Favourite Christmas Music

[jean]

One of my very favourite modern settings of a medieval macaronic text is Walton's Make we joy now in this fest.

[clive heath]

responding to S_A:
yes indeed, I did go to the show with my friend Bronwen and I have just found my LP as well as the Missa Luba from the Congo ( a section was notably used in "If"), Misa Criolla and Navidad Nuestra from the forces on the you-tube item. I'll get processing the Gospel LP.

responding to padraig; sorry but the track listing does not include your Handel suggestion.

[Roehre]

I couldn't possibly choose a favourite, but the Mathias A babe is born was definitely a highlight when we sang it in Durham. It might be that it had something to do with the bombardes on that organ though!

The opening piece of the latest BBCMM CD it is too.

[gradus]

Thanks for the excerpt Cali, a beautiful sound and sentiment.

[Padraig]

responding to padraig; sorry but the track listing does not include your Handel suggestion.

Thank you c h.

[MickyD]

Thanks for the excerpt Cali, a beautiful sound and sentiment.

I echo that...ashamed to say I don't recall this piece, but I am now converted!

[Nick Armstrong]

I echo that...ashamed to say I don't recall this piece, but I am now converted!

[clive heath]

Black Nativity is up and running for a limited period only and not for general consumption in that it is not accessible from my site. You will find it here

http://www.cliveheathmusic.co.uk/vinyl4.php

I hadn't listened to it for a while and was struck by some similarities with Aretha's "Lady Soul" which is not unexpected!!

[Padraig]

I'm enjoying this, c h, and as I listen the name Madeleine Bell comes to mind, as the Handel aria singer I mentioned. Anything ringing?

[ardcarp]

If I say I'm walking in the air, don't get me wrong. It's because I've just heard my favourite Christmas music sung live, Britten's Choral Variations A Boy was Born. It is not often done because of its challenging vocal writing, and until recently it was seldom tackled by amateur choirs. But on Saturday night it was, by Leicestershire Chorale under their inspired director, Tom Williams. The children's choir was provided by Finchley Children's Music Group under another inspired director, Grace Rossiter. FCMG also did my second favourite Christmas piece, A Ceremony of Carols, so that's why I'm walking in the air. Such a shame it was not on Radio 3 (a) to share it with you and (b) to legitimate this post!

[MrGongGong]

Here you go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlaRYMl4RFE

I'll get my coat

This is more like it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZXtTAZ51jA

[MickyD]

Try this charming, intimate little Christmas piece by Charpentier, a vintage recording from Christie and Les Arts Florissants. I love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOoGEm1tWQo

[Nick Armstrong]

Try this charming, intimate little Christmas piece by Charpentier, a vintage recording from Christie and Les Arts Florissants. I love it.

So do I

Long owned and oft-played on CD

[MickyD]

At the other end of the scale, it doesn't get much grander and joyful than this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3p6nAaOmyU

[mrbouffant]

Someone mentioned the Novello 'Sing Nowell' book. The Kenneth Leighton arrangement of O Leave Your Sheep in there is absolutely masterful !