks, each meticulously arranged and performed to perfection. From the familiar strains of "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" to lesser-known gems like "El Noi de la Mare" and "Esta noche," Rutter's "Christmas Star" offers a diverse and rich musical experience. The inclusion of both classic and modern pieces ensures that there is something for every taste, making it an ideal accompaniment to your holiday festivities.
John Rutter's distinctive style shines through in every track, with his arrangements adding depth and nuance to both well-loved and obscure carols. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra lends its exquisite touch to several tracks, enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of choral music or simply looking to add some festive cheer to your collection, "Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival" is a delightful addition that will bring joy and warmth to your holiday season.
2013 Collegium2013 Collegium
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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