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Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Christmas Carols
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Fantastic Fantasia on Christmas Carols.
Review date: 2007-01-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is a truly wonderful recording of the Christmas music of one of the greatest British classical composers of all time Ralph Vaughn Williams performed beautifully by The City Of London Sinfonia under the direction of one of my favourite conductors,Richard Hickox.
The soloists and the choir of The Joyful Company of Singers are magnificent. Sarah Fox (soprano) and Roderick Williams (baritone) sing their parts with great expression and feeling for the music. The clarity of this recording is outstanding - one can hear every word that is sung and every sensitive note that is played due to the marvellous balance of this recording.
I have heard these works performed many times but this is by far the best recording I have heard. The hauntingly beautiful quality of the music is as joyful as it is deeply moving and just listen to the phrasing of the soloists,choir and orchestra in the quieter passages in all these memorable performances. These are not easy works to conduct but Richard Hickox is wonderful - he paces the music perfectly and allows plenty of time for the musicians to really give it their best. Some conductors rush these pieces through and I think it is down to a lack of sensitivity for the subject matter.
I thoroughly recommend this marvellous CD for your enjoyment - you will want to hear it over and over again. This is what Christmas is truly all about.
Thank you for reading and happy listening.
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Product Details/Specifications
Creators:
Ralph Vaughan Williams (Composer)
Richard Hickox (Conductor)
City of London Sinfonia (Orchestra)
Sarah Fox (Soprano)
Joyful Company of Singers (Vocals)
Recording label: Chandos
Manufacturer: Chandos
EAN: 0095115138526
Binding: Audio CD
Release date: 2006-10-02
Universal product code (UPC): 095115138526
Number of discs: 1
Disc 1 Tracks:
1. Fantasia On Christmas Carols - Joseph Cullen
2. Prelude. God Rest You Merry - Allegro Agitato -
3. Marley's Ghost. Allegro Moderato E Pesante -
4. The Spirit Of Christmas. Lento -
5. Fezziwig's Christmas Party. Molto Moderato -
6. Fezziwig's Parlour: Scene 2. Allegro -
7. Morris Jig. Allegro Molto -
8. The Triumph. Allegro Moderato -
9. Roger De Coverley -
10. Midnight. Lento -
11. A Procession. Lento -
12. Victorian Drawing Room. Andante Sostenuto -
13. Bob Cratchit's Christmas Party -
14. Bob Cratchit's Toast. Lento -
15. Black Nag. Allegro -
16. Procession Of the Nativity. Lento
17. Prelude. God Rest You Merry And the Truth From Above Baritone Solo And Chorus
18. Angelus Ad Virginem
19. The Salutation Carol
20. The Cherry Tree Carol: Part One
21. The Cherry Tree Carol: Part Two
22. Joseph And Mary
23. 'In Bethlehem City' (A Virgin Most Pure)
24. The Sussex Carol
25. 'Tidings True There Be Come New' (The Salutation Carol)
26. How Brightly SHone the Morning Star
27. (Interlude)
28. The First Nowell
Publishers: Chandos