Immerse yourself in the enchanting holiday spirit with "In the Bleak Midwinter: Christmas Carols from King's" by the renowned Choir of King's College, Cambridge. This captivating album, released on November 5, 2021, under the Kings College Cambridge label, is a beautiful collection of 20 classic Christmas carols and choral pieces, spanning a total of 1 hour and 14 minutes.
Under the skilled direction of Daniel Hyde, the choir delivers a mesmerizing performance accompanied by the talented organist Matthew Martin. The album features a mix of well-known carols such as "Once in royal David's city," "O come, all ye faithful," and "Hark! the herald angels sing," as well as lesser-known gems like "A tender shoot" by Otto Goldschmidt and "The Shepherd's Cradle Song" arranged by Charles Macpherson.
Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, this album offers a unique and intimate listening experience, showcasing the choir's exceptional vocal prowess and the rich, resonant acoustics of King's College Chapel. The carols are arranged and conducted with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the choir's versatility and the conductor's innovative approach.
"In the Bleak Midwinter: Christmas Carols from King's" is not just a festive album; it's a testament to the enduring power of music to bring comfort and joy, even in the most challenging times. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply looking to get into the holiday spirit, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Once in royal David's city (Arr. David Willcocks, Desc. Stephen Cleobury)Henry John Gauntlett, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin, Samuel Hodson
A tender shoot: A Tender ShootOtto Goldschmidt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde
How shall I fitly meet thee?Johann Sebastian Bach, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde
In the Bleak MidwinterHarold Darke, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin, Owen Elsley
Of the Father's heart begotten (Arr. David Willcocks)Traditional (Piae Cantiones), Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
Angels, from the realms of glory (Arr. Reginald Jacques)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde
An Old Carol (I sing of a maiden)Roger Quilter, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
In dulci jubilo (Arr. Robert Lucas de Pearsall & Daniel Hyde)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde
The angel GabrielPhilip Moore, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin, Vladimir Pantea
O come, all ye faithful (Arr. David Willcocks, Desc. Christopher Robinson & David Hill)Adeste fideles, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
Sussex Carol (On Christmas night) (Arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Desc. Nicholas Marston & Daniel Hyde)Este's Psalter, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour (Arr. Charles Herbert Kitson & Daniel Hyde)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
The Shepherd's Cradle Song (Wiegenlied) (Arr. Charles Macpherson)Karl Leuner, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde
In the bleak midwinter (Arr. Mack Wilberg)Gustav Holst, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
As I sat on a sunny bank (I saw three ships) (Arr. Elizabeth Poston & Daniel Hyde)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
Still, still, still (Arr. Bob Chilcott)Traditional, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
Prelude to "Hark! the herald angels sing"Matthew Martin
Hark! the herald angels sing (Desc. Philip Ledger)Felix Mendelssohn, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Daniel Hyde, Matthew Martin
Improvisation on Adeste, fidelesFrancis Pott, Matthew Martin