Author(s): ALC1190

Audio

The number of boy choristers was fixed at 16 by King Henry in 1453 and it is 16 still. While originally there were six lay clerks, there are now 12 choral scholars, who are undergraduates of the college studying for degrees. (The Director) therefore loses about a third of his most experienced singers every year, as the boys' voices break and the men graduate…. There is, however, a compensatory factor in that much of the music for which the choir is famous is new to a third of its members each year, thus contributing to the remarkable vitality and spontaniety of the singing.' (Gramophone)

Recorded in 1994, this collection, which truly reflects King's as it is today, contains new delights, as well as the traditional favourites such as 'Once in Royal David's City', 'Rejoice and be merry', 'Ding Dong! Merrily on high' and 'O little town of Bethlehem'.

Tracks:

1. O Come All Ye Faithful 3.59
2. In Dulci Jubilo (setting J.L.Pearsall) 3.31
3. Blessed be that Maid 2.35
4. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen 3.19
5. Lutebook Lullaby 2.01
6. Ding Dong Merrily on High 2.00
7. Myn Lyking 2.55 
8. See Amid the Winter's Snow (Goss) 3.49
9. Personent Hodie 2.37
10. In the Bleak Midwinter 4.45
11. Coventry Carol 2.13
12. O Little Town of Bethlehem (Walford Davies) 4.00
13. Sussex Carol (On Christmas Night..) 1.56
14. Away in a Manger 2.19
15. Shepherds in the Field Abiding 3.00
16. King Jesus Hath a Garden 3.49
17. Torches 1.34
18. Vaughan Williams Fantasia 11.19
(Hervey Alan bass-baritone / London Symphony Orchestra)
19. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 3.33