A Classic Christmas Re-Play

One of the delights of my Christmas listening is the classical music equivalent of the original Now That’s What I Call Christmas. It comes from the same stable as the Classic Collection I & II and like the Now album reviewed yesterday, it’s never been equalled or beaten. What makes this album so special? Well, the orchestras, soloists and conductors chosen for this set are like a who’s who of the classical world. As well as that, the excellent choice of composers and tunes, together with the playing order, make this collection seamless.

Side 1

The selection starts with a rousing instrumental version of Deck the Halls which, according to the marvellous notes in the middle of the gatefold sleeve, is a Welsh secular song originally sung to commemorate New Year’s Eve. Second track is the instantly recognisable Troika. Don’t recognise the name? Well, it’s the music that forms the basis of Greg Lake’s I Believe in Father Christmas, and it sounds amazing here. The first carol featuring a choir is I Saw Three Ships featuring the Clare College Singers conducted by John Rutter. It is probably the best version of the carol I have heard. We’re back to the orchestra for Cantique De Noel, another song much better known by an alternative title, in this case O Holy Night. Sleigh Ride is given everything by an irrepressible Halle Orchestra who give perhaps the definitive version of the tune which incorporates lots of styles including jazz and some great sound effects. O Little Town of Bethlehem is once again sung by the Clare College singers and the notes include the priceless piece of information – for those who like to google – that the tune I have always loved is called The Ploughboy’s Dream. I always forget the notes from year to year so they are a source of fascination each Christmas time! Ding Dong Merrily on High is sung by The Bach Choir with a lightness of touch and enthusiasm befitting this marvellous carol. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is a tune written by Bach that some fans of the Kinks or the Beach Boys will recognise from tracks they recorded. The Hely-Hutchinson version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, from his amazing Carol Symphony, is a track I always associate with the end of each episode of the Radio 4 Book at Bedtime A Christmas Carol, read by Martin Jarvis and Denise Briars. The final track on Side 1 is from the Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols, written in 1912. The London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus give real heft to the version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen from this orchestral setting of famous carols, whilst the performance of On Christmas Night is simply beautiful.

Side 2

The second side starts with a Russian Bacchanale from a 1900 ballet, The Seasons and has a tune that will be familiar to many of us who remember the Richard Dimbleby lecture. Next is Delius’ Midnight Sleigh Ride, which is probably the most unfamiliar of the 20 tunes on the album. However, it is perhaps the most beautiful. Engelbert Humperdinck, the singer, was born Tommy Dorsey, but took his name from the composer of the opera Hansel and Gretel, conducted here by Mr Andrew Preview! Yet again, it is a largely unfamiliar piece, but one that is just sublime and finishes the opening trio of tracks on this side with a flourish. Part of the beauty of the Classic Collection albums was the way it expanded your musical horizons. Now a quartet of showstoppers from any carol service. Stille Nacht, of course translates as Silent Night in English. It had a central role in the history and mythology of the Christmas Truce (Day 22 of Blogmas), but it is simply one of the best loved carols in the world. The Kings’ Singers version on here is absolutely sublime. Following on is my personal favourite, Hark the Herald Angels Sing in a version by The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra that brings Mendelssohn’s marvellous tune front and centre. The third carol is the start of Christmas for many when sung by a solo choirboy to begin Carols from King’s. It is of course Once in Royal David’s City and, once again, the Clare College Singers give it fresh life. Finally, The First Noel gets the Hely-Hutchinson treatment complete with falling snow played by a heavenly harp. Any fans of Box of Delights will recognise this tune instantly, although for me, once again, it is the end of every episode of the Book at Bedtime mentioned earlier. In Dulci Jubilo featured yesterday on the Now Christmas Album in the Mike Oldfield version. This version is no less entrancing especially as it features those incredible Clare College Singers once again. I really must find an album of theirs! O Come All Ye Faithful is the third selection from Hely-Hutchinson and I really cannot recommend the full symphony highly enough. Finally, the Halle Orchestra and choir Wish You A Merry Christmas in a properly festive finish to this marvellous album.

Stop Press

I ordered the full 2 CD set of Carols from Clare before this album ended!!