Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is the fourth Christmas collection from the ever-reliable Tenebrae under the direction of the equally reliable Nigel Short. Happily, the supply of Christmas music is not yet exhausted and this 78 minute's worth gives a good contrast between old and new, all sung to the very highest standard and with a crystal-clear recording at All Hallows' Church at Gospel Oak in London under producer Adrian Peacock. The audio quality is worth noting as Tenebrae sing in close harmony, sometimes so close that one wonders how they do it and, in this respect, they remind this listener of the King's Singers, which is just about the highest praise I can give. The centrepiece is Benjamin Britten's popular "A Ceremony of Carols" with Camilla Pay accompanying on the harp, the only instrument used for the entire collection. One added point of interest is that two of the soloists are mother and son Grace and Joshua Davidson - clearly a talented family - but all the singers are outstanding, and the vocal blend is exquisite. Listeners with an appreciation of a cappella singing will delight in this album and the unconvinced should give it a try. While there is no weak link to be heard the songs that particularly pleased me are Bob Chilcott's delicate "The Shepherd's Carol", Edward Naylor's exciting "Vox dicentis: Clama" ("A voice said: cry") and Herbert Howells' popular "Sing Lullaby". Leaving aside the Britten "Ceremony" of which there are many recordings available, choir directors looking for new material will find much of interest and the Britten, while not new, is very well performed and might encourage the doubtful to give it a try. With releases of this quality one might be forgiven the use of the old chestnut by saying that I wish it could be Christmas every day.

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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