Since you are interested in The Spirit of Christmas Past (rec 1908-1944), here is a list of other items that you may find interesting.
CELEBRATION
Celebration: Christmas Fanfares and Carols Aled Jones (readings) / BBC Welsh Chorus / John Hugh Thomas (conductor) with Fanfare Trumpeters of the Welsh Guards [ Nimbus / CD - released 1/Nov/2008 ] "A lovely collection of music and readings for Christmas. There are seven readings, which, within the context of the recording, is just about right for ultimately it is the music for which you will be buying this disk." (MusicWeb Nov 2009) |
CHRISTMAS FROM LICHFIELD
Christmas from Lichfield The Choir of Lichfield Cathedral / Andrew Lumsden (conductor) with Robert Sharpe, organ [ Nimbus / CD - released 1/Nov/2008 ] "If you are looking for a recommendable, no-frills, no gimmicks, but imaginative collection of Christmas music, well sung by an English cathedral choir and well recorded, this could be it." (MusicWeb Nov 2009) |
TAVENER / GORECKI / HOWELLS / RUTTER / etc
Fear and Rejoice, O People: Music for Advent and Christmas Christ Church Cathedral Choir [ Nimbus / CD - released 1/Nov/2008 ] The magnificent Tavener piece headlines a collection of choral works which will make the ideal musical companion to anyone's Advent and Christmas. |
PRIMA VOCE PARTY
Prima Voce Party (rec 1912-1940) Hugues Cuenod, Rosa Ponselle, Richard Tauber, Miliza Korjus, Beniamino Gigli, Elisabeth Schumann, Tito Schipa, Amelita Galli-Curci, Joseph Schmidt, et [ Nimbus Prima Voce / CD - released 1/Nov/2008 ] "This year's eccentricity ... the great sing the unexpected on Prima Voce Party." Records of the Year 1992, The Times |
NATIVITAS
Nativitas: American Christmas Carols Kansas City Chorale / Charles Bruffy (conductor) with James Higdon, organ [ Nimbus / CD - released 1/Nov/2008 ] "As beautiful a disc of precious Christmas music as you are likely to hear this or any year." (MusicWeb Nov 2009) |
LISZT / BACH / BRAHMS / PACHELBEL / DAQUIN / etc
Christmas Organ Music Kevin Bowyer (organ) [ Nimbus / CD - released 16/Feb/2001 ] "The recording quality is as excellent as the instrument itself." Organists' Review |
THYS YOOL
Thys Yool: A Medieval Christmas Martin Best Medieval Ensemble [ Nimbus / CD - released 1/Nov/2008 ] "A richly colourful variety of sounds and rhythms, all performed with lively commitment by players and singers." Which Compact Disc |