St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir – Saint Patrick's Cathedral Choir Sings Christmas Carols

St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir – Saint Patrick's Cathedral Choir Sings Christmas Carols

A beautiful collection of traditional Christmas carols performed by the celebrated choir of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Originally released in 1959 on Roulette Records, Saint Patrick's Cathedral Choir Sings Christmas Carols captures the timeless atmosphere of traditional Christmas choral music, bringing together familiar seasonal favourites and less frequently heard carols in a programme of richly expressive vocal performances.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, situated on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, has long been one of the most recognisable centres of Catholic worship in the United States. Its choir became well known through its musical contributions to religious services and broadcasts, including the cathedral's celebrated Midnight Mass. This recording features a substantial mixed choir of approximately 50 voices, comprising 30 boys and 20 men, performing under the supervision of Reverend Francis X. Duffy.

The album offers a traditional approach to Christmas music, centred on the purity of choral singing and the enduring beauty of sacred seasonal compositions. Rather than relying on orchestral spectacle or contemporary arrangements, the performances focus on vocal harmony, devotional expression and the distinctive atmosphere associated with cathedral Christmas services.

The programme opens with 'The First Noel', one of the best-loved English Christmas carols, followed by 'Come To The Manger' and 'Carol Of The Russian Children'. 'Gesu Bambino' and 'Jesu, Thou Dear Babe Divine' bring a more contemplative, devotional character to the collection, while 'The March Of The Kings' adds further variety to the traditional repertoire.

The second side features some of the most familiar melodies of the Christmas season. 'Silent Night' and 'Joy To The World' are timeless highlights, complemented by the distinctive choral arrangement of 'Carol Of The Bells'. 'The Sleep Of The Child, Jesus' and 'That Christmas Long Ago' offer a more reflective atmosphere, before 'Carol Of The Drums' brings the collection to a memorable close.

Originally issued at a time when traditional Christmas choral recordings were an important part of the seasonal record market, the album was particularly well received in the music press. Billboard's November 1959 review praised the choir's moving interpretations of traditional carols and highlighted its connection with the cathedral's Midnight Mass broadcasts.

An appealing seasonal record for enthusiasts of traditional Christmas music, sacred choral recordings and vintage vocal albums. Whether played as part of a traditional Christmas gathering or appreciated for its historical place in American choral recording, this is a charming collection of festive music with a distinctly reverent atmosphere.

Tracklist

Side A

1. The First Noel

2. Come To The Manger

3. Carol Of The Russian Children

4. Gesu Bambino

5. Jesu, Thou Dear Babe Divine

6. The March Of The Kings

Side B

1. Silent Night

2. Joy To The World

3. Carol Of The Bells

4. The Sleep Of The Child, Jesus

5. That Christmas Long Ago

6. Carol Of The Drums