King's College Choir, Cambridge Directed By Philip Ledger – A Festival Of Lessons And Carols From King's

King's College Choir, Cambridge, Directed By Philip Ledger – A Festival Of Lessons And Carols From King's

Immerse yourself in the timeless sound of English Christmas choral music with A Festival Of Lessons And Carols From King's, featuring the renowned King's College Choir, Cambridge, under the direction of Sir Philip Ledger. Combining traditional carols, sacred vocal works and readings from the Christmas story, this recording reflects one of Britain's most cherished musical and festive traditions.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been held at King's College Chapel, Cambridge, since 1918. Its distinctive format brings together biblical readings tracing the story of humanity, the birth of Christ and the promise of salvation, interspersed with music that ranges from medieval sacred repertoire to familiar Christmas hymns. First broadcast by the BBC in 1928, the service has become an internationally recognised part of Christmas for generations of listeners.

Philip Ledger served as Director of Music at King's College from 1974 to 1982, succeeding Sir David Willcocks. A distinguished conductor, organist and educator, Ledger continued the college's celebrated English choral tradition while bringing his own musical judgement to its performances and recordings. His association with the choir makes this album an appealing document of an important period in the institution's musical history.

The programme opens with the much-loved "Once In Royal David's City", whose familiar melody establishes the contemplative atmosphere of the service. From there, the Bidding Prayer and successive lessons are woven together with carols and sacred works, including "Resonet In Laudibus", the medieval English poem "Adam Lay Ybounden", the traditional "Sussex Carol" and "A Maiden Most Gentle". The combination of spoken readings and choral music gives the recording a sense of occasion that distinguishes it from a straightforward collection of seasonal songs.

The second side continues with traditional favourites such as "Stille Nacht", "Chester Carol" and "Angels From The Realm Of Glory", before building towards the concluding sequence of "O Come, All Ye Faithful", the Christmas Eve Collect and Blessing, and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". The final organ voluntary, "In Dulci Jublio", provides a fitting musical conclusion to the programme.

For listeners who appreciate traditional Christmas carols, classical choral music and the heritage of British cathedral singing, A Festival Of Lessons And Carols From King's offers an evocative seasonal listening experience. It is particularly suited to those who value the combination of sacred readings, traditional repertoire and the distinctive clarity of a celebrated English chapel choir.

An attractive choice for a Christmas record collection, this recording celebrates a musical tradition that has connected generations of listeners with the spirit and sound of Christmas.

Tracklist

Side A

A1. Once In Royal David's City
A2. The Bidding Prayer
A3. Resonet In Laudibus
A4. First Lesson - Genesis III
A5. Adam Lay Ybounden
A6. Sussex Carol
A7. Second Lesson - Isaiah IX
A8. Joseph And Mary
A9. Third Lesson - St. Luke I
A10. A Maiden Most Gentle
A11. Fourth Lesson - St. Luke II

Side B

B1. Stille Nacht
B2. Chester Carol
B3. Fifth Lesson - St. Luke II
B4. Angels From The Realm Of Glory
B5. Sixth Lesson - St. Matthew II
B6. A Babe Is Born
B7. Seventh Lesson - St. John I
B8. O Come, All Ye Faithful
B9. The Collect For Christmas Eve And The Blessing
B10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
B11. Voluntary: In Dulci Jublio