The Sixteen contrasts traditional with contemporary in this choral feast of festive music. Bob Chilcott's sumptuous Advent Antiphons based on plainsong melodies anticipate the coming of Christmas and feature alongside Mykola Leontovich's much-loved Carol of the Bells, Richard Rodney Bennett's stunning Susanni and Eric Whitacre's shimmering Lux aurumque. Interspersed with the beautiful simplicity of traditional carols, this is a Christmas collection to savor. Harry Christophers stands among today's great champions of choral music. In partnership with The Sixteen, the ensemble he founded almost 40 years ago, he has set benchmark standards for the performance of everything from late medieval polyphony to important new works by contemporary composers. His international influence is supported by more than 150 recordings and has been enhanced by his work as Artistic Director of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society and as guest conductor worldwide. The Sixteen's soundworld, rich in tonal variety and expressive nuance, reflects Christophers' determination to create a vibrant choral instrument from the blend of adult professional singers. Under his leadership The Sixteen has established it's annual Choral Pilgrimage to cathedrals, churches and other UK venues, created the Sacred Music series for BBC television, and developed an acclaimed period-instrument orchestra. Highlights of their recent work include an Artist Residency at Wigmore Hall, a large-scale tour of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610, and the world premiere of James MacMillan's Symphony No. 5, 'Le grand Inconnu'; their future projects, meanwhile, comprise a new series devoted to Purcell and an ongoing survey of Handel's dramatic oratorios.

Tracklist:

Pilgrim Jesus
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Sans Day Carol
Adam Lay Ybounden
Carol Of The Bells
Of A Rose
Carol Of The Advent
Christmas Eve
Five Carols: Susanni
Glory To The Christ Child
Lux Aurumque
I Am The Day
This Have I Done For My True Love
Wassail Song
Long, Long Ago
All This Time
All In The Morning
Lullay, Lullay, Thou Lytil Child
Balulalow
Herrick's Carol
Advent Antiphons: I. O Sapientia
Advent Antiphons: II. O Adonaï
Advent Antiphons: III. O Radix Jesse
Advent Antiphons : IV. O Clavis David
Advent Antiphons: V. O Oriens
Advent Antiphons: VI. O Rex Gentium
Advent Antiphons: VII. O Emmanuel

UPC: 828021618826
Label: Coro
Release Date: 10.1.21
Format: CD

Various Artists - Carol of the Bells (CD)