Customer Reviews

Victor Hely-Hutchinson: A Carol Symphony

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4 star:		(1)
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This is a delightful holiday CD of music inspired by Christmas carols. The works recorded (all by British composers) here were the result of Christmas concerts that symphony orchestras began adding to their calendars in the 20th century as an alternative to the Messiah and Bach's Christmas Oratorio. The longest of the works recorded here is the Carol Symphony of Victor Hely-Hutchinson, composed in the mid-1920s. It is cast in four movements although the symphony is to be played without a pause. Each movement is based on a single carol but the second and last movements make use of a second carol theme. Improvisations on Christmas Carols by Bryan Kelly is set in five short movements with each based on a single carol and include God rest ye merry gentlemen, I saw three ships and Ding dong merrily on high. Bethlehem Down is a short piece by Peter Warlock, originally for voice, is arranged here a string orchestra by Philip Lane whose own Wassail Dances is included on this disc. The Dances are based on three drinking songs that are sung during the Christmas season in England. The final work is A Christmas Carol Symphony by Patric Standford that is also cast in four movements and makes use of several carols notably Deck the Halls, God rest ye merry gentlemen, Away in a manger, On Christmas Night and ends with We wish you a merry Christmas.

The music is very well played and recorded. The music is imaginatively orchestrated and is perfect as a supplement to hearing the ubiquitous renderings of the Halleluiah Chorus of Handel.

This is a great Christmas disc for those who want something a little off the beaten path. There are several very interesting original works based upon known (and sometimes unknown) Christmas music themes. The Prague Phil is a great form, and the price can't be beat! Very pleasant, and worth a hear. Enjoy!

A wonderful Christmas musical addition to your CD library. Excellent arrangements with full orchestra in classical style. Good stuff.

This is a charming collection of light arrangements of Christmas music that is familiar to many. For those whose listening is limited to music heard at holiday time while walking through the shopping mall, it may even seem a little highbrow!

Well arranged, well performed and well recorded.

This cd is BEAUTIFUL. The andante quasi lento e contabile movement of the Carol Symphony is a must have. Don't hesitate to pick up this gorgeous album.