Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

For many listeners it is impossible to think of Christmas music without making the association with one of our ancient places of worship, whether an Oxbridge college chapel or, as on this release, the historic Minster of York. Music plays a key role here: the uplifting sound of the choir in joyous repertoire, the grandiose sound of the organ (played here by David Pipe) and the wonderful acoustic all come together to celebrate this season. In this programme, the Choir of York Minster offers up a feast of mostly contemporary English music, including the four major carols by Herbert Howells, Ralph Vaughan Williams' extended "Fantasia On Christmas Carols" and Richard Shephard's lively new arrangement of "Jingle Bells", which is great fun although not especially spiritual. Of added interest are recent new carols from Matthew Martin ("Nowell Sing We"), Stephen Jackson ("The Virgin's Song"), Francis Pott ("Balulalow") and Grayston Ives ("Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming"). The Martin and Jackson works were commissioned by York Minster and receive their first recording here. Some old favourites are here as well: "Ding! Dong! Merrily On High" arranged by Mack Wilberg, Franz Gruber's "Silent Night", here in David Hill's arrangement, and my personal favourite, Bob Chilcott's delightful take on "In Dulci Jubilo". In total we get 19 tracks coming in at over an hour all sung extremely well by the Choir of York Minster. Those who enjoy a traditional Christmas collection will find enough here to please them and those who are looking for something contemporary will not be disappointed either.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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