Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is a budget-priced re-issue of a very popular release from 1994. Paul Hillier and his Theatre Of Voices take us through a selection of famous Christmas carols from the Old World, namely Austria, England, Finland and Germany and then across to North America. All are sung a cappella, often within the lively Sacred Harp tradition which gives a decidedly folksy flavour to the music, "Guadete, Christus Est Natus", for example, brings Steeleye Span to mind and "The Cherry Tree Carol" reminds us of Anonymous Four (which is a compliment, by the way). It is interesting to meet old favourites in different guises, the opening "While Shepherds Watched" to the tune "Sherburne" rather than the usual "Old Winchester" is a pleasant surprise and "A New Year's Gift" to the tune "Greensleeves" works very well indeed. "Greensleeves" is listed as traditional English rather than by Henry VIII but His Majesty does get himself a credit for "Green Grow'th The Holly" which is a new one to me even after all these years but is actually worth the wait. All the carols chosen for this collection are suitable for caroling: group singing in the open air which seems to be less and less a part of our culture, sad to say. Also included are some traditional wassail songs, the best known being "Here We Come A-Wassailing", sung by carolers in need of refreshment. All in all this is a most enjoyable hour of music exuberantly sung by Theatre Of Voices and now available at a bargain price. What's not to like?

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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