Customer Reviews

Essential Carols: The Very Best of King's College Choir, Cambridge

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I have loved Christmas carols for 70 years, ever since I was a tyke in school. I thought I have heard and been enthralled by them all, until I heard this wonderful collection. Sung largely ac cappella, the disciplined melodies of King's College ring true, fresh and memorable. I've heard no better rendition of familiar songs, like Sussex Carol, or Coventry Carol. But there is no more lovely nor pleasing excursion than the Vaughan Williams Fantasia On Christmas. I listen to it every day during holiday season.

And then there were the discoveries that opened my eyes to much more Christmas than I imagined. Like the plaintive "The Three Kings," with a finely rewarding tenor lead. And "Past Three O'Clock," what a hidden little treasure.

Though the choir is all male, the skillful blending of boy sopranos with the full range to bass is by turns powerful, sweet, and richly harmonious.

Listening to this collection is a wonderful two hours that makes the Christmas season special for me.

"Rejoice and Be Merry!"

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Christmas carols. There is something about them that is so wonderful, yet so difficult to explain. When I saw this CD from one of my favorite choirs, I knew I wanted to check it out. I'm quite glad I did. David Willcocks does a great job conducting the famed choir. The arrangements are all fantastic; quite a few of the carols are heard in arrangements by Willcoks himself - he's a masterful arranger. Possibly the most memorable track on this "Double Decca" set is the last track on the second disc: Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on Christmas Carols". King's College Choir is joined by the LSO (the London Symphony Orchestra, if you're new to Classical music) and baritone Hervey Alan.

There are a couple things the buyer should be aware of, however. First of all, these recordings are quite old. Some of them are from the '50s, I believe. So this is no "DDD" perfect recording. Secondly, this CD is not Kings College Choir's best Christmas album. For that, you will have to get their recording from the early '80s with Stephen Cleobury - O Come All Ye Faithful. Also, this recording is almost the same as Noel: Christmas at King's.

Still, I would recommend this album. Just don't get it expecting fabulous recorded sound or instead of O Come All Ye Faithful.

I am enjoying the addition of the performance in my collection. I am somewhat amused that the title is 40 Essential Carols, however only 39 are in the list to be downloaded.