Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the festive season with "Christmas with St John's," a captivating choral album directed by Andrew Nethsingha and featuring the renowned Choir of St John's College, Cambridge. Released on October 21, 2016, this album is a delightful collection of 22 tracks, spanning a total of 66 minutes, that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Christmas.
The album opens with "The Shepherd’s Carol," setting the tone for a journey through both traditional carols and contemporary compositions. Notable tracks include "The Holly and the Ivy" arranged by Henry Walford Davies, "O Oriens," and "Adam Lay Ybounden," each performed with the precision and clarity that the Choir of St John's College is known for. The album also features lesser-known gems like "As Dew in Aprylle" and "John the Baptist," adding depth and variety to the festive repertoire.
Andrew Nethsingha, the director of music, brings his expertise and passion to this recording, ensuring that each piece is performed with the utmost musicality and devotion. The organ accompaniment by Joseph Wicks further enriches the listening experience, providing a rich and resonant backdrop to the choir's voices.
Recorded in the acoustically stunning Chapel of St John's College, Cambridge, in January 2016, the album benefits from the chapel's natural reverberation, adding a sense of intimacy and grandeur to the performances. Produced by Chris Hazell, "Christmas with St John's" is a testament to the choir's exceptional talent and Andrew Nethsingha's visionary leadership.
Whether you're a fan of traditional Christmas carols or seeking to discover new festive music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, under the direction of Andrew Nethsingha, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving, making "Christmas with St John's" a standout addition to any music collection.
(C) 2016 Signum Records(P) 2016 Signum Records
Tracks
The Shepherd’s CarolBob Chilcott, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
The Holly and the Ivy (Arr. Henry Walford Davies)Traditional, Henry Walford Davies, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Sir ChristèmasWilliam Mathias, Joseph Wicks, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
O OriensCecilia McDowall, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Adam Lay YboundenBoris Ord, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
A Spotless RosePhilip Ledger, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
The Seven Joys of MaryWilliam Whitehead, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
Dormi JesuJohn Rutter, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
Creator of the Stars of Night (Arr. John Scott)Traditional, John Scott, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
I Wonder as I WanderCarl Rütti, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
O Little Town of BethlehemHenry Walford Davies, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
I Saw Three Ships (Arr. Simon Preston)Traditional, Simon Preston, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
Three Kings (Arr. Ivor Atkins)Peter Cornelius, Ivor Atkins, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. Charles Wood)Traditional, Charles Wood, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
As Dew in ApryllePeter Warlock, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
John the BaptistMichael Finnissy, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
Mary’s MagnificatAndrew Carter, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
People, Look East (Arr. Peter Marchbank)Peter Tranchell, Peter Marchbank, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
Silent Night (Arr. Mark Blatchly)Franz Xaver Gruber, Mark Blatchly, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Out of Your Sleep AriseAnthony Milner, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks
Jesus Christ, the Apple TreeElizabeth Poston, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing DayJohn Gardner, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha, Joseph Wicks