The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, is one of the world’s best-known choral groups. Founded in the 15th century, it ranks among the oldest of its kind, and, while originally created for singing the daily services in the college chapel, now enjoys an international tour schedule that has seen it perform all over Europe and beyond. Every Christmas Eve, millions of people tune in to watch the choir’s A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s – a service which has been continuously broadcast since 1928.
Recorded in 1994, this reissue joins the group’s already extensive discography of Christmas music – recordings that have enhanced its worldwide fame and reputation. The compilation mixes some of the best-loved traditionals, including Once in royal David’s city and O Come all ye faithful, with more recent repertoire – such as Rutter’s rousing What Sweeter Music and Judith Weir’s striking Illuminare, Jerusalem (specially commissioned by the choir for its 1985 annual service). Also featured are traditional German, French, Dutch and Polish carols (including two settings of Dulce Jubilo) – works which, together with Pärt’s enchanting Bogoróditse Dyévo, contribute to a wonderfully eclectic disc that provides over an hour of festive cheer.
00:00:00 Once in royal David’s city
00:04:41 Rejoice and be merry
00:06:11 Ding dong, merrily on high
00:08:19 What Sweeter Music
00:12:37 O little town of Bethlehem
00:16:17 A Spotless Rose
00:19:25 Heer Jezus heeft een hofken (organ variations)
00:26:44 King Jesus hath a garden
00:30:10 The Lamb
00:33:39 Bogoróditse Dyévo
00:34:55 Infant holy, infant lowly
00:36:43 Illuminare, Jerusalem
00:39:12 While shepherds watched
00:41:54 Quittez, pasteurs
00:45:05 In dulci jubilo (organ prelude)
00:48:06 In dulci jubilo
00:50:46 The First Nowell
00:56:09 Coventry Carol
00:59:17 Personent hodie
01:01:49 O come all ye faithful
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