Carols for Christmas Day: From Winchester Cathedral

[Guest]

Did anyone catch this? Would be interesting to hear what people thought... Quite different to the King's and Liverpool offerings.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Did anyone catch this? Would be interesting to hear what people thought... Quite different to the King's and Liverpool offerings.

It was very different from the Liverpool/King's versions, feeling more intimate, though it did appear to more "staged". I just wish broadcasters could move away from Katherine Jenkins (Winchester) and Russell Watson (Songs of Praise).

[jean]

KJ did what she had to do quite well, I thought. The bass was awful, and I hated the over-dramatised readings.

(Why don't the girls get to wear surplices?)

[jean]

I was just thinking that I didn't see the point of an orchestra - then we had a West Gallery carol, so it made sense.

[BBMmk2]

What channel was it on might catch this.

[moeranbiogman]

A marvellous offering. Joe McGann over-dramatised? I thought his readings were quiet yet confident, beautifully shaped. INteresting to compare Winchester's 'Lux Aurumque' with Kings'.

[pole_2_pole]

What channel was it on might catch this.

Was originally on BBC2 at 6pm on Christmas Day. Still on the iPlayer, though.

I think the flow was a little disturbed by the soloists (not impressed with Lemalu, really) and the readings where a little over dramatic at times!

Choirs were excellent and on fine form.

[ardcarp]

Anyone know how to circumvent barring of BBC TV i-player in foreign countries? Whilst I can get radio on LA, TV programmes come up with 'not available in your area'. I am in Norway, by the way.

[pole_2_pole]

A few clips have appeared on YouTube already... I spotted them yesterday.

[mercia]

difficult though they are, I think the semi-quavers in 'For unto us a child is born' would have been more successful if the whole movement had been at a quicker tempo

[Lizzie]

Dear All. So glad that, in the main, this broadcast was so much enjoyed. I know we at Winchester were very pleased with it and, as most on this Forum know, I am always SO proud of ALL our musicians. I have to admit, the Bass soloist ruined the lovely Cornelius for me. Ridiculously dramatic and with far too much vibrato. The Basses in the Choir would have sounded far better. Our Girls don't wear surplices. Their cassocks have white piping and look very simply smart. They have a wonderfully warm sound and their sound and that of the Boys, gel very well IMO. I rather enjoyed Joe McGann's readings which gave expression and warmth, again IMO of course. Anyway, hopefully the programme added well to everyones' happy Christmas. Do visit up sometime and please come and say 'Hello'. You will always be sure of a warm welcome amongst us. Best. Liz

[Phil]

Thought Winchester were best of the three by far. The boys, and the girls appeared more animated and enjoying the music. The gentlemen better balanced than the Kings Scholars, although Kings generally IMHO were better than I have heard then for a while. Didn't care much for the bass soloist, a huge voice but not right for the music he was asked to sing. KC sounded less plummy than usual but has other obvious attractions.

Happy New Year to all of you

Phil

[Lizzie]

KC Phil?? Wasn't that someone from the 70s with a 'Sunshine Band'?! Liz

[Y Mab Afradlon]

That's the way (ah ha ah ha) that's the way he likes it Lizzie Ah ha, ah ha...........

[Lizzie]

That's the way (ah ha ah ha) that's the way he likes it Lizzie Ah ha, ah ha...........

Y Mab Afradlon Excellent!