Experience the enchanting voices of the Gloucester Cathedral Choir in their captivating album "Popular Christmas Carols," released on November 13, 2020, under Priory Records. This exquisite collection of 22 timeless choral pieces is a celebration of the holiday season, featuring both traditional carols and lesser-known gems, all beautifully arranged for choir and organ.
The album opens with the familiar and beloved "Once in Royal David's City," setting the stage for a journey through the festive season. The choir's rich harmonies and precise vocals shine in arrangements by notable figures such as David Willcocks, John Rutter, and Charles Wood. Standout tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "In the Bleak Midwinter," the joyous "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and the lively "Jingle Bells," each offering a unique perspective on the Christmas narrative.
Under the direction of David Briggs, the Gloucester Cathedral Choir delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. The album's duration of 70 minutes ensures a comprehensive and immersive listening experience, making it an ideal accompaniment to holiday gatherings or quiet moments of reflection. Whether you're a seasoned fan of choral music or new to the genre, "Popular Christmas Carols" promises to delight and inspire, capturing the true spirit of the season.
2020 Priory Records2020 (P) Priory Records
Tracks
Once in Royal David's CityHenry John Gauntlett, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Adam Lay Ybounden (Arr. for Choir & Organ)Peter Warlock, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Past Three O'Clock (Arr. C. Wood for Choir)Traditional, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
The Cherry-Tree Carol (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir)Traditional, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Sussex Carol (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir & Organ)Traditional, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Quelle est cette odeur agréable? (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir & Organ)Traditional, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
The Three KingsPeter Cornelius, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
The Infant King (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir)Traditional, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Quem pastores laudavere (Arr. J. Rutter for Choir)Traditional, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Sans Day Carol (Arr. J. Rutter for Choir & Organ)Traditional, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
As with Gladness, Men of Old (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir & Organ)Conrad Kocher, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Shepherd's Pipe Carol (Version for Mixed Choir & Organ)John Rutter, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
In dulci jubilo (Arr. R.L. de Pearsall for Choir)Traditional, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Torches, Op. 7aJohn Joubert, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
See, amid the Winter's Snow (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir & Organ)John Goss, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Jingle Bells (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir & Organ)James Lord Pierpoint, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
King Jesus Hath a Garden (Arr. C. Wood for Choir)Traditional, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
The Twelve Days of Christmas (Arr. J. Rutter for Choir & Organ)Traditional, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Personent hodie (Arr. for Choir & Organ)Gustav Holst, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
In the Bleak MidwinterHarold Darke, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir & Organ)John Francis Wade, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Arr. D. Willcocks for Choir & Organ)Felix Mendelssohn, Mark Lee, Gloucester Cathedral Choir, David Briggs
The Gloucester Cathedral Choir, established in 1541 by King Henry VIII, is a renowned choral ensemble with a rich history spanning nearly 500 years. Housed within the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, the choir is celebrated for its exceptional musicality and is composed of 20 talented boy choristers and 20 girl choristers. They perform six services each week during term time, along with major Easter and Christmas services, and participate annually in the prestigious Three Choirs Festival. Beyond their regular services, the choir also delights audiences with regular concerts and broadcasts, showcasing their versatility and depth. With a dedicated following on platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud, the Gloucester Cathedral Choir continues to captivate listeners with their sublime harmonies and spiritual resonance.
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Gloucester Cathedral Choir
