trad.: It came upon the midnight clear

Here is a lovely collection of Christmas Carols from the ever-improving cathedral choir in Chester. A varied selection of old and new carols is interspersed with some short organ interludes.

Volume I of Traditional Christmas Carols broke iTunes’ record for the most downloads of a classical album and remains one of The Sixteen’s most popular discs. This brand new recording contains more festive delights.

There is such an abundance of festive music available to us that sometimes one wishes Christmas did not come but once a year! The Sixteen’s first volume of traditional Christmas carols contains some of our most favourite pieces but there is so much more wonderful festive music that deserves to be better known. So we decided to make a second volume. On this disc you will discover familiar seasonal favourites such as ‘Unto us a boy is born’ and ‘It came upon the midnight clear’ but we have also included some less well-know gems like ‘Cherry Tree Carol’ and ‘Gloucestershire Wassail’.

The latest release in Regent’s popular ‘Christmas from …’ series features the Choir of Bath Abbey, directed by Peter King.

A wonderful collection of Christmas music from quiet lullabies to full-voiced rejoicing, captured in the stunning acoustic of this beautiful and historic building.

Many of the carols featured on this recording are original compositions, or new arrangements, from the recent ‘Carols for Choirs’ Vol 5 collection, and are receiving their first recording on this disc.

Heavenly voices raised in honour of the Christmas season. Inspirational choral music for Christmas from one of England's finest choirs in a programme chosen from some of the greatest church music of the past. This diverse programme brings together many musical styles and traditions, from the clarity and precision of medieval carols to the emotional intensity of choral music for the Russian Orthodox church. The music varies from quiet, still pieces to huge, exciting crescendos of sound.

Following a poll conducted by Classic FM to find the nation’s favourite traditional Christmas music, the station has specially commissioned Silent Nights, a wonderful collection of well-known Christmas music, beautifully arranged for piano and strings by renowned contemporary composer Nigel Hess. Brand new for 2010, this stunning album includes tranquil favourites ‘Away In A Manger’ and ‘Silent Night’, and more celebratory pieces ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’. Nigel plays the piano himself, in a rare opportunity to hear the composer play, and is accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s string section. Since Christmas can be a frantic time, the album is the perfect antidote to the busy December period.

Silent Nights is peaceful, tranquil, and reflective music, with timeless melodies that evoke memories of childhood, family, and the warmth of home.

A varied programme of Christmas music, including familiar and some unfamiliar items, recorded in the largest mediaeval church in Northern Europe with its spectacular acoustic.

First recordings of new carols by Richard Shephard and John Scott Whiteley.

Robert Sharpe’s first recording with the Minster Choir since taking up the appointment of Director of Music at the Minster in September 2008.