Percy Faith And His Orchestra – Music Of Christmas

Percy Faith And His Orchestra – Music Of Christmas

First released in 1954 on Columbia Records, Music Of Christmas is a classic seasonal orchestral album from Canadian-born conductor and arranger Percy Faith, whose elegant, richly textured sound helped define mid-century easy listening. Bringing together some of the best-known Christmas carols and hymns, the album presents familiar melodies through carefully shaped orchestral arrangements, combining festive grandeur with warmth, refinement and a distinctly traditional atmosphere.

Faith was one of the leading figures in popular orchestral music during the 1950s and 1960s. Renowned for his polished arrangements, sweeping string sections and colourful orchestral textures, he brought classical influences and accessible popular appeal together in recordings that became enduring favourites. His work for Columbia Records helped establish the lush orchestral pop sound associated with the era, and Music Of Christmas remains an important part of his seasonal catalogue.

Rather than relying on contemporary pop songs, this collection draws on the enduring tradition of Christmas carols. “Joy To The World” opens with an exuberant sense of celebration, while “Silent Night, Holy Night” offers a more reflective contrast. “Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” bring familiar festive melodies into Faith’s full orchestral setting, while “Good King Wenceslas” adds another traditional favourite to the programme.

The second side continues with “The First Noel”, “O Holy Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)”, alongside two medleys that bring together complementary seasonal melodies: “Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming” with “O Little Town Of Bethlehem”, and “The Holly And The Ivy” with “Here We Go A-Caroling”. The arrangements place the emphasis on melody, orchestral colour and atmosphere, creating a cohesive listening experience suited to the quieter, more reflective side of the festive season as well as traditional Christmas celebrations.

The album’s history is also notable. Following the success of the original 1954 mono recording, Faith recorded a stereo version in 1959, revisiting the arrangements for a new generation of listeners. Because different editions exist, the exact recording and pressing should be identified from the particular release rather than assumed from the album title alone.

Music Of Christmas is an appealing choice for listeners who enjoy vintage easy listening, traditional Christmas music, orchestral arrangements and the distinctive sound of mid-century American popular entertainment. It also makes a natural addition to a Christmas vinyl collection, offering a timeless programme of familiar carols interpreted by one of the era’s best-known orchestral arrangers.

Tracklist

Side A

A1 – Joy To The World
A2 – Silent Night, Holy Night
A3 – Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly
A4 – It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
A5 – Good King Wenceslas
A6 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Side B

B1 – The First Noel
B2.a – Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
B2.b – O Little Town Of Bethlehem
B3 – O Holy Night
B4.a – The Holly And The Ivy
B4.b – Here We Go A-Caroling
B5 – God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
B6 – O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)