About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

In this compilation of music from previously released Christmas albums, John Rutter writes that his intent is to create a collection that reflects the variety of the Christmas season -- the religious and the secular, the contemplative and the festive -- and is fully successful in gathering selections that are diverse, but fit well together. The Cambridge Singers have a sweet sound and sing with full but pure, straight tone that's ideal for this repertoire. Many of the songs and carols are a cappella, but some are accompanied with delicacy by the London Sinfonietta, and Rutter conducts with a soft-edged suppleness. Rutter's own pieces are prominently featured; eight of the twenty pieces are his, as well as several of the arrangements. His secular song "Blow, blow, thou winter wind" is one of the album's highlights -- a lovely and evocative setting of a text from As You Like It -- and his "Candlelight Carol" and "What Sweeter Music" are fast becoming classics with amateur choirs. Harold Darke's "In the bleak mid-winter" and Richard Rodney Bennett's "Lullay mine liking" are also outstanding examples of Anglican anthems. The album includes non-English fare, including pieces by Victoria, Palestrina, and Poulenc. The sound is warm and resonant. The album should be of interest to anyone looking for a mellow, beautifully sung collection of Christmas music other than the most familiar carols. Stephen Eddins, All Music Guide

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