These days the choice of compact discs celebrating the festive season is vast. So where does one start? I would suggest that in the case of choral music the choice is likely to come down to quality of performance versus repertoire. There are numerous discs available by some our finest choral groups, some of which explore contemporary or more unfamiliar musical territory. There is even greater choice if looking for something along more traditional lines, including recreations of the Festival of Lessons and Carols by the Choir of Kings College, Cambridge and others.

In this particular case the Truro Cathedral Choir have clearly tried to provide a sensible balance between the well known and the deserving, with perennial favourites nestling alongside what for some may well be new discoveries. Herbert Howells’ gem, Here is the little door is a welcome inclusion but what a shame that room could not be found for the even more beautiful Sing Lullaby. The touching simplicity of Britten’s gently rocking New Year Carol is equally enjoyable although the decision to include John Tavener’s widely recorded The Lamb, could be considered unnecessary given the quality of numerous recordings that exist elsewhere. Like the Howells, Warlock’s Bethlehem Down is a beautiful creation and I particularly enjoyed Warlock’s lesser-known Benedicamus Domino, worlds apart in its boisterous good spirits.

A number of the arrangements are also worthy of mention, amongst them Philip Ledger’s treatment of the Sussex Carol, written for King’s College Cambridge and complete with resplendent organ accompaniment. An amusing version of I saw three ships by Philip Marshall contrasts with Stephen Jackson’s imaginative and highly effective Noël nouvelet. Simon Morley’s lush harmonisation of Silent Night gives the well-known tune a slightly more popular feel than is normal and is sung with feeling by the Truro choristers.

Christopher Thomas

 

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