This disc majors on a selection from The Oxford Book of Carols (OBC) which was published in 1928. The volume was edited textually by the Anglican High Church priest, Christian socialist, and liturgist Percy Dearmer, and musically by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Martin Shaw. Four of the carols had original tunes by RVW, with numerous others arranged by him. Certainly, at that time, the book was seen as a crucial part of the revival of plainchant and folksong. Containing more than two hundred numbers, it was a companion to the exceptional English Hymnal.
Hidden among these carols lie
many undiscovered gems, demanding a fresh audience. The advertising flyer
suspects that ten out of the twenty-two tracks are making their debut
recordings on this 2021 disc.
The OBC contains a valuable preface, running to more than twenty pages, with lore, the history of the carol as genre as well as a dissertation on their use. Footnotes are given to many numbers often giving details about text and tune. The overarching ethos of performance is laid out in the preface: “Variety in the method of singing is even more important than with hymns, and the verses should never be sung straight through all in the same way.’ To this end, William Vann and the choir perform these carols with a mixture of accompanied, unaccompanied and solo verses.
I found these a masterclass in sensitive performance, precise diction, and excellent balance. I agree with John Quinn that “there isn’t a dud among them.”
The booklet includes a valuable introduction to the OBC written by Jeremy Summerley. John Francis has provided the detailed notes on each carol. All texts are included. The CD cover features a picture of the Coming of the Magi from the ceiling of St. Jude’s Church, painted by Walter Starmer between 1909 and 1935. Details of the choir and their director are given.
At first, I wondered why the four carols with original RVW tunes were not given here. However, I realised that they were included in the A Vaughan Williams Christmas. I have not examined this disc.
Two other carols, not in the OBC are included, O My Dear Heart God dating from 1943 and Bless the Master of This House, published in 1946.It is fair to suggest that a significant percentage of these carols will never be sung by a congregation or by wassailers in the street. Most require a body of trained singers to give a fine rendition of each piece. And the organist, Joshua Ryan, should not be forgotten: he participates faithfully in about half of these carols.
This is an enjoyable account of many (mainly) Christmas carols, old favourites in new guises and some hidden gems.
Track Listing:Sussex Mummers’ Carol
Hereford Carol
Solo: Tom Castle
A Virgin Most Pure
Solo: Eloise Irving
Sussex Carol (Second Tune)
Solo: Angus McPhee
Gloucestershire Wassail
Solos: Leah Jackson, Jonathan Hanley
The Salutation Carol
Solos: Eloise Irving, Jonathan Beatty
The Bellman’s Song (Third Tune)
Solo: Angus McPhee
Job (Come All You Worthy Christian Men – Third Tune)
This Endris Night
Solo: Angus McPhee
Sussex Carol (First Tune)
Coverdale’s Carol
Song of the Crib
Solos: Katy Hill, Jonathan Hanley, Adrian Horsewood
Children’s Song of the Nativity
Solo: Katy Hill
If Ye Would Hear the Angels Sing
Solo: Katy Hill
Quem Pastores - Shepherds Left Their Flocks A-Straying
The Bellman’s Song (Second Tune)
Solo: Eleanor Minney
Joseph and Mary
Solo: Thomas Stoddart
Job (Come All You Worthy Christian Men – Fourth Tune)
The Seven Virgins
Solos: Jenni Harper and Jonathan Hanley
Psalm of Sion
Solo: Katy Hill
O My Dear Heart
God Bless the Master of This House
Choir of the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea/William Vann
Joshua Ryan (organ)
rec. 22-23 October 2020 and 17 June 2021, St. Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London
Texts included
ALBION RECORDS ALBCD050
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