Christmas Music

[pastoralguy]

Do you dance around the Christmas tree? A Danish tradition (we lived in Nordjylland for 7 years).

We haven’t done in the past but we might try it this year!

[oddoneout]

Many years ago I heard on R3 a recording of Poulenc's O magnum mysterium which I thought was so beautiful that I went and bought the CD, titled 'For unto us a child is born'.It has become my annual tradition CD. It would have been worth it for just that one work as far as I was concerned, but in fact the whole collection is a delight. Some years later the choir I sing with performed the 4 Poulenc motets; the CD was much borrowed for private rehearsal, and was subsequently bought by several who did so.

[vinteuil]

Many years ago I heard on R3 a recording of Poulenc's O magnum mysterium which I thought was so beautiful that I went and bought the CD, titled 'For unto us a child is born'.

... this one?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unto-Child-Choir-College-Oxford/dp/B00008KC4T

.

[oddoneout]

... this one?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unto-Child-Choir-College-Oxford/dp/B00008KC4T

.

That's the one.

[Nick Armstrong]

The singing and choice of music in this Christmas service from New College, Oxford last week strike me as particularly good:

https://www.youtube.com/live/FnoEaUbeRko?si=H8oSKtaTNEMgGf5R

[smittims]

I always used to listen to Vaughan Williams' Hodie on Christmas day. The Willcocks recording (1960s Columbia) , for many years the only one.

Ad I've had Elizabeth Poston's Jesus Christ the Apple Tree going through my head since Petroc played it this morning. A slight work, maybe, but it has the virtue of memorable thematic material, something many composers fail to have. The words are interesting too; for someone no longer a 'literal believer' the mythic side of Christmas retains an appeal.

[Pulcinella]

I always used to listen to Vaughan Williams' Hodie on Christmas day. The Willcocks recording (1960s Columbia) , for many years the only one.

Ad I've had Elizabeth Poston's Jesus Christ the Apple Tree going through my head since Petroc played it this morning. A slight work, maybe, but it has the virtue of memorable thematic material, something many composers fail to have. The words are interesting too; for someone no longer a 'literal believer' the mythic side of Christmas retains an appeal.

Janet Baker without equal in the wonderful 'It was the winter wild'; I love the way that movement follows on from the 'Emmanuel, God with us.' of the previous movement.

[Padraig]

In a spirit of Christmas past


I Took My Harp to a Party - YouTube

[Rolmill]

Currently listening to the Gabrieli Consort's 1994 recording of Praetorius: Lutheran Mass for Christmas Morning, while wrapping presents - an annual tradition for me. The congregational hymns never fail to give me goosebumps.

[hmvman]

Present wrapping today to my favourite Christmas music: VW's Fantasia on Christmas Carols, on an old LP of the Guildford Cathedral Choir with orchestra conducted by Barry Rose (1966 EMI recording).

[Nick Armstrong]

I tested the festive waters of FNIMN from Friday evening, with some trepidation… and for one reason I’m glad I did: the excellent Christmas Carnival by Richard Bissill, formerly horn virtuoso of the LPO (currently of the ROH orchestra I believe)

Very knowing and witty, hitting ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’ notes unerringly with plenty of ‘serious music’ nods - from Bernard Hermann in non-scary mode to Hindemith’s Metamorphosis &c. and, near the end, a cheeky Britten ‘climax of Young Person’s Guide’ moment. It’s a hoot, and brilliantly played. Well worth a listen - starts at 1:40:50 in the attached link

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0025t7n?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

[Petrushka]

Present wrapping today to my favourite Christmas music: VW's Fantasia on Christmas Carols, on an old LP of the Guildford Cathedral Choir with orchestra conducted by Barry Rose (1966 EMI recording).

I remember with great affection a Christmas carol LP from the Guildford Cathedral Choir and Barry Rose that I had as a 13 year old in 1967. The organ (Gavin Williams) comes across splendidly.

Hearing it again on YouTube brought back many happy memories.

[MickyD]

This is another old favourite that I found lurking at the back of my shelves, always found it a refreshing Christmas alternative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIpzwSAn_NY

[Serial_Apologist]

[COLOR=#3300ff]I tested the festive waters of FNIMN from Friday evening, with some trepidation… and for one reason I’m glad I did: the excellent Christmas Carnival by Richard Bissill, formerly horn virtuoso of the LPO (currently of the ROH orchestra I believe)

I heard the Bissill this morning, and was reminded of a similar faux English pastoral school mock-up (muck-up) used as Radio 3 closing music, that preceded "Sailing By".

[Nick Armstrong]

I heard the Bissill this morning, and was reminded of a similar faux English pastoral school mock-up (muck-up) used as Radio 3 closing music, that preceded "Sailing By".