The Choir Of Westminster Abbey Conducted By Douglas Guest – Christmas Carols From Westminster Abbey

The Choir Of Westminster Abbey – Christmas Carols From Westminster Abbey

Celebrate the rich tradition of English Christmas choral music with Christmas Carols From Westminster Abbey, performed by The Choir of Westminster Abbey under the direction of Douglas Guest. Bringing together traditional carols, sacred Christmas music and a festive orchestral-style choral arrangement, this collection captures the dignity, warmth and enduring appeal of Britain's historic church-music tradition.

Westminster Abbey has maintained a distinguished musical tradition for centuries, with its choir renowned for performances at major religious services, royal occasions and broadcasts. Douglas Guest served as Organist and Master of the Choristers at the Abbey from 1963 to 1981, overseeing its musical life during an important period for British cathedral and collegiate choral music. His experience as a conductor and church musician makes this recording an appealing example of the English choral tradition under his direction.

The programme brings together a varied selection of Christmas repertoire, balancing familiar seasonal favourites with older sacred works and traditional carols. "Unto Us Is Born A Son" opens the collection with a declaration of the Christmas story, while "Away In A Manger" offers a gentler, more reflective moment. "Rocking" and "Rejoice And Be Merry" introduce contrasting rhythms and festive character, showcasing the breadth of traditional Christmas music beyond the best-known hymns.

The selection also explores the deeper historical roots of the repertoire. "Of The Father's Heart Begotten" draws on an ancient Christian hymn tradition, while "In Dulci Jubilo" is a much-loved carol with medieval origins. "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" and "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance" further demonstrate the rich variety of European sacred and folk-influenced Christmas music represented here.

A particular highlight is the Fantasia On Christmas Carol, which brings together five familiar melodies: "The First Noel", "O Little Town Of Bethlehem", "While Shepherds Watched", "Once In Royal David's City" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". By linking these well-known carols in a single musical sequence, the fantasia provides a fitting culmination to the programme and celebrates the melodies that have become central to Christmas in Britain.

For listeners who appreciate traditional Christmas records, English cathedral choirs, sacred vocal music and the heritage of British classical recordings, Christmas Carols From Westminster Abbey offers a rewarding seasonal selection. Its combination of familiar hymns, historic carols and the distinctive sound of Westminster Abbey's choir makes it well suited to festive listening and collections devoted to traditional Christmas music.

Tracklist

Side A

A1. Unto Us Is Born A Son
A2. Away In A Manger
A3. Rocking
A4. Rejoice And Be Merry
A5. The Infant King
A6. Of The Father's Heart Begotten

Side B

B1. In Dulci Jubilo
B2. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
B3. The Three Kings
B4. Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance

Fantasia On Christmas Carol Incl:

B5.1. The First Noel
B5.2. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
B5.3. While Shepherds Watched
B5.4. Once In Royal David's City
B5.5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing