Joy to the World: An American Christmas

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PALESTRINA / MacMILLAN / ALLEGRI
Joy to the World: An American Christmas
Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers

[ CORO / CD ]

Release Date: Friday 1 November 2013

This item is currently out of stock. It may take 6 or more weeks to obtain from when you place your order as this is a specialist product.

CORO is delighted to announce the first 'studio' recording with the Handel and Haydn Society. The disc, which is a co-production with WGBH and was recorded at their studios in Boston in January, will feature an eclectic selection of Christmas music including traditional carols using American tunes and Christmas motets by Charles Ives and contemporary American composer, James Bassi. The disc also features two carols by the 'father of American choral music', Bostonian William Billings, and the popular Carol of the Bells by Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovich with its instantly recognisable four-note ostinato motif. Boston's internationally acclaimed Handel and Haydn Society was founded in 1815 and is considered the oldest continuously performing arts organization in the U.S.

It has given the American premieres of major works by Handel, Bach and Haydn and has won a Grammy Award. It will celebrate its Bicentennial in 2015.

"Does Christmas sound different in America? Partly. Over half of the selections here are American in origin...Fascinating also to compare the American style of singing, more vigorous in attack and more forcefully enunciated, with our own more mannerly tradition." BBC Music

"Christophers ensures a British accent at times, with the 18th-century William Billings, jovial and rough, rubbing against the velvet charms of John Rutter and Herbert Howells. The singing is both tasteful and robust, and conveys a genuine community spirit" The Times

Tracks:

Bassi:
Quem pastores laudavere

Billings:
A virgin unspotted

Holst:
In the Bleak Mid-winter (Cranham)

Ives, C:
A Christmas Caro

Lauridsen:
O magnum mysterium

Leontovich:
Carol of the Bells

trad.:
In Dulci Jubilo